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So, I picked up a book entitled American Zombie Gothic: The Rise and Fall (And Rise) of the Walking Dead in Popular Culture, by Kyle William Bishop (McFarland, 2010) that, as the title suggests, is a survey of zombie genre over the decades in our culture. Due to an insane schedule as of late, and being occupied with with other study fronts, I haven't made much headway, and might leave it in the pile to read in the autumn months. Nonetheless, though not a "preparedness" book, I've found the little I've read thus far somewhat interesting. Not the least of which how the particular genre often echoed the country's fears at that time and/or focused on some of the uglier elements of American society (e.g., mindless consumerism, racism, militarism, etc.) Many, though not all, also depict a breakdown in civilization.
Broadly, the author placed the genre into three subcategories, though I am using my own terminology:
The last outbreak, if you will, of the genre seems to have been in the 2000s. It was a very common theme on firearms and preparedness venues for a while. Exploration of said ranged from lighthearted, to practical, to, frankly, way over the top. I'm aware of at least two government agencies (FEMA and the CDC) that published guides for the zombie apocalypse as a means of conveying emergency preparedness concepts.
Now, naturally, the reoccurring theme in zombie films, books, video games, etc., is a rapid and often complete breakdown in the normal functions of society and essential services derived from said. However, other disaster literature often includes such narratives, and are based on events that have or could happen (i.e., thermonuclear exchange). What is, perhaps, unique about the zombie genre is it includes both fully human antagonists, as well as, literally, hordes of mindless, destructive human-like beings.
Broadly, the author placed the genre into three subcategories, though I am using my own terminology:
- "Voodoo Zombies". In this genre, the "zombification" is in the form of black magic, drugs, or both. The societal breakdown narrative is not as prevalent as the others, but it does share some similar themes. Examples: The pre-code White Zombie (1932), Revolt of the Zombies (1936), et al.
- "Romero Zombies". The causative agent in this subset is usually a microbe that reanimates the recently deceased victim, who in turn rises with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. A partial or complete collapse of civilization is often present. Examples: Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), et al.
- "Fast Zombies". The origin of the "zombies" in this one is usually a microbe, but there are other means, depending on the work of fiction. The ghouls in this one are still alive, though radically changed by the infection, chemical agent, etc. Depending on the picture, some retain higher level intelligence, while others are mindless and hostile. Examples: The Last Man on Earth (1964), 28 Days Later (2002), et al.
The last outbreak, if you will, of the genre seems to have been in the 2000s. It was a very common theme on firearms and preparedness venues for a while. Exploration of said ranged from lighthearted, to practical, to, frankly, way over the top. I'm aware of at least two government agencies (FEMA and the CDC) that published guides for the zombie apocalypse as a means of conveying emergency preparedness concepts.
Now, naturally, the reoccurring theme in zombie films, books, video games, etc., is a rapid and often complete breakdown in the normal functions of society and essential services derived from said. However, other disaster literature often includes such narratives, and are based on events that have or could happen (i.e., thermonuclear exchange). What is, perhaps, unique about the zombie genre is it includes both fully human antagonists, as well as, literally, hordes of mindless, destructive human-like beings.
- Do you think the genre offers any good material for those interested in being as prepared as possible? Or, conversely, is it only largely irrelevant, fictional nonsense?
- If you answered in the affirmative, how so? Have you made any real world preparations, investments, etc., due to your findings?
- Which works of fiction did you find the most effective at sparking preparation plans?
- What about the zombies, specifically, do you attribute your insights to? Put another way, all sorts of disaster fiction has a society thrown into chaos, but only the zombie genre features the walking dead; what about that factor really stands out?
- With the three different subgenres listed above which one(s) do you find the most interesting or instructive? Why?
- Any other thoughts to add?
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