Reflections on the Zombie Genre

Visualizing Zombies

When you think of a zombie, what image comes to mind? Chances are, you're picturing a creature similar to the ones popularized by George A. Romero: a slow, shuffling undead being with a taste for human flesh, only able to be destroyed by a blow to the head. This particular type of zombie has held a place in American culture for over half a century, beginning with Romero's 1968 classic, "Night of the Living Dead".

Zombie Popularity

Although interest in zombies fluctuates over time, the most recent surge of fascination likely occurred in the early 2010s, largely due to the success of the TV show "The Walking Dead". For several seasons, the show provided a compelling exploration of societal organization and evolution following the collapse of civilization, all while keeping viewers on edge about which beloved character might be the next to meet a brutal, yet narratively significant, end.

Zombie Culture

During the height of "The Walking Dead" popularity, many fans immersed themselves in zombie culture. They attended watch parties, participated in zombie walks, and collected zombie-themed merchandise. However, as the series progressed, it became repetitive and lost its initial appeal, leading to a decline in interest in the zombie subgenre.

Belief in Zombies

Interestingly, some people genuinely fear the possibility of a real-life zombie outbreak. However, from a biological standpoint, the existence of zombies as depicted in popular culture is highly unlikely. The human body functions in such a way that, if any of the vital processes cease, death is inevitable. There is no known way for a deceased body to continue functioning, let alone move around and consume flesh.

Other Types of Zombies

Of course, there are other types of zombies in fiction beyond the Romero variety. There are virus zombies, like those seen in "28 Days Later", who are living humans whose behavior has been drastically altered by a virus. Then there are Cordyceps zombies, as seen in "The Last of Us", who are controlled by a parasitic fungus. While these types of zombies are more scientifically plausible, there are currently no known microbes capable of causing such extreme behavioral changes in humans.

Zombies as Social Commentary

Despite their biological implausibility, zombies can serve as powerful tools for social commentary. "The Walking Dead", for example, provided a thought-provoking exploration of societal organization and evolution following the collapse of civilization. Similarly, "Shaun of the Dead" used zombies to critique the monotony and disconnection of modern urban life.

Historical Zombie Perspectives

Going back to the origins of the zombie genre, Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" offered a chilling prediction of societal collapse that still resonates today. Released during a time of civil unrest, the film's portrayal of a small group of survivors struggling to make decisions and maintain order in the face of an overwhelming threat feels eerily relevant in the current climate.

Bottom Line

While zombies may not be a biological possibility, their presence in popular culture offers a unique lens through which to examine societal structures, human behavior, and the challenges of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. What are your thoughts on the zombie genre and its relevance to our society today? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts. And don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered to your inbox every day at 6pm.