Great breakdown of race and zombies! I also hate the Lord of the Flies approach in zombie narratives and most apocalyptic narratives in general. You're absolutely right that when shit breaks down, people actually tend to go the opposite direction--they help each other and form community. It's almost as if what we call "civilization" (or, you know, capitalism) is designed to PREVENT us from forming community and helping each other! Also very invested in having us believe that in the absence of that civilization (aka capitalism) there would be nothing but chaos. But maybe what's on the other side of civilization is actually something much better. How about a zombie movie where we form alliances with the zombies against the real oppressors!
I added The Trees to my reading list it sounds super interesting. Your entire post was an amazing read. I had no idea about the origins of zombies.
I'm also not a big fan of horror but there is something different about post apocalyptic shows and stories. About how it usually tells the human story of survivors. I always thought The Last of Us is just a story about people finding each other and fried and vengeance on a background of zombie apocalypse. But it could really be set in any other settings and still be the same story. Although the zombies do add something different.
Aghh this is SO good! As a huge horror fan, it’s so interesting to me how different aspects of the genre represent social fears and the zombie / survivalist connection to racism and eugenics is definitely overlooked!
I have really been enjoying the Last of Us, and used to be a huge fan of the zombie genre but my interest / enjoyment has waned over the years - either because we experienced something very close to apocalypse IRL or maybe subconsciously I’m picking up that it just highlights the reality of how awful humans can be when stripped of their humanity - and that’s far too real.
Thanks! The Trees is a really good book. It's a bit of a spoiler to know that there are zombies in it, but I also already knew and still enjoyed the book. :)
This was a fascinating read! It’s really interesting to me how different characters and stories have been used throughout history as a way to alternately reinforce and reimagine social norms.
Great breakdown of race and zombies! I also hate the Lord of the Flies approach in zombie narratives and most apocalyptic narratives in general. You're absolutely right that when shit breaks down, people actually tend to go the opposite direction--they help each other and form community. It's almost as if what we call "civilization" (or, you know, capitalism) is designed to PREVENT us from forming community and helping each other! Also very invested in having us believe that in the absence of that civilization (aka capitalism) there would be nothing but chaos. But maybe what's on the other side of civilization is actually something much better. How about a zombie movie where we form alliances with the zombies against the real oppressors!
hahaha I would watch that!
Me, too! Now we just need someone to make that movie.
I added The Trees to my reading list it sounds super interesting. Your entire post was an amazing read. I had no idea about the origins of zombies.
I'm also not a big fan of horror but there is something different about post apocalyptic shows and stories. About how it usually tells the human story of survivors. I always thought The Last of Us is just a story about people finding each other and fried and vengeance on a background of zombie apocalypse. But it could really be set in any other settings and still be the same story. Although the zombies do add something different.
Aghh this is SO good! As a huge horror fan, it’s so interesting to me how different aspects of the genre represent social fears and the zombie / survivalist connection to racism and eugenics is definitely overlooked!
I have really been enjoying the Last of Us, and used to be a huge fan of the zombie genre but my interest / enjoyment has waned over the years - either because we experienced something very close to apocalypse IRL or maybe subconsciously I’m picking up that it just highlights the reality of how awful humans can be when stripped of their humanity - and that’s far too real.
I will definitely check out the Trees!
Thanks! The Trees is a really good book. It's a bit of a spoiler to know that there are zombies in it, but I also already knew and still enjoyed the book. :)
This was a fascinating read! It’s really interesting to me how different characters and stories have been used throughout history as a way to alternately reinforce and reimagine social norms.