Not that the idea has been neglected in the past, but recently zombies have been quite the topic.  I assume the pulsing light from the thought box that has arrested the minds of the masses has something to contribute to this.  I, of course, specifically blame the Walking Dead show.  It seems to have created a mass hysteria regarding the zombie concept.

Admittedly, I have allowed the luminescent waves and pulsating shrieks to enter my receptacles.  But I have failed to grasp why the idea resonates with so many.  I have conversations regarding the show with those I would never assume had any interest in this “sic-fi” idea.  This show has a tremendous following as supported by viewers and purportedly an increasing fan base.

I have been a fan of the zombie idea through a predominantly literary exposure.  I enjoy the idea of survivalism and a testing of human will through arduous circumstances.  My interest in this particular type of material doesn’t stop with zombies but continues with post-nuclear survival, post-apocalyptic survival in many forms, and any human race perseverance scenario.

I believe my draw directly relates to a genuine distain for the first world conveniences that we take for granted, and, which I utilize to generate this post.  I feel  a strong nature-induced pull towards a more motion driven, work oriented lifestyle, and the primal elements of my existence.   Perchance I actually long for the challenge of shedding my soft, cushioned, lifestyle and feeling the call of the wild.

I think it likely that this show appeals to the masses both subconsciously and psychologically as a subtle critique on human behavior and our thought processes.  The zombies, are indeed. human. These “former people” are substantially inhibited.  Only the very base functions still remain intact.  These functions are to consume and to slowly move themselves around.  The zombies also react in limited and languid fashion to sound and in some scenarios to light.  These are the only things zombies do.

There exists a substantial social parallel to be examined as this gains mass appeal.  The thought process is that these vile mindless creatures who used to be human should be vanquished.  These shells are incapable of real productive existence and need to be lobotomized.  The alternative is that they would create replicant versions of themselves inevitably spreading and destroying all of humanity.

Though none would see themselves as the zombie, many fit this profile.  Philosophically this whole concept gently speaks to an interest in eradicating human apathy and perpetual laggardness. Were it only that the mass exposure to this type of thinking came from a more engaging medium like reading or thought provoking discussion than from emulating zombie-like behavior and staring at the thought projection panel.

Humbly yours,

J