'Zombieism' and the Human Spirit

I'm a fan of 'zombie' fiction. In fact, I call it 'zombieism' to re-brand it as a field of study. Before the spiritually inclined worry if I'm dabbling in the occult, rest assured I'm not. The genre offers infinite scenarios about preparation-or its absence-in what we laughingly call the real world.

I'm a fan of 'zombie' fiction. In fact, I call it 'zombieism' to re-brand it as a field of study. Before the spiritually inclined worry if I'm dabbling in the occult, rest assured I'm not. The genre offers infinite scenarios about preparation-or its absence-in what we laughingly call the real world.

A subconscious fear in modern society is that the bottom will fall out, meaning: power-grid goes down, supply chain breaks, gas pumps go empty, supermarkets are laid bare, and 911 is disconnected. It's a rational concern, one borne out by looting after blackouts. And like many grave societal concerns, it gives rise to cautionary tales. I pay attention to these tales because the social compact is more fragile than many would believe. Especially with widespread lack of discipline promoted by an enabling ideology.

I remember how familiar the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown felt years ago. A boyhood spent bulk-consuming apocalyptic science fiction made its excesses unsurprising. Riding through a boarded up downtown business district reminded me of abandoned city scapes read about or watched in movies like Charlton Heston's 1971 'The Omega Man' or similar television shows.

'Zombie' fiction is a good meditation on the human spirit. It illustrates our highs and lows. It reveals monsters within us. 'Zombieism' as a field of study seeks to practically prepare us against monstrous behavior.

No one wants to face the hungry undead. That however seems the least of our problems as war with Iran impacts an already-inflationary economy.

How about staring down starving or greedy living beings? There are always vandals anxious to take advantage of disasters or distraction in everyday life.

The genre illustrates how re-animated ghouls are a creative way of describing dangers in our midst, no matter how implausible. It shows us unpleasant things about the human spirit. We'd do well to heed its warnings.

Nadra Enzi aka Cap Black addresses 'anti safety' theory and policies through advocacy and consulting.

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