Analysing the culture of Zombies, past to present
Jake Carpenter Time Machine CG Arts and Animation Year 1
Fig.1
Introduction
This assignment will critically analyse the importance and popularity surrounding the imagined hypothetical state of being of a zombie, and it's connection to the ever growing advancement in medicine and medical procedures. George A. Romero's The Night of the Living Dead (1968) will function as the basis of the zombie profile and will be used to help discuss the evolution of zombies throughout the course of time. Sources of significance are Wade Davis' The Serpent and the Rainbow (1985), explaining the methodology and cultural background to the subject, Richard Matheson's I Am Legend (1954) novel, examining the popular cultural view on the matter, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818) novel, to identify the ideology behind the repercussions of medical advancement and moral boundaries. The assignment will begin by defining the key moments in history in which zombies began to become popular then examining how it came to be this way in that period of time. The adoption of zombies, from the South to the West, will be regarded, with a final conclusion to the assignment, aiming to show how much it has had an effect on society and culture.
Key Ideas
Modernity
'In relating zombies to an original understanding of what zonbis are as enslaved subjects, it becomes clearer how to integrate zonbi kadavs as metaphors for the working masses into the discussion of modernity/coloniality, as well as to the subaltern subject. When recounting Haiti's history and resistance to colonialism, and location in the Caribbean, the country is arguably at the center of the discussion for locating modernity and coloniality.' (Kone, 2010)
Modern
'In Romero, antagonism and horror are not pushed out of society (to the monster) but are rather located within society (qua the monster). The issue isnt the zombies; the real problem lies with the heroesthe police, the army, good old boys with their guns and male bonding fantasies. If they win, racism has a future, capitalism has a future, sexism has a future, militarism has a future.' (Larsen, 2010)
Contemporary
'The modern zombie movie is also radically different from its ancestors in terms of how the actual zombies are created. It is not a dark magic leak or voodoo rite, its the MAN. Some awful super flu or other pandemic is what causes the dead to rise again in modern zombie pop culture and those in power are to blame.' (Merrow, 2010)
Cultural Context
A zombie is a term used when referring to an animated corpse, that has been brought back to life through some sort life given properties of a disease, medical condition, witchcraft, sorcery or through hypnosis. They regain all functions of the body, though through decay, at a weakened state. They have a tendency to limp and drag their feet, causing them to be slow, though as time has progressed, they have increased in animation. There is a similarity between zombies and vampires, in their characteristics and behavior. They both have a tendency to avoid well lit areas, an obsession for feasting on humans/animals and both commonly have a lack of colour to their skin, due to a lack of circulating blood. The visual means of expressing this term is usually through a 'zombiefied' appearance, consisting of ripped clothing, lack of colour, blood covered and decaying flesh. Though it is more appropriate to relate it to the animation, or lack of, of the previously deceased. Modern society have had an influx in interest towards the subject, spawning in multiple variety of media, such as; Video games, movies,films, tv series, novels. It has become a well accepted genre, that has investigated in it's comedic value and horror value.
Historical Examples
Historical Examples
Contemporary Examples
Conclusion
African culture considers the idea of zombies to be present, through the use of voodo, witchcraft or medicine. A subject of horror and hypothetical medical advancements, has began to evolve as means of entertainment and comedy. A subject born from that of medical advancements and experimentation, is now a horror genre. Humans seek to heal and improve the condition of the race, through development of experimental drugs. The idea of an apocalyptic world where zombies have overrun human territory, through advancements in technology.
Bibliography
Kone, M. (2010) Zombies, Haiti, and (Sex) Workers: On Relating to Modernity/Coloniality and Subalterity. [Link] (Accessed: 27/3/2012) Larsen, L. (2010) Zombies of Immaterial Labor: The Modern Monster and the Death of Death. [Link] (Accessed: 27/3/2012) Merrow, D. (2010) The Logic of the Zombie Pop Culture Phenomenon. [Link] (Accessed: 27/3/2012)
List Of Illustrations
Fig.1. Artistic zombie themed game cover (2012) 666 Gamer. [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012) Fig.2. Frankenstein (1931) [online image] [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012) Fig.3. Night of the Living Dead (1968) [online image] [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012) Fig.4. White Zombie (1932) [online image] [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012) Fig.5. Dawn of the Dead (2004) [online image] [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012) Fig.6. I Am Legend (2007) [online image] [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012) Fig.7. 28 Days Later (2002) [online image] [Link] (Accessed on: 27/3/2012)