Mythology surrounding zombies and vampires has been around for centuries, yet for some reason it has exploded in popularity in recent years. As usual, I think I know what the reason is, though it differs for each species of monster.
Zombies and the narrative of a "zombie apocalypse" appeal primarily to young men, who relish the opportunity to break free from societal restraints; kill lumbering and menacing groups of people who look human but are dead inside (i.e., their parents and other older folk); do battle with guns, explosives, and wicked-looking blades; and generally act tough. Surely this desire always has existed on some level, but it achieves a more conscious and pronounced status today because 1) modern society no longer acculturates young men or teaches them how to use their rage constructively; and 2) modern society is bankrupt in almost every way and indeed is unraveling, creating a sense of dread that seeks an outlet. As resentment grows toward the Baby Boomers and the harm that their selfish generation continues to inflict, and as feminism continues scorning and punishing the mere act of being male, young men are preparing themselves psychologically to take matters into their own hands rather than conform to the genteel and unjust violence of the state.
Vampires appeal primarily to women and are now held hostage in the fever swamps of chick lit. Perpetually young, wealthy, physically powerful, sophisticated, occasionally sensitive yet always "dangerous," the vampire represents the impossible perfection women crave. This craving has become more pronounced today because technology and the welfare state have liberated women from the yoke of domesticity, allowing them to pursue anything they wish. Ironically, this pursuit is all the more desperate because women found out that liberation didn't make them happy as promised. Having burnt their bras and their bridges, women have only Edward Cullen to turn to now -- but he doesn't exist.
Beliefs are driven by need. Both men and women today are driven to believe in zombies and vampires because the world as they once knew it has crumbled. If everyone devoted a fraction of the energy wasted on fantasy to rescuing the Republic, we could solve our problems relatively quickly. But as I mentioned once before, people are far more willing to risk their lives than their illusions.
Zombies and the narrative of a "zombie apocalypse" appeal primarily to young men, who relish the opportunity to break free from societal restraints; kill lumbering and menacing groups of people who look human but are dead inside (i.e., their parents and other older folk); do battle with guns, explosives, and wicked-looking blades; and generally act tough. Surely this desire always has existed on some level, but it achieves a more conscious and pronounced status today because 1) modern society no longer acculturates young men or teaches them how to use their rage constructively; and 2) modern society is bankrupt in almost every way and indeed is unraveling, creating a sense of dread that seeks an outlet. As resentment grows toward the Baby Boomers and the harm that their selfish generation continues to inflict, and as feminism continues scorning and punishing the mere act of being male, young men are preparing themselves psychologically to take matters into their own hands rather than conform to the genteel and unjust violence of the state.
Vampires appeal primarily to women and are now held hostage in the fever swamps of chick lit. Perpetually young, wealthy, physically powerful, sophisticated, occasionally sensitive yet always "dangerous," the vampire represents the impossible perfection women crave. This craving has become more pronounced today because technology and the welfare state have liberated women from the yoke of domesticity, allowing them to pursue anything they wish. Ironically, this pursuit is all the more desperate because women found out that liberation didn't make them happy as promised. Having burnt their bras and their bridges, women have only Edward Cullen to turn to now -- but he doesn't exist.
Beliefs are driven by need. Both men and women today are driven to believe in zombies and vampires because the world as they once knew it has crumbled. If everyone devoted a fraction of the energy wasted on fantasy to rescuing the Republic, we could solve our problems relatively quickly. But as I mentioned once before, people are far more willing to risk their lives than their illusions.
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