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Zombies And Social Criticism Essay

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What is scarier zombies or what they represent? Looking at the question superficially many would answer that zombies are scarier. Zombies are monsters that kill and therefore seem the scariest. Taking a deeper look zombies are simply extensions of a variety of human fears. Kim Paffenroth, author of “The Symbolism or Meaning of Zombies”, points out that zombies represent “exaggerated aspects of humanity”( Paffenroth, 11). Zombie films often use zombies as symbolism for bigger societal fears. In particular zombie films help cope with human fears concerning individualism and self-identity. Many of the humans in zombie films struggle to retain their self-identity. In “Zombies and Social Criticism” author Kin Paffenroth argues that many human survivors stay alive “at the expense of both the undead and the less fortunate living” (Zombies and Social Criticism, 19) It is …show more content…

In “Zombies and Social Criticism” Kim Paffenroth continues to say that “unless our individualism could give way to feelings of trust, sharing, and community, we would be doomed as our individual supplies of ammunition and food gave out and we fell to fighting amongst ourselves” (Zombies and Social Criticism, 21) We live in a society that places individuals first. Sometimes it feels like everything is a big competition. You have to compete with others for jobs. People are constantly being ranked from best to worst. This leads to people being very self-centered and wanting to help themselves first. Every person wants to be the best and they will do anything to achieve that sometimes at the expense of humanity as a group. While the underdog is very praised in our society it is not likely that one lone individual will be able to survive a zombie apocalypse. As with racism humans must brush aside their individualism and unite. Zombie films reveal that without working together humans can not

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