Zombies, Zombies Everywhere!… and not a brain to eat.
In the brain and not the chest.
Headshots are the very best.
Zombies are used metaphorically in many ways, and the word “zombie” has a history predating the horror movies we know so well. If you don’t mind the drooling and lumbering, “zombie” is a useful, specific monkey wrench in the tool box of language.
- Zombies! A Word That’s Always Lurching Around
by Mark Peters for GOOD
2009-09-04 05:19
Peters goes on to cite some novel incarnations of the “zombie” metonym – zombie cellphone botnets, zombie debt, and the zombie caterpillars and cockroaches parasitized by voodoo wasps.
As a fan of all things undead, I had been waiting to cover the zombie parasite angle (don’t want anyone thinking that I’m stealing ideas from Bruce Schneier’s Security Anecdotes from the Insect World theme). What’s that? You don’t read Bruce Schneier’s blog? You should.
So, at the end of the day, what makes the zombie metonym so attractive?
Do we, as participants in an economic and social system which outwardly rewards automation, stoicism, and compliance with societal norms, reflexively understand ourselves to be zombies of some variety?
Key point: This system outwardly rewards the automaton, however, the owners maintain ownership by transgressing the rules set forth for the hoi polloi – this dichotomy ensures that power is not rested easily: civilization‘s unwritten law.
When we declare ourselves to be dead inside, is there not an implicit assumption that – while the mind or soul may have taken leave – the body remains under the curse of some arcane Voodoo imprecation stronger than even Freud‘s Thanatos?
’cause you’re mine – You better stop the things you do, I ain’t lyin’…
Try to respond to all your child’s questions about death without distress or displeasure – or dishonesty. Many of them are likely to be difficult to answer – for example, “Will Grandma be able to see me when she’s dead?” – and your response will depend on your personal beliefs. Avoid telling your child fairy tales.
- 8 Ways to Prepare Your Young Child for a Grandparent’s Death
by Connie Matthiessen of Caring.com
2009-09-04
Bill Robinson: Well, she is over sixty-five, Helen, and old people can’t be trusted.
Bill Robinson: Ain’t that right?
Mr. Bottoms: Yeah, we’ve had a lot of trouble with old people.
- Fido (2006) Movie Quotes at IMDB.com
2009-09-18
Do we embrace the campy awkwardness of zombies because we must imagine ourselves their betters… or because we secretly fear their plight?
Avoid telling yourself fairy tales.