Saturday, February 5, 2011
Back to the Preparation... Did I forget my desire to train?
Sooooo, I have been given Zombie Survival Guide for Christmas and am very intrigued by crossbows.
The Zombie Craze(y)
I am sure, fellow long time zombie enthusiasts, that you too are both amused and grateful? for the recent surge in undead cult-dom. It is odd how in the last few years the populace has latched on with its dirty talons in fascination with zombies. Why, after decades of neglect, does little Jane and John Doe cradle a microscopic concern for this often overlooked genre of fiction?
Perhaps after dappling with vampires for so long and very depressing economics, the masses are looking to the "masses" for some form of escapism. Sure, the annihilation of your credit-ridden, inflation soul eating society would put a most final stop payment on your already bouncing checkbooks. This imaginary land is quite freeing, quite peaceful in comparison to our real world pressure of daily survival. In the same vein, I suppose worrying how to loot rather than how to scrounge up change is much more desirable to average struggling person. But is this the most likely reason for the zombie craze? Sadly, I hesitate but feel to the need to nod my head in acquiescence.
It is silly and obvious but necessary to say we are desperate. In dire need of release, in need of repose, we bang on the doors of imagination to offer a glimpse of freedom. Liberty via the cerebellum lays claim to a long history of success--true. However, are we actually using this wonderful gift of imagination--gaining avenues of self-discovery and growth to combat at times "oppressive" reality? Here's the thing. I watch myself and others (I'll specify in American culture) fall into the trap of avoidance. We'll dream of this supernatural or that supernatural creature and imagine themselves to be this DIFFERENT, attractive, powerful creature and ask no more of them and these day dreams become the focal point of our lives. I've even succumb to this false and stunted world. This is dangerous. Useful at times, but if neverendingly (spellcheck tells me I have created this word) exchanged for reality then dangerous.
Yet, a great book and great reader can employ these imaginations to their worlds and gain! This is what I propose to be a true test of imagination--a manifestation which really brings us peace/happiness/joy/renewal/something-super-awesome/something-tangible.
But back to zombies. Zombies are one way in which we can forget, ignore, avoid all the yucky gunk of the real world. They tear the duty-bound boulders of our daily lives swiftly and victoriously from our aching, knotted shoulders. Fans of zombies who are in it for the zombies know it is much more complicated than that. Apocalypse in no way means peace--names change, jobs alter, the weight is still born.
People, I am glad your interest gives the opportunity for more authors, more presses, and more publications of zombie literature; however, do not panic when you realize your pain has not been alleviated. Turn back and turn inward in a way that best satisfies those demons. It is just a thought or more of a concern for my dazed and enchanted friends (and self). When satisfied, pick up another undead narrative and enjoy the ride.
Perhaps this rant is silly or annoying--but then after a millisecond or two of posting, it too will be just as ephemeral as your passing fancies.
Perhaps after dappling with vampires for so long and very depressing economics, the masses are looking to the "masses" for some form of escapism. Sure, the annihilation of your credit-ridden, inflation soul eating society would put a most final stop payment on your already bouncing checkbooks. This imaginary land is quite freeing, quite peaceful in comparison to our real world pressure of daily survival. In the same vein, I suppose worrying how to loot rather than how to scrounge up change is much more desirable to average struggling person. But is this the most likely reason for the zombie craze? Sadly, I hesitate but feel to the need to nod my head in acquiescence.
It is silly and obvious but necessary to say we are desperate. In dire need of release, in need of repose, we bang on the doors of imagination to offer a glimpse of freedom. Liberty via the cerebellum lays claim to a long history of success--true. However, are we actually using this wonderful gift of imagination--gaining avenues of self-discovery and growth to combat at times "oppressive" reality? Here's the thing. I watch myself and others (I'll specify in American culture) fall into the trap of avoidance. We'll dream of this supernatural or that supernatural creature and imagine themselves to be this DIFFERENT, attractive, powerful creature and ask no more of them and these day dreams become the focal point of our lives. I've even succumb to this false and stunted world. This is dangerous. Useful at times, but if neverendingly (spellcheck tells me I have created this word) exchanged for reality then dangerous.
Yet, a great book and great reader can employ these imaginations to their worlds and gain! This is what I propose to be a true test of imagination--a manifestation which really brings us peace/happiness/joy/renewal/something-super-awesome/something-tangible.
But back to zombies. Zombies are one way in which we can forget, ignore, avoid all the yucky gunk of the real world. They tear the duty-bound boulders of our daily lives swiftly and victoriously from our aching, knotted shoulders. Fans of zombies who are in it for the zombies know it is much more complicated than that. Apocalypse in no way means peace--names change, jobs alter, the weight is still born.
People, I am glad your interest gives the opportunity for more authors, more presses, and more publications of zombie literature; however, do not panic when you realize your pain has not been alleviated. Turn back and turn inward in a way that best satisfies those demons. It is just a thought or more of a concern for my dazed and enchanted friends (and self). When satisfied, pick up another undead narrative and enjoy the ride.
Perhaps this rant is silly or annoying--but then after a millisecond or two of posting, it too will be just as ephemeral as your passing fancies.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
What is the draw of zombies?
I tell myself that I never want zombies to actually rise from the dead and begin their flesh-eating journeys of un-self discovery. I tell myself all the novels I read, forums I follow, and measures I take to "survive" are simply theoretical games in order stave off dementia when I putter around my "adult community" upon retiring from "normal"? people residency.
And yet....
And yet, I still wonder about whether I would survive--if my family and friends would be grilling on the 4th or wrapping presents in December as if the end had no suddenly fallen upon the world. I cannot imagine a world without them, but arguably when the shambling dead will inherit the earth, they not share it with their heart-beating neighbors.
What is this dark obsession slithering through our minds, worming its way so far into our souls, it seems virtually impossible to dislodge the sharp claws of morbidity? Perhaps, the real reason revolves around a distinct lack of a dangerous existence. For one who knows little "true" horror in her own life, does the dissolution of civilization burn so bright in order to combat a vague sense of boredom? How banal of me to put my own twisted entertainment before the betterment of my loved ones. In truth though, this is not me. For some, I am sure (as I do believe in evil), their desire for the most atrocious fulfillment does supercede any consideration for their fellow human beings.
Zombies as cathartic represents another reason the undead industry has expanded as most horror literature. The fantastic Mr. King argues horror films in particular (though I contend we can apply his claim to literature, too) possess the ability to feed our darker urges so that they do not bubble up to the surface and cause us to devolve into raving and sometimes violent creepies.
Other than throwing a few bones at my ravenous inner demons, I have to say I am particularly interested in underdogs, rebuilding, and hope rather than the destruction and devastation necessary to birth these more "heroic" concepts. I obviously use the term heroic cautiously as I am not unaware of the terrible origination process which brings these events forth. I pour over zombie book after zombie book for hope--to see humanity survive the enemies gnawing from within as well as on our edible epidermis. In our less than flesh hungry world, it seems most are content to stagnate. We complain, protest, and mean so well, and yet where are we thriving? Where are we truly building? Take us to the stars, to the deep, somewhere. Renewal is essential to life and yet we recycle old ways and old thoughts. Originality is not dead--I think it is simply in hiding.
So why do I pour over those books? those blogs? those tweets? I'm begging you authors for your insight, for your dreams or construction, of innovation. Call us to be better people and perhaps if the zombies do come, we will surprise you.
And yet....
And yet, I still wonder about whether I would survive--if my family and friends would be grilling on the 4th or wrapping presents in December as if the end had no suddenly fallen upon the world. I cannot imagine a world without them, but arguably when the shambling dead will inherit the earth, they not share it with their heart-beating neighbors.
What is this dark obsession slithering through our minds, worming its way so far into our souls, it seems virtually impossible to dislodge the sharp claws of morbidity? Perhaps, the real reason revolves around a distinct lack of a dangerous existence. For one who knows little "true" horror in her own life, does the dissolution of civilization burn so bright in order to combat a vague sense of boredom? How banal of me to put my own twisted entertainment before the betterment of my loved ones. In truth though, this is not me. For some, I am sure (as I do believe in evil), their desire for the most atrocious fulfillment does supercede any consideration for their fellow human beings.
Zombies as cathartic represents another reason the undead industry has expanded as most horror literature. The fantastic Mr. King argues horror films in particular (though I contend we can apply his claim to literature, too) possess the ability to feed our darker urges so that they do not bubble up to the surface and cause us to devolve into raving and sometimes violent creepies.
Other than throwing a few bones at my ravenous inner demons, I have to say I am particularly interested in underdogs, rebuilding, and hope rather than the destruction and devastation necessary to birth these more "heroic" concepts. I obviously use the term heroic cautiously as I am not unaware of the terrible origination process which brings these events forth. I pour over zombie book after zombie book for hope--to see humanity survive the enemies gnawing from within as well as on our edible epidermis. In our less than flesh hungry world, it seems most are content to stagnate. We complain, protest, and mean so well, and yet where are we thriving? Where are we truly building? Take us to the stars, to the deep, somewhere. Renewal is essential to life and yet we recycle old ways and old thoughts. Originality is not dead--I think it is simply in hiding.
So why do I pour over those books? those blogs? those tweets? I'm begging you authors for your insight, for your dreams or construction, of innovation. Call us to be better people and perhaps if the zombies do come, we will surprise you.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
An Initial Assessment of the Home
Well, to be fair, I haven't experienced an actual zombie attack in my life. Nevertheless, I am thoroughly disappointed with my ability to distract, decap (itate), or defend against the zombies. Upon beginning my evaluation in the kitchen, I think my most formidable weapon may be my Country Cotton Yankee candle regardless of the lone butcher knife. During a full-on invasion, I could be distracted by the overwhelming stench of the undead. Perhaps, just perhaps, my fresh smelling and long lasting candle might provide a much needed scent based diversion. Then, I can blast the snarling, moaning cannibals with my non-existent firepower.
A true zombie survivalist, however, must have several backup plans. As a result, I continued to explore the rest of the apartment for potential weapons. I have a Lexmark printer...hmmm. Numerous paperback books...no, wouldn't want to damage our greatest equity. My cats do have claws though I hardly think a creature numb to pain would be daunted by the sharp shredding of its skin. If only the cardboard rendition of the Matrix of Leadership gracing our DVD shelf was real.
The bathroom does hold a bottle of Suave Maximum Hold hairspray, however, in my attempt to save the environment, it's not an aerosol can. I could pump and spritz the offending liquid while holding a lighter, yet somehow I do not believe it to be an effective flamethrower substitute.
Since I mainly own books and cat toys, I return sadly to the candle. Upon reflection, the candle may even be a detriment rather than an advantage. The smell could just as easily draw greater crowds of the undead instead of simply providing a disarmed survivalist a means of coping with the stench of rotting flesh.
Good luck to me. I have a feeling that I may need to fortify.
What do you have, potential readers, to ward of hoards of the undead?
A true zombie survivalist, however, must have several backup plans. As a result, I continued to explore the rest of the apartment for potential weapons. I have a Lexmark printer...hmmm. Numerous paperback books...no, wouldn't want to damage our greatest equity. My cats do have claws though I hardly think a creature numb to pain would be daunted by the sharp shredding of its skin. If only the cardboard rendition of the Matrix of Leadership gracing our DVD shelf was real.
The bathroom does hold a bottle of Suave Maximum Hold hairspray, however, in my attempt to save the environment, it's not an aerosol can. I could pump and spritz the offending liquid while holding a lighter, yet somehow I do not believe it to be an effective flamethrower substitute.
Since I mainly own books and cat toys, I return sadly to the candle. Upon reflection, the candle may even be a detriment rather than an advantage. The smell could just as easily draw greater crowds of the undead instead of simply providing a disarmed survivalist a means of coping with the stench of rotting flesh.
Good luck to me. I have a feeling that I may need to fortify.
What do you have, potential readers, to ward of hoards of the undead?
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