Zombie films are a kind of catch-all genre, catering to a variety of fears and desires. There's good, old fashioned self-loathing; humanity is messy and depraved so sod the lot and let 'em rot. There's the fear for the status quo from terrorists to communists. Fear of science or "Evil Corporations" run amok. Interpretations vary widely depending upon which film is being considered. "Zombieland" (fun) obviously is a very different story from "I Am Legend" (very serious). "I Am Legend" (scientists goof up really big) differs greatly from the film it is largely based on, "The Omega Man" (The hippies/commies are coming).
To me, the most powerful desire behind the fascination with zombieism is the desire to be free from the trappings of modern society: overcrowding, traffic jams, office jobs, apartment buildings, overreaching government, constant noise, and on and on... A zombiefied world is a world in which a person can cut loose and break stuff for a while and then find a sufficiently well defended fortress with a well-stocked kitchen and live out his days in relative simplicity.
So it's the multi-purpose nature of the genre that makes it so popular, I think. At least that's my two cents. :-)
I think, if you look around, you will find that the US isn't the only country with racial tensions. The problem is with HUMANITY, not specifically Americans.
We've intentionally limited our children to fewer and simpler, non-gadgety toys, but it isn't boredom we're after. If you encourage a child's natural curiosity and sense of wonder about the world they will retain it into adulthood. Loads of electronic, readymade entertainment inhibits that. That's my opinion, anyway. So far out efforts have been fruitful.
To me, the most powerful desire behind the fascination with zombieism is the desire to be free from the trappings of modern society: overcrowding, traffic jams, office jobs, apartment buildings, overreaching government, constant noise, and on and on... A zombiefied world is a world in which a person can cut loose and break stuff for a while and then find a sufficiently well defended fortress with a well-stocked kitchen and live out his days in relative simplicity.
So it's the multi-purpose nature of the genre that makes it so popular, I think. At least that's my two cents. :-)
The author is plenty weird looking as well.
Second camp here too, BTW. That book always left me perplexed.
That particular cat was let out of the bag a long, long time ago.
Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Our fine four fendered friend."