Ever since it first aired in 2010, “The Walking Dead” has fascinated millions of Americans with thoughts of corpses rising and desolating the population.
You could even go further back to 2008, when the Call of Duty franchise released “World at War” with the special extra: “Nazi Zombies.” This craze over rotting flesh and gruesome growls has grown so much that it is not uncommon for an individual to ask himself or herself, “Would I survive in a zombie apocalypse?”
Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Steven Scholzmen once said in an interview that zombie movies reflect our culture’s greatest fear. In the 1960s, the driving force behind all undead films was the Cold War. Radiation would change ordinary Mr. and Mrs. Smith into savage, hungry and mutilated walking meat bags. This generation expects the beginning of the end as an infection such as influenza or a really bad runny nose.
Needless to say, we as an audience assume deep down that we would be able to conquer a feat as petty as the zombie apocalypse. I mean, it couldn’t be that hard, right? I should be able to run faster than most of them as long as I can refrain from tripping over a root or my untied shoes, which always seems to happen in our favorite shows.
It’s nearly impossible to live in this day and age without being exposed to a few tips on how to survive such a dark event.
First, everyone knows to stay away from the sharp jaws of a zombie. One bite in the unsuspecting shoulder and you’ll be munching away as well.
Second, keep the noise to a minimum; those demons love to be where the party is and will come running at the slightest sound.
Third, working in a group has always proven to extend the lives of those who haven’t been turned. Although stress levels tend to be high, it is important to keep a level head and to listen to those around you. Remember to be courteous to those who are having a more difficult time adjusting than you are.
Fourth, having a member of your group with a heavy southern accent and a large handlebar mustache will always increase the odds of your survival.
Fifth, shouting witty catch phrases helps keep a light atmosphere within the group. For example, “Heads up!” would be appropriate to use after a decapitation.
Most importantly, always be sure to end each day with prayer and a meal around the dinner table and remember that it doesn’t always take a bite from a zombie to turn someone into a monster.
