Zombies 101: Introduction To The Undead

This month the government wasn’t concerned about preparing citizens for the Rapture, but when it comes to the Zombie Apocalypse, the Centers for Disease Control isn’t taking any chances! After the CDC’s "Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse" statements and website appeared (http://emergency.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies_blog.asp), our Research Center was flooded with questions about zombies and what this was all about. In response to the mass of questions, I’ve decided to share a few facts on the undead.

Zombie lore is deeply rooted in African and Haitian cultures where it still plays a strong part to this day. This falls into the practice of Vodun (what we call Voodoo) which talks of sorcerers being able to control a person’s mind through ritual and curses. The origin of zombie folklore speaks not of the undead, but of a person whose willpower has been taken over by a “bokor” (a witch doctor). Think of it more as someone undergoing hypnosis and being controlled than a person rising from the dead. Also, this tradition speaks of many ways to break the curse and return the individual who has been made a zombie to a normal state.    

It was George Romero's Night of the Living Dead movie in 1968 that launched the pop-culture version of zombies which is what most people think of today. All one need do is say “braaaaaains” and most everyone will immediately recognize the reference. In the last year zombies have climbed the charts of horror and fantasy themes and have become the most popular creature-feature around, even surpassing vampires and werewolves for the top-spot. Perhaps the most famous zombie franchise to date had been the Resident Evil series which spawned five films, seven video games, and numerous publications since its premier in 1996. And every year since 2001 “Zombie Walks” have welcomed thousands of people who dress up and march like zombies through cities around the world.

Although the CDC does not maintain that a Zombie Apocalypse is imminent, the idea to use the creature’s popularity as a means to push the importance of disaster preparedness was a pretty unique attempt. And – although some still think there is some underlining suggestion that zombies really are going to attack – it worked well. The message gained international attention in the media, sparked discussions online, and led many to visit the website to learn more. The CDC suggests that if you want to make sure you are prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse you should be sure to have a stock of food, water, tools, and other important supplies ready to go. Pick a meeting place for your family as well (just make sure it will be a place that zombies are not likely to be hanging out) and also have a listing of all your emergency contacts ready to go.

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Still want to know more about the Zombie Apocalypse? Come to SGRA this Saturday for a special Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Day! It’s a fun family event that will begin at 4:00pm with a talk and presentation on the legend and lore of zombies where you’ll learn all the important details -- How and where did this madness start? What do cultures have to say about zombies? And, of course, how is the best method to defeat them? Followed by a cookout, and finally a screening of two educational Zombie Apocalypse movies, “Zombieland” and “Resident Evil.”  People are invited to drop by anytime. For more information, visit www.sgra.org.