How Zombies Are Influencing Society and Business

Assignment 1-4-6 Written Analysis 5

In my previous blogs, I have described the pop culture phenomenon of zombies. Zombies have become a popular icon, and they drive the belief of the zombie apocalypse. There is always a hero that saves several other humans from these creatures. There is a common zombie, horror film formula.

Zombies have become quite famous. Filmmakers and television series writers continue to create stories surrounding these undead, man-eaters, and the whole ‘survival’ mode needed to survive the ordeal.

The ultimate confirmation that an item has become a popular culture necessity is the fact that it influences society to perform in a certain way, changing the way we live, and also drives business and sales.

Zombies are the perfect example of influence. With the rise in zombie films and series, a number of individuals and groups have become insistent that the zombie apocalypse will happen. This belief has influenced people to change the way they go through everyday life. They are stock piling food and supplies, making weapons, and creating contingency and evacuation plans. This also drives business. As people are stock piling food, they are purchasing more food, even going so far as to buying official long-term food supplies. These individuals are buying guns, ammo, bow and arrows, targets, and any survival gear they can get their hands on.

Zombies have influenced a craze and paranoia. Many individuals have even been so convinced of the coming zombie apocalypse they have been admitted to mental facilities. Strangely, this has also driven the psychology business! Whether this apocalypse ever comes to pass or not, zombies have and will continue to be a morbid fascination for a large group of individuals, thereby influencing the way people think and operate—and businesses will benefit from it.

The Zombie Formula

Assignment 1-4-5: Written Analysis 4

In every film ever made, there are certain expectations or formulas for that genre of film. For instance, when you’re watching a movie in the romantic comedy genre, you expect that there will be a love story with a happy ending. The formula for the romance is: guy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happily ever after. The same holds true for adventure films—where the formula is a hero goes on an unexpected journey and at the end, a large payoff awaits (like a treasure). This same principle, or formulaic equation, can be given to any film genre, even horror films that feature zombies.

Zombie films have long had the same formula: plague overtakes the world, and a hero saves the world from plague. The old ‘save the world’ plot. Every zombie movie starts with scenes of a normal town, with normal people. Suddenly, within the next day or so, a virus has hit the town (the world) and turned everyone into flesh eating undead. There will be survivors, but only one or two will stand out as the hero. The hero will then protect the remaining survivors, and find a way to either rid the world of the zombies or provide a safe environment away from the zombies, thereby saving ‘the world’.

Even in the film, Warm Bodies—that puts a different spin on the typical zombie formula—still includes the same zombie formula, but it goes one step further. The hero of the film is a zombie named R, but he helps save the world against other, more evil zombies. An added formula of young love and a happy ending are added to the film.

I have always known what to expect from zombie movies, even knew how they would all end before I viewed them. Nonetheless, I still enjoy going to see each and every one of them. Our fascination with zombies, and how the film-makers put a different spin on the normal formula, keeps audiences interested and intrigued.

After learning about the formulas given to different genres of films, I see now why some moviegoers continue to love the expectation of those genres. On the other hand, I also see why some moviegoers are aggravated that they already know the plot and ending before they even see the movie. It all comes down to taste and what is popular at the time. For now, zombies are a popular culture icon, and even though we all know how zombie films will play out, we still enjoy them.

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References 

Hoberman, D. (Producer), Lieberman, T. (Producer), Papandrea, L. (Producer), & Levine, J. (Director). (2013). Warm Bodies [Motion picture]. USA: Summit Entertainment.

Superheroes and the Supermom

Assignment 1-3-2 - Journal Article Paper

If you were ever interested in female superheroes—maybe for their awesome super powers or their ability to kick anyone’s butt, even men—then the journal article, The Accidental Supermom: Superheroines and Maternal Performativity, 1963-1980, will likely cause you to respect the typical female comic book heroine even more so.

After reading this article, it is clear the author is attempting to make a correlation between the idea of the female super hero, and women becoming more independent—leaving the home for a career, and not only having the ability to be a nurturing mother, but essentially multitasking a career, motherhood, and social life. It is during the years 1963 and 1980, where a shift in the common assumption of the maternal responsibilities of women is changing tremendously, and prominent female superheroes are created in a predominantly male genre of heroes. The author is making a point that the idea of the supermom is symbolic with the notion of the superheroine (D’Amore, 2012, p 1226), and superheroines’ characteristics transformed based upon popular culture of the time.

The author could be targeting any reader with this article, but appears to be zeroing in on females, mothers, comic book nerds, and anyone who may have any misconceptions of the female comic book hero—that female heroes are not just exceptional women because they can fight and save the world.

D’Amore makes many valid points regarding the comic book heroines, their super ‘mom’ status (even though only one heroine has ever actually given birth), and popular culture. The article gives the idea that the heroines of the time were created with strength, independence, and different special abilities; and were deemed unacceptable in the eye of the public unless they portrayed some type of motherly traits. Those traits included the ability to straddle public and private lives, nurturing their children and family members, and teaching and instilling values to their young charges.

In addition to nurturing characteristics, strength, independence, and multitasking abilities, feminism was a large accelerator for the superheroine. At the time female comic book heroes were making their presence known, women were being guilted into staying home with their children instead of pursuing careers. Women were feeling inequalities between the sexes. The superheroine was the perfect model for identifying the struggles of American feminists, but also maintained a recognizable social order with regard to gender roles (D’Amore, 2012, pp.1226-1228).


D’Amore goes into detail on how Wonder Woman, Marvel Girl (Jane Grey of X-Men fame), Sue Storm (Fantastic Four’s Invisible Girl), and Storm (X-Men) all portrayed motherly and maternal traits throughout their comic book careers. Wonder Woman is seen as a feminist icon. Marvel Girl begins to take on the role of a mother to the kids at Xavier’s School for the Gifted, but has the strength and independence to make much larger men fear her. Sue Storm is the only actual heroine who marries and has a child. She is the epitome of the supermom of the time. She struggles with the idea of having ‘to work’ and leave her child with a sitter, and yet is able to maintain her super status and find time to care for her child. Storm adds yet another layer to the feminist, motherly hero. She is an African-American woman who is considered ‘free’ to do what she will, and all men bow down to her. During the 1960s and 1970s, Storm was an empowering hero to women of all races, crossing the boundaries of civil rights, racism, and the women’s movement all in one character.

After thoroughly dissecting this article, I view the female comic book heroine in a different way. I had never before made a connection between when these characters were popular, and the popular culture or the movements occurring during that time frame. I find it interesting that the term ‘supermom’ could be associated or stem from the comics that I read as a child—and I agree after having read this article. This article is important because it brings forth the realization the superheroine was an outlet to explain that women have gone from strictly ‘mothers,’ who only had one main function—to nurture—to empowered creatures who can ‘do it all,’ and are worthy of as much respect as anyone.

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Reference:

D’Amore, L.M. (2012). The Accidental Supermom: Superheroines and Maternal Performativity, 1963-1980. The Journal of Popular Culture, 45(6), 1226-1248.

Zombie Heroes

Assignment 1-4-4: Written Analysis 3

Heroes have existed since the first made-up tale was ever spoken around a campfire. The hero rises up and rids the land of whatever evil befalls it, and he/she is most likely an underdog. The hero’s purpose is to not only prevail against all odds, but to encourage hope among the people, and show courage and strength.

Just like any adventure tale or story, all zombie films and stories have the typical hero figure. Zombies are somehow inherently evil by design. So, there must be a counterpart to rid the earth of the zombies, or at least save other people from their brainless hunger.

In the film Resident Evil (2002), Alice is an engineered, extraordinary human who has the ability and courage to fight zombies created by the evil Umbrella Corporation, and even overcome normal human injuries so that she may prevail as the hero. In the film, Shaun of the Dead (2004), Shaun is an ordinary, down-on-his-luck fellow, who just broke up with his girlfriend. A zombie virus strikes and he has a comical, yet gory, way of dealing with the zombies. By the end of the film, Shaun has become quite the hero in his ex-girlfriend’s eyes because of his courage in the face of danger, and his ability to resourcefulness in getting them to safety. All of the heroes in zombie films have the same outcome: (1) find courage; (2) become resourceful; (3) inspire others; and (4) save loved ones or families.


Only recently has the zombie actually become the hero. The film Warm Bodies (2013) tells the tale of R, an atypical zombie who is quite witty, curious, and still has the ability to think (although limited at first). Once he sees Julie, his heart begins to beat again, and he tries to protect her from the other zombies. He ends up saving the regular zombies and humans alike. Although popular culture has labeled the zombie a frightening and evil creature, this movie has turned the tables and made the zombie a hero, capable of thinking and love.

Typical of any hero theme, zombie films have cashed in on the idea of one person prevailing against evil or hardship. The hero is timeless. Popular culture of today continues the tradition of a hero showing us courage, hope and strength, no matter the topic—even zombies.

References

Anderson, Paul W.S. (Producer/Director), Bolt, J. (Producer), Eichinger, B. (Producer), & Hadida, S. (Producer). (2002). Resident Evil [Motion picture]. Germany: Constantin Films.

Hoberman, D. (Producer), Lieberman, T. (Producer), Papandrea, L. (Producer), & Levine, J. (Director). (2013). Warm Bodies [Motion picture]. USA: Summit Entertainment.

Park, N. (Producer), & Wright, E. (Director). (2004). Shaun of the Dead [Motion picture]. UK: Universal Pictures.

Zombie Apocalypse 101: Rituals and Stereotypes

Assignment 1-4-3: Written Analyses 2 (Rituals and Stereotypes)

If you have never heard the term “Zombie” in recent times, then you may be a bit behind the times. If you are, consider this a Zombie Apocalypse 101 course set on informing you of the basics of how heroes survive such an occurrence, the rituals present-day zombie apocalypse believers and survivalists utilize, and the stereotypes given to believers and zombies alike. 

Since the first feature zombie film White Zombie in 1932, there have been humans planning and fighting for survival against the undead. In every film thereon, reanimated corpses (typical zombie behavior or stereotype) shuffle around a town, preying and feeding on humans that insights panic among the townsfolk. The stereotypical hero (or two) emerges from the community, becomes quite resourceful, and ultimately saves the people of the town. They use survival techniques to stay alive. This same apocalyptic scenario, or ritual, has been repeated in numerous films to the present day, and has made the future zombie takeover quite real for some believers.

Within the zombie apocalyptic-culture of today, those who believe in the coming of the zombies participate in ritualistic behavior to prepare for the apocalypse. Those rituals include:

1. daily target practice—you never know when you may have to kill a zombie; 
2. stockpiling food and water—you will want to eat and drink reasonably when food sources are depleted; 
3. running and exercising—of course, when a zombie chases you, you’ll want to run; 
4. evacuation drills—everyone must be prepared when it’s time to find a way out; and 
5. safeguarding your home or ‘bunker’ against zombies—you don’t want them to get inside. 

Given all of these rituals, apocalypse believers have been labeled, or stereotyped. On the negative side, they are typically labeled as being fanatics, paranoid and over-zealous. On a positive note, believers are resourceful, prepared and organized—many qualities ordinary people do not possess. 

From attaching ritualistic behavior to the zombie films and also to current-day apocalypse believers, I have gained a better understanding of why rituals are so important to many people. The rituals validate their beliefs, whether others agree with them or not. Stereotypes given to groups of individuals can show them in a bad way, as well as in a good light.

Zombies: Popular Beliefs and Icons

Assignment 1-4-2: Written Analyses 1

As a child I was terrified of zombies and other supernatural creatures. I watched Night of the Living Dead, Return of the Living Dead, and my brother and sister liked to tease me and say zombies would eat my brains. If you look around you today, you will see that zombies have invaded many aspects of television, movies and books.

Modern day zombies are creatures created in the twentieth century for the purposes of horror fiction. They are human beings who are exposed to some type of virus that causes them to die. Once dead, the zombies feed on other humans and eat brains and other body parts. They are typically portrayed as unintelligent and can only be killed if you remove their head or brain. Once bitten, you will die and become a zombie too.

The popular belief and icon theories apply to the idea of zombies and the perceived zombie apocalypse. Because of the rise of zombie movies and television shows in current culture, and their realistic views on how zombies are created, there are a large group of individuals with the popular belief that zombies will walk the earth in the near future. These groups are preparing stores of food and learning survival techniques to survive the zombie apocalypse. Zombies are also a current icon. You can see them in several movies and the hit television series, The Walking Dead (2010). Most everyone has either heard of or seen this television series that depicts pockets of individuals surviving the zombie apocalypse, and turned it into quite the popular icon. The show stands for survival and ingenuity. Not only does this series show realistic scenarios, they even provide zombie survival techniques that those believers relish.

Since zombies have become popular belief and an icon of our culture, it has created quite a few fanatics. I had never thought of The Walking Dead as an icon prior to my readings, but it is just that—a current trend. However, zombies have been an icon since Americans have fallen in love with horror fiction. 

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Reference

Darabont, F. (Creator), Kirkman, R. (Writer), & Dickerson, E. (Director). (October 31, 2010). The Walking Dead [Television series]. New York, New York:AMC Networks, Inc.

Pop Culture and Contemporary Icons

Assignment 2-1: Icon Analysis

We see or hear about popular culture icons everywhere today: in the media, on television, the radio, in stores, even our place of employment. Three icons that stick out for me are Marilyn Monroe, Apple, and the reality-show Duck Dynasty. Marilyn Monroe was a well-known actress of the 1950s and 1960s, who has gained and retained her popularity even after her death. Apple Inc. is the company name and brand for a multitude of popular computer software and hardware. Duck Dynasty is a current-day, reality television show revolving around duck hunting, and has become quite popular among hillbillies, blue-collar and wealthy people all over the United States.


Marilyn Monroe signifies a person that is idolized and revered. I chose her because even after her death in 1962, and her short career as an actress and model, she continues to find her way into popular media and images. Even actresses today strive to be like her, both by lifestyle and looks.  Today's society tends to place Marilyn on a pedestal as if she were a modern day Greek Goddess. She was beautiful, classy, glamorous, and yet had a 'bad-girl' side to her that many modern woman identifies with. She stands for glamour, rebelliousness and living your life to the fullest.

Apple Inc. is not only a big deal  in the information technology industry, but also in "everyday-Joe" technology. Who hasn't heard of an iPad or iPod? How about iTunes? Apple has produced some of the largest mainstream technologies of today. When I go to the electronics store and I see the Apple logo, I know the product is of high quality and is extremely user friendly. I know the applications Apple releases are relevant and needed. The Apple logo not only means high quality, but success. If I'm at a job and I have an Apple Macintosh computer, an iPad and maybe listening to my iTunes while I work, then I have the ability to be successful! I have typically been a Microsoft gal, but Apple is so innovative, it is hard not to appreciate them and place them on a pedestal.

The television show Duck Dynasty has become quite the popular icon among many viewers, no matter your station in life. Take a family of football-playing, duck-hunting men with grizzly beards and hillbilly antics, and put them in front of an audience--this means hours of entertainment for that audience. Viewers are revering these men for not only their country-fied abilities in hunting and making duck calls, but also for their sense of family and God. Duck Dynasty embodies the American Dream in my opinion. No matter who or where you are, you can be successful, love your family and have a deep sense of faith. Not to mention, these fellows are mighty amusing!

Popular Culture and Witty E-Cards

Assignment 1-2: Popular Culture Blog

So, what is popular culture? The definition of popular culture will depend specifically on whom you interview for the answer. Everyone has a different opinion, of course. Academically, the textbook Common Culture sums up the definition as “a shared knowledge and practices of a specific group at a specific time. Because of its commonality, pop culture both reflects and influences people’s way of life; because it is linked to a specific time and place, pop culture is transitory, subject to change, and often an initiator of change” (Petracca & Sorapure, 2012, p. 4).


How do I interpret popular culture? My take on it is that it's a current way of thinking, that a mass amount of people have taken up or believe in. It could be a certain way to communicate, or a clothing trend, or even something that is just ‘popular’ with the masses at the time. Popular culture can be good and bad. For instance, it is popular culture for everyone to have a smart phone and be able to text one another to communicate on the fly. However, it is also popular culture to text when you should not be texting—while driving, during a business meeting or while having dinner at a restaurant.

Popular culture will make or break your business, whether it be understanding what is trending to keep your business going, or what will draw customers or consumers to your product. If you are behind the times, set in your ways, and not up-to-date on what is popular, chances are your business will suffer for it. For instance, keeping up with current trends in technology, and understanding new and upcoming trends helps with my career. Since I am a budding web developer, understanding new applications or software or even new techniques when programming can showcase my ability to lead the way with innovation on my team. I can further my career if I keep learning and staying on top of what programming techniques are popular, like JQuery, Grails and CSS3. If I learned COBOL programming language ten years ago, and failed to keep up with the latest and greatest advances in programming languages (like Java), I would understand why my supervisor would not think of me first when promotion time came around.

My example of a popular culture artifact, and something I see trending on sites like Facebook (which is a pop culture artifact all its own), Google images, and Pinterest, are witty e-cards. These e-cards are simply sarcastic or humorous sayings that are attached to old-fashioned looking cartoons or drawings that one might have seen in 1950s commercials or newspaper ads. The e-cards are used to make people laugh, tell their true feelings or slam a group of people. I chose this as my artifact because it has become fashionable to post these images/sayings and I am very amused when I read them. It seems everyone has suddenly become quite witty and sarcastic—or at least they believe so.

Popular culture dictates several aspects of our lives. It helps shape our way of thinking, our beliefs, our spirituality, the way we dress, how we raise our children, and also how we can advance in our careers.

References:

Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (2012). Common Culture: Reading and Writing About American Popular Culture (7th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc..