Since its earliest depictions, the figure of the zombie has provided some form of social commentary, particularly about modes of production and consumption. Zombie narratives can be seen to illustrate different dynamics within capitalism, a feature that can be traced back as far as the earliest colonial endeavors in the Americas and the forcible relocation of slaves from Africa. Zomedies are a form of zombie narrative that gained popularity at the end of the twentieth century, though more widespread in the twenty-first century and which are well suited to portray dynamics and identity processes that have emerged and intensified during neoliberalism. Like all audiovisual media, TV zomedies present numerous elements to analyze and read through their storytelling. By portraying themes such as consumerism, commodification, individualism, corporate power, and social inequality, television shows and films take on the consequences of these dynamics in contemporary society and serve as a reminder of the importance of community, empathy, challenging the status quo in a world largely dominated by neoliberal ideals. Zomedies and zom rom-coms invite us to question the commodification of human lives and strive for a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society.

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Emerging Zombie Identities in Neoliberalism: Commodification and Capital of the Undead in Zomedies and Zom Rom-Coms

  • Lexa Lucelia Lechuga

摘要

Since its earliest depictions, the figure of the zombie has provided some form of social commentary, particularly about modes of production and consumption. Zombie narratives can be seen to illustrate different dynamics within capitalism, a feature that can be traced back as far as the earliest colonial endeavors in the Americas and the forcible relocation of slaves from Africa. Zomedies are a form of zombie narrative that gained popularity at the end of the twentieth century, though more widespread in the twenty-first century and which are well suited to portray dynamics and identity processes that have emerged and intensified during neoliberalism. Like all audiovisual media, TV zomedies present numerous elements to analyze and read through their storytelling. By portraying themes such as consumerism, commodification, individualism, corporate power, and social inequality, television shows and films take on the consequences of these dynamics in contemporary society and serve as a reminder of the importance of community, empathy, challenging the status quo in a world largely dominated by neoliberal ideals. Zomedies and zom rom-coms invite us to question the commodification of human lives and strive for a more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable society.