Event Title
Colonizing the Hyperreal: Alterity in Zombie Apocalypse Narratives
Location
CB1-120
Start Date
4-11-2017 1:45 PM
End Date
4-11-2017 3:00 PM
Description
Famed French theorist Jean Baudrillard defined the precession of simulacra as an eventual replacement of reality from representation to hyperreality. Curiously, the theme of the zombie apocalypse, common in recent popular culture, is an intriguing example of such a simulacrum in that various narratives present the experience of the zombie apocalypse as authentic and realistic, even though the event could arguably never occur. Although the zombie apocalypse is a representation based on nothing, it continues to perpetuate the "othering" that is commonly affixed to post-apocalyptic texts.
The Walking Dead and other media within the genre of the zombie apocalypse use the concept of alterity, or difference, to further their survival storylines. The show portrays the survival of one group of people--the main characters--as noble, while other groups encountered are shown as incorrect in their motives and methods unless they agree to be absorbed into the main group's culture. These narratives frequently tie into what Edward Said referred to as Orientalism, the exaggeration of differences and presumption that Western societies are superior. Using Said's text Orientalism as a frame of reference, this presentation will argue that when left to their own devices, shows like The Walking Dead will perpetuate the problematic stereotypes associated with Orientalism, which reinforce an imperialist narrative. These stereotypes might include depicting the "other" as irrational and weak, whether physically or mentally.
Unfortunately, the practice of "othering" extends from fictional media to real-world issues of social justice and equality, which is why digital humanists must carefully critique and bring attention to problematic representations of different cultures and modes of thought. In her analysis of the relationship between digital humanities and feminist game studies, Elizabeth Losh states, "successful digital humanities projects often encourage imaginative identification with other times and places and allow the visitor to become a participant in historical narratives" (17). However, popular culture often denies viewers the opportunity to identify with all characters, creating a self/other binary that encourages fear of the altern when society collapses. Though this particular apocalyptic situation is extremely hypothetical,the lessons taught--to be scared, rather than hopeful or helpful--exacerbate postcolonial ideas of survival through extermination or absorption of competing survivors, who are often unabashedly depicted as wholly evil. As media, along with the field of digital humanities, continue to expand and influence the lives of consumers, it is necessary to be mindful of these representations both as scholars and fans alike so that hypothetical fears don't supersede actual concerns represented in reality.
Colonizing the Hyperreal: Alterity in Zombie Apocalypse Narratives
CB1-120
Famed French theorist Jean Baudrillard defined the precession of simulacra as an eventual replacement of reality from representation to hyperreality. Curiously, the theme of the zombie apocalypse, common in recent popular culture, is an intriguing example of such a simulacrum in that various narratives present the experience of the zombie apocalypse as authentic and realistic, even though the event could arguably never occur.
