Politics in a post-apocalyptic world are seemingly irrelevant. After all, what use is there for debate over campaign finance reform if you’re fighting for survival against a mass of undead? Even so, there does seem to be a place for certain ideologies to prevail in such a scenario. Cue the modern day Republican Party, whose ideal world consists of limited government, no minorities, and lots of guns. All of which are basically a given in a world post zombie-outbreak. Republicans, I can see them getting all hot and bothered just watching The Walking Dead.
For starters, the federal government would cease to exist. And if there’s something contemporary Republican’s love to proclaim, it’s their desire for decentralization and limited government interference (unless it’s concerning social issues, of course). The complete collapse of infrastructure, society even, is a small price to pay for an end to the overreaching hand of the central government. And on that note, no government = no taxes. No longer would they be forced to live in a socialist country where a fascist leader (because those two labels can be used interchangeably) takes from hardworking Americans and gives to illegal immigrants and lazy minorities. Too great!
Speaking of immigrants and minorities, the zombie apocalypse would most definitely result in an end to affirmative action. Damn those liberal bastards and their desire for equality. In a post-apocalyptic world, it would be every man for himself. As it should be. And, finally, the 2nd Amendment. After all, in a world infested with zombies whose main goal is the devouring of human flesh and/or internal organs, no one would think about the ridiculous notion of gun control.
Beyond this, Republicans love the use of a framing narrative. It makes the world easier to understand if everything can be placed in a binary. And this one is all too easy. Zombies = wrong/bad. Humans = right/good. There can be no greater case for just war than this. Violence against a zombie, always okay. And bonus points if they’re a racial minority, a woman, gay, poor…well, you get the point.
Most successful zombie camps, though, would argue the opposite. Look at "Spoiler." There is intense government control that would make any republican cringe. Gun control? I mean, in the initial outbreak, sure everyone should probably have their own gun. In a community, however, the person who owns the gun has the power. Would you really want every citizen, scared and probably trigger happy, to have their own gun? I doubt that was the case in "Warm Bodies." Although, I do think this article is interesting when looking at the politics of an apocalypse. http://www.cracked.com/article_19402_6-mind-blowing-ways-zombies-vampires-explain-america_p2.html
ReplyDeleteWell, Republicans aren't REALLY against government control, just against controls for rich people. Just look at the Republican enthusiasm for surveillance after 9/11. I doubt many Republicans would mind living in the world of "Spoiler" if they were told it was for their own safety, just as long as the corporation that builds the security systems gets a tax cut.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely hysterical/ sadly pretty accurate. Great post.
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