Fight or Flight: Plague, Zombies and Contemporary Public Discourse

The description of virulent disease pandemics that both kill and subsequently restructure society in its rebuilding of survivors has been a narrative that has existed throughout human existence. From its earliest accounts in descriptions of the plague of Athens by Thucydides to more modern-day telling of tales such as “The Andromeda Strain,” “I am Legend,” “28 Days Later” “World War Z” and even the popular “Walking Dead” graphic novel / television series, the narrative of infectious pandemics and subsequent transformation of Man vs. Zombie has proven to be one that evokes negative emotions such as fear and anxiety throughout Man’s history. Likewise, it also has undeniable public interest and dovetails with public acts that often include the breakdown of society and the destruction of all forms of civil liberties. By drawing from its earliest written forms in comparison with the fears of contagion that permeate our modern culture, a pattern can be seen. This in one that involves government policy, xenophobia, and even the building of walls to maintain strict borders often under the guise of protecting a population from an outbreak of infectious disease. While beginning with the earliest accounts of disease narratives in Europe, this study explores how the outbreak of disease and the fears of contagions has influenced contemporary public discourse. Although drawing from early examples in Europe – primarily Medieval Spain - this paper will be delivered in English