Okay, so, the end of the world, right? It’s a bleak thought, obviously. But admit it, there’s a part of you that’s at least a little curious about what you would do in such a scenario. Horror plays with that fascination all the time. But why are we so drawn to these stories of societal collapse? Shouldn’t just the thought of societal collapse terrify us? With so much death and destruction, why would people romanticize the end of the world? It’s because it allows us to be the savior for once.
The Blank Slate Fantasy
One of the biggest draws of the apocalypse is the idea of a fresh start. A brand new life where it doesn’t matter who you were before the event happened. The ultimate game changer. It’s a chance to rebuild, to create something new from the ashes. It’s a chance to be the version of you that you really want. Just without the aid of society and all that junk. No more bills, no more social media, no more soul-crushing 9-to-5 grind. For some, that’s weirdly appealing. It would seem that a large part of society believes that they could stand on their own if they were not tied down by all of these societal obligations. Just go ask a libertarian, they will tell you all about it.
Facing Our Fears (From a Safe Distance)
Horror, in general, gives us a safe space to confront our fears. That’s kind of the whole point of the genre. Well, that and it offers more blood per frame than any other genre. Apocalyptic horror takes that to another level. We get to imagine how we’d react in the face of total chaos, how we’d survive, who we’d become. It’s a form of mental preparation, a way to test our limits without actually risking our lives. And in this fake scenario, we always come out on top. It’s the idea that you would be stronger, braver, and more skilled if a catastrophic event occurred.
The Appeal of “Simpler” Times
There’s a certain romanticism associated with the idea of a simpler life. A life where survival is the only goal. In an apocalypse, the problems of modern society fade away. There are no more meetings, ex partners, or social credit to worry about. It’s about finding food, building shelter, and protecting your loved ones. Some people believe that they would thrive in this environment. And I am sure that some of us could. However, most of us would die in the long run.
The Rise of “Apocalyptic Chic”?
This next bit might sound silly, but it’s becoming more commonplace each year. The end of the world has become a viral trend that has lasted far too long. Think about it: survival gear is stylish, post-apocalyptic fashion is a thing, and “prepping” is practically a mainstream hobby. Remember when we used to watch Doomsday Preppers as a joke instead of some sort of educational program? Are we so desensitized to the idea of catastrophe that we’ve turned it into an aesthetic? I know that this was a trend in the 80s when everyone thought the world would end due to nuclear war. However, that was always seen in fringe culture, not in the mainstream.
The Dark Side of Romanticism
As with anything, romanticizing this subject comes with real-world problems. Romanticizing the apocalypse can lead to a dangerous disregard for the real-world consequences of disaster. It’s important to remember that these scenarios involve immense suffering, loss, and violence. It’s not a game, and it’s not something to be taken lightly. Just think of any person you know who requires medication or a certain diet. What’s the plan for the disabled and elderly in this situation? As much as society sucks sometimes, it’s what keeps most of us alive.
Ultimately, the allure of the apocalypse is complex and multifaceted. It’s a mix of fear, fascination, and a strange desire for a clean slate. Horror taps into those primal emotions, giving us a glimpse into the end of the world and, perhaps, a glimpse into ourselves. But, while it can be fun to imagine surviving a zombie horde, let’s not forget the very real and devastating potential for worldwide catastrophe.
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