By Bulletin Staff
In the first part of this two-part series, the Bulletin explored the phenomenon of zombie denialism, its causes and impacts. In today’s second part, we will examine ways to address zombie denialism at the national level and at the level of your holiday dinner table.
How to Deny Denialism
Experts say that addressing zombie denialism in society at large requires strategies to overcome disbelief and prepare communities for the impending threat. That starts with public education programs to disseminate accurate information about the undead, their behaviors and the potential risks they pose.
These campaigns also need to emphasize the importance of preparedness and debunk myths or misconceptions surrounding zombies. The key message: Zombies are real, and they are coming for your brains.
Dr. Berger emphasizes that communication from authorities regarding the zombie threat needs to be transparent and consistent. “Talking about zombies with the public should not be an opportunity for politicians to grandstand or fearmonger. The public should be getting clear, fact-based and regular updates about undead activity and potential risks,” he says.
Dr. Jarrett has proposed organizing public demonstrations or simulations showcasing the potential dangers of zombie outbreaks. She envisions immersive experiences that can help individuals visualize the threat, understand survival strategies and overcome denialism through virtual reality experiences in a controlled, safe environment.
Drs. Berger, Jarrett and Lazenby also regularly meet with Congress as well as state and local authorities to discuss the zombie menace and relate the scientific evidence about zombies. This helps to keep the undead top of mind with lawmakers and other government officials, and it counters the disinformation that officials are increasingly receiving from the denier community.
Surviving the Holidays with a Zombie Denier
So what do you do if you have a family member who is a zombie denier? How do you get through the awkward moments at a holiday dinner when your uncle starts in on his “there’s no such thing as the undead” monologue?
Dr. Berger recommends that you start by acknowledging their perspective and concerns. “Understand that, for many people, accepting the existence of zombies is a frightening, disorienting concept that threatens their worldview. You need to validate that their feelings are legitimate and offer support,” Berger says.
On the other hand, the doctor recommends against antagonistically confronting them about their views. “They have already formed their own worldview based on sources that they believe are trustworthy. Asking them to question those sources is, in effect, asking them to challenge their own beliefs – and humans are just not good at that,” Dr. Berger advises.
Instead, the doctor suggests introducing deniers to highly credible evidence such as documented undead encounters, eyewitness accounts and survival stories. “Show them reliable sources or scientific studies that support the existence of zombies. Emphasize the seriousness of the threat and the need for preparedness,” Dr. Berger says.
The idea, he says, is to appeal to their survival instincts by framing the conversation in terms of their own safety. Highlight that accepting the reality of zombies is crucial for their well-being and the well-being of their loved ones. Discuss practical strategies for defense, evacuation and survival in case of zombie outbreaks.
Another effective strategy is to stress the importance of shared responsibility, according to Dr. Berger. Appeal to their sense of community by highlighting that preparing for and responding to zombie outbreaks requires collective action. Emphasize that everyone plays a role in ensuring safety and that denialism could hinder collective efforts to survive.
Perhaps most important, Dr. Berger says, recognize that accepting the reality of zombies might take time. Be patient and persistent in the conversation, gently introducing evidence and information without overwhelming them and without judging them for resisting the reality of the undead.
“We’re onto Them”
Meanwhile, back in the Gentler Breezes retirement community, Emmet Salan shows a visitor his bookshelf full of books on “the zombie hoax,” alongside tracts on UFOs, Bigfoot and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
“The government is always trying to distract us from the real dangers like aliens and Sasquatch,” Salan says. “They’ve got the warp drive program at Los Alamos that they don’t want us to find out about, so they create all kinds of stories about zombies in New Mexico. They think we’re crazy, but we’re onto them.”
Asked what he would do if an actual zombie outbreak occurred in Sarasota, Salan was unperturbed: “I’m from the UP [Upper Peninsula of Michigan]. I’m more ornery and better armed than any zombie horde,” he says.
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