In “Postracial Fantasies and Zombies,” the speaker, Eric Watts,  goes on an interesting journey through the dark depths of cultural representations, exploring the intricate connections between the rhetoric of zombies and the historical experiences of black people. As he meticulously unravels the layers of meaning embedded within the concept of the zombie, Watts invites us to confront the unsettling truths that lurk beneath the surface of popular culture, beckoning us to navigate the complex interplay of race, power, and identity.

The speech commences with a seemingly innocent clip from the game show “Family Feud,” urging contestants to name something they know about zombies. Yet, from this seemingly trivial question, the speaker unveils a portal to a much broader exploration of how the figure of the zombie is intricately interwoven into the fabric of our collective consciousness. It becomes a lens through which we can dissect deeper societal issues, shining a light on the nuances of race relations, power dynamics, and the enduring search for identity.

A central theme that emerges from the reflection is the concept of zombies as a reflection of societal anxieties, particularly within the context of the so-called “post-racial” era. Watts carefully dissects the cultural atmosphere of 2013, a year marked by a proliferation of zombie-themed media, including the popular television series “The Walking Dead.” He suggests that this surge in fascination with the undead may be symptomatic of a deeper societal unease regarding race relations, especially in the aftermath of Barack Obama’s historic election, which, rather than assisting in a postracial world, unearthed and exacerbated existing racial tensions.

Drawing from a rich tapestry of historical narratives, Watts meticulously traces the evolution of the zombie from its nascent origins in the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution to its contemporary manifestations. Watts explore how the figure of the zombie has been co-opted to reinforce racial hierarchies and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about blackness, illustrating how the zombie serves as a reactive manifestation of society’s deepest fears and anxieties surrounding race, otherness, and the looming presence of a possible apocalypse.

Moreover, the speech delves into the intricate mechanics of representation, scrutinizing how the language and imagery surrounding zombies maintain notions of domination, control, and visceral enjoyment. The speaker introduces the concept of “biotropes,” arguing that the portrayal of zombies serves as a potent tool for reinforcing existing power structures and upholding the status quo. He meticulously critique the ways in which the zombie genre often glorifies violence and perpetuates harmful stereotypes, particularly in its depiction of black characters, who are frequently relegated to the role of expendable victims or mindless aggressors.

Throughout the discussion, Watts emphasizes the critical importance of contextualizing the portrayal of zombies within a broader historical and cultural framework. Calling attention to the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic oppression in shaping contemporary representations of blackness, urging us to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at the heart of the zombie narrative and the wider cultural landscape. By meticulously dissecting the rhetoric surrounding zombies and its deep-rooted historical underpinnings, Watts extends a moving invitation to reassess our assumptions about popular culture and confront the deeper societal issues of race and identity that resonate throughout our collective consciousness.

Listening to the “A Different Take On Social Media And Democracy” podcast provided a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between social media, journalism, and democracy. Through the lens of V’s experiences and insights, several key themes emerged, prompting reflection on the role of social media in shaping contemporary discourse and civic engagement. One of the central themes discussed was the evolving landscape of journalism and the trust we place in traditional news outlets. V’s reflections on questioning this trust resonated deeply, especially in an era marked by widespread misinformation and the erosion of trust in traditional news outlets like the New York Times, LA Times, CNN, CNBC, BBC new etc. Her emphasis on the need for transparency and accountability within journalism highlights the importance of critical engagement with media narratives.

V’s journey from TikTok creator to community builder highlighted the unique potential of social media platforms to foster meaningful connections and dialogue across generations. Her commitment to creating a safe yet dynamic space for discourse speaks to the responsibilities of content creators in balancing openness with moderation. By blocking certain words and actively engaging with her community, V exemplifies a proactive approach to cultivating an online environment conducive to constructive engagement. Moreover, V’s discussion on the role of social media in addressing feelings of loneliness struck a chord. In an increasingly fragmented society, social media has emerged as both a source of connection and a remedy for social isolation. The ability of platforms like TikTok to facilitate real-world gatherings and community events highlights the potential to alleviate loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.

The podcast also delved into the shifting dynamics of news consumption among younger generations, particularly Gen Z. Contrary to stereotypes of disengagement, V highlighted the remarkable civic engagement exhibited by Gen Z, driven by a combination of necessity and innovation. Her observations challenge misconceptions about younger generations’ apathy towards current affairs, emphasizing their active involvement in issues that impact them in the past, or how she puts it in areas that society has failed them like gun control. Furthermore, V’s insights into the changing landscape of news circulation focuses on the transformative impact of social media on traditional media outlets. The adaptation of news content to suit the preferences of online audiences, characterized by fast-paced videos and engaging formats, reflects a broader shift towards digital-first journalism. However, this evolution also raises concerns about the potential for sensationalism and the dilution of journalistic integrity in pursuit of likes and views.

One particularly important topic discussed was the importance of voter engagement and the efforts to mobilize younger demographics. V emphasized the need to earn rather than threaten young people’s participation in the democratic process, highlighting the role of influencers as gateways to civic engagement. By leveraging their platforms to educate and empower their audience, influencers like V play a crucial role in amplifying voter turnout and political awareness among younger demographics. In short, the “A Different Take On Social Media And Democracy” podcast offered a nuanced exploration of the complex interplay between social media, journalism, and democracy. Through V’s personal experiences and insights, listeners were invited to reconsider preconceived notions about social media’s impact on civic engagement and news consumption. Ultimately, the podcast highlighted the potential of social media as a catalyst for positive social change while also highlighting the challenges and responsibilities inherent in navigating the digital landscape.