This Zombie-Walk Really Pushes the ‘Brain-Eating’ Stereotype
We try to lend support whenever and wherever we can for Zombie Friendly public outings, and the ZRC loves Zombie Walks in general.
This event to raise awareness of brain-injuries, however, relies on defaming the Differently Animated to do so:
Zombies roamed the streets of Casper Saturday morning, shuffling, moaning, frightening children in passing cars with their gory visages.
But these zombies weren’t out looking for brains to eat, they were looking to help raise awareness about brain injuries and money to finance education and support activities.Saturday’s “Zombie Walk” was the brain child of the Brain Injury Alliance of Wyoming, a nonprofit organization that works to prevent brain injuries and provide support for survivors of those injuries and their families. The group was looking for a way to attract young people to their annual walk, and the tie-in with brain-eating zombies just seemed a natural, said Jason Waugaman, community resource director for the alliance.
One of the things that hurts most in this line of work is when other activist groups resort to bashing OUR clients in order to advance their own message/cause. Why can’t Zombies be concerned for the health of the Living without an ulterior motive, Mr. Waugaman? And why shouldn’t Zombies also be included in the conversation about traumatic brain injuries? Even if you’ve bought into the negative stereotyping hook, line and sinker, protecting their own brain is critical for your stereotypical movie Zombies.
After all, we’ve raised an entire, emotionally stunted generation to associate the Undead with head-shots.
The ZRC cannot condone the advancement of prejudice toward Zombies even or perhaps especially in the course of working toward other, socially laudable ends. We therefore cannot approve of this Casper, Wyoming Zombie Walk.
For shame, Brain Injury Alliance of Wyoming. For shame.
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