Chinese and American Zombies - Essay Example

Chinese Zombies and American Zombies: Cultural Implications It is necessary to note that the concept of the undead is present in many cultures. People have been afraid of death and they have often believed that the balance between life and death can be violated. It is noteworthy that the contemporary beliefs on the undead are dominated by the western monster, zombie that is typical of American pop culture. This is the result of the spread of the American culture through media (Hollywood films, Internet, video games and so on). Clearly, the undead can be traced in many cultures but they have distinctive features in each country. It is possible to compare Chinese and American zombies to understand the way the two cultures differ. First, the name of the two monsters differ. In the USA, these creatures are called zombies while in China, the undead are called Jiang Shi. The American word originates from two African languages. Thus, the word ndzumbi that comes from the Mitsogho tribe (West African Gabon) and means “cadaver of the deceased” is one of the origins of the word zombie (qtd. in Lizardi 92). The other origin is the word nzambi that means “spirit of a dead person” and comes from African Kongo (qtd. in Lizardi 92). The Chinese Jiang Shi is translated as “stiff corpse” (“Jiang Shi” par. 1). The difference between the undead in China and the USA is quite clear. In the US, there is a spiritual component while in China, the focus is made on the body of the diseased and absence of the soul. Apart from the meaning of the word, it is also necessary to add that the origins of the concept are also quite different. For instance, the concept of zombie was brought to the US by African slaves. It is also necessary to note that the broad popularity zombie stories acquired in the eighteenth century when the war between Haitians and Americans started (Moreman 266). The stories were favorable for slaveholders who could keep their slaves in awe. When it comes to Chinese zombies, the concept originated in China. This is another difference between the two types of monsters as Chinese creatures were ‘created’ by Chinese people while Americans ‘borrowed’ the monsters. However, it is necessary to note that the modern Chinese zombies are influenced by the popular American culture that is being spread through media. The way people turn into Chinese or American zombies has certain similarities and differences. When it comes to American zombies, they were created by Voodoo spells. Thus, voodoo priests (through spells) could make the person their slave. Importantly, the concept of slavery has been very strong for Americans and it is the core of the idea of zombies. Another way of turning into a zombie is to be bitten by one. As far as Chinese zombies are concerned, they are created when a person commits a suicide, they are victims of premature burial or they were killed and want to revenge (“Jiang Shi” par. 2). The major feature of the concept of the Chinese zombie is their desire to “absorb life essence” (“Jiang Shi” par. 1). The difference between the two types of monsters is that American zombies eat flesh whereas Chinese zombies absorbs souls of people. Major features of zombies also differ in the two cultures. Thus, American zombies walk slowly, they are almost deprived of the ability to think and they only strive to satisfy their hunger of human flesh. Their bodies often deteriorate or even disintegrate. As for Chinese zombies, they can look as living people if they turned into zombies shortly after their death or they can look like horrific monsters if they were dead for a while before becoming undead (“Jiang Shi” par. 3). Besides, these creatures’ hair and nails keep growing and they hop with their mouths wide open always ready to grasp a person’ soul (Bai 109). Chinese zombies hop and as the name suggests (stiff bodies) they do not move their limbs. They also suck blood but, at present, Chinese zombies have acquired traits of American zombies due to the influence of American pop culture. As for the ways of killing the monsters, the two cultures also differ. American zombies can be shot or burnt. They are also afraid of salt. When it comes to Chinese zombies, a number of strategies can be employed. Different sources have different information on the matter. Thus, the jiang shi is afraid of fire, brooms, losing the lid of the coffin as well as looking into mirrors (Bai 109). It is noteworthy that knowledgeable people (Tao priests) usually helped people to kill the monsters. The major difference between the monsters is that people have to use quite specific tools to destroy Chinese zombies while American zombies could be killed through shooting (the way that can also kill people). Clearly, there are quite significant differences between Chinese and American zombies and they can help reveal certain differences between the two cultures. Thus, one of the major features that differ is the core of the concept. For Americans, zombies are associated with slavery and loss of freedom. Zombies do not have their will and simply follow their master. When it comes to the Chinese culture, zombies represent the evil and they are the symbol of antilife. Zombies are seen as deviation from the natural course of existence and people’s fear of the monsters is “caused by the threat of the dead coming back to life” (Bai 110). Thus, Americans are afraid of losing their free will while Chinese are afraid of breaking the laws of nature and the universe. Another distinctive feature of the two cultures is that Americans seem to be more focused on material things while Chinese are more spiritual. Hence, American zombies eat flesh whereas Chinese undead absorb people’s souls. It is possible to assume that for Americans earthly things (like body) are important and Chinese people are more concerned with spiritual part of human existence (spirit, soul, life essence). Therefore, it is possible to assume that Americans focus on living their life right, be free to choose their path. At the same time, Chinese people are more concerned with being a part of the universe and a part of the natural cycle of existence. Of course, they also think of earthly things as their monsters have flesh but the major focus is made on spirituality. Thus, through analysis of evil creatures, it is possible to trace certain peculiarities of a culture. Works Cited Bai, Meijadai. "Gothic Monster and Chinese Cultural Identity: Analysis of The Note of Ghoul." Thinking Dead: What the Zombie Apocalypse Means. Ed. Murali Balaji. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books, 2013. 105-127. Print. Jiang Shi. Web. 25 Oct. 2014. . Lizardi, Ryan. "The Zombie Media Monster’s Evolution to Empty Undead Signifier." Thinking Dead: What the Zombie Apocalypse Means. Ed. Murali Balaji. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books, 2013. 89-105. Print. Moreman, Christopher M. "Dharma of the Living Dead: A Mediation on the Meaning of the Hollywood Zombie." Studies in Religion 39.2 (2010): 263-281. Print. Read More