In this week’s reading of The Undead by Cohen, I enjoyed exploring a different perspective on the essence of zombies. In the past, the word “zombies” would trigger images of undead, diseased beings who seek to consume human flesh and brains. However, Cohen conveys a more positive interpretation of zombies. Rather than being afraid of the idea of these
creatures, he celebrates how zombies give us a way to give form to various aspects of our lives (408).
The most evident aspect of our of lives which zombies reflect is our fears. I believe that Cohen admires the quintessence of zombies because only when we truly visualize our fears, are we capable to recognize and overcome our fears. Much like our fears, zombies are very undying, threatening, and are capable of consuming us when we decide not to take any action to prevent them. For example, in the movie It, some of the fears of the characters are portrayed as zombie-like figures. These creatures come to life as the characters’ greatest 
fears, but as they learn to accept these zombie-esque beings, the characters take their first step in overcoming what they fear (410). In light of this phenomenon, Cohen expresses how zombies so vividly represent our fears, and thus, we are able to more effectively overcome them.
I agree with the author in that confronting our “zombies” is the most effective method to overcome our fears. Initially, this process will inevitably difficult because even the slight thought of such horrors shocks us. However, because they exist as one of the most graphic thoughts inside our minds, through full visualization and acceptance, we are capable of defeating the very entities that seem undying.
