The Film ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and Anxiety about Mass Conformity

The Film ‘Night of the Living Dead’ and Anxiety about Mass Conformity

The film ‘Night of the Living Dead’ is a classic horror movie that was released in 1968. Directed by George A. Romero, it is widely regarded as a groundbreaking film that revolutionized the zombie genre. While the film is primarily known for its terrifying and gory depiction of the undead, it also reflects deeper societal anxieties, particularly those related to mass conformity.

Sociological Perspective

To understand how ‘Night of the Living Dead’ reflects anxiety about mass conformity, we can analyze it from a sociological perspective. Sociology is the study of human society, including social behavior, interactions, and institutions. It provides valuable insights into the ways in which individuals and groups are influenced by social forces and norms.

The Fear of Losing Individuality

One of the key themes in ‘Night of the Living Dead’ is the fear of losing individuality in the face of a mindless, conformist horde. The zombies in the film represent a mass of people who have lost their individuality and become mindless followers. They move in unison, driven by a single instinct to consume human flesh. This portrayal taps into a deep-seated fear that many individuals have about being swallowed up by a conformist society.

From a sociological perspective, this fear can be understood as a response to the pressures of socialization and the desire for individual autonomy. Society often expects individuals to conform to certain norms, values, and behaviors. This pressure to conform can be overwhelming, leading to a fear of losing one’s unique identity. ‘Night of the Living Dead’ amplifies this fear by presenting a scenario in which conformity has reached its extreme, resulting in the loss of individuality.

The Dangers of Groupthink

Another sociological concept that ‘Night of the Living Dead’ reflects is the dangers of groupthink. Groupthink refers to the tendency of individuals within a group to conform to the group’s consensus, even if it goes against their own beliefs or judgment. In the film, the survivors who take refuge in the farmhouse face the challenge of making decisions collectively while avoiding groupthink.

The characters in the film must navigate the tension between the need for collective action and the dangers of blindly following the majority. This reflects the sociological understanding that group dynamics can lead to conformity and a suppression of dissenting opinions. By highlighting the dangers of groupthink, ‘Night of the Living Dead’ serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of surrendering one’s critical thinking to the pressures of the group.

The Subversion of Social Order

‘Night of the Living Dead’ also reflects anxiety about mass conformity through its subversion of social order. In the film, the collapse of society is portrayed as a result of the zombie outbreak. The traditional structures and institutions that maintain social order, such as the government and law enforcement, are shown to be ineffective in the face of the zombie threat.

This subversion of social order can be seen as a commentary on the dangers of blindly adhering to established norms and institutions. The film suggests that a conformist society is vulnerable to collapse when confronted with a crisis. This reflects the sociological understanding that social order is not fixed or guaranteed, but rather a fragile construct that relies on the cooperation and adherence of individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the film ‘Night of the Living Dead’ reflects anxiety about mass conformity through its portrayal of the fear of losing individuality, the dangers of groupthink, and the subversion of social order. By tapping into these sociological concepts, the film highlights the potential consequences of conformist behavior and serves as a critique of societal pressures to conform. ‘Night of the Living Dead’ remains a powerful and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the importance of maintaining our individuality in the face of mass conformity.