Eternal Life's Haunting Specter: Delving Deep into Ancient Anxiety Fueled by Unlived Lives
In the bi-annual publication of the magazine "Drunter + Drüber," published by the FUNUS Foundation, the theme of mortality is carefully examined. Death, a fundamental aspect of life, is often the catalyst that gives life meaning. Reflecting on this theme, the contributing entity known as Der Tod asserted, "If you've got something to do, do it in this life."
The topic of the undead has intrigued many individuals and recently became synonymous with film and television. However, questions arise as to whether this subject is suitable for a magazine that critically examines the culture of finitude. Initially, even Der Tod was taken aback by the magazine's title, imagining it to be a column about German bureaucracy.
While black humor is utilized throughout the magazine, it serves to highlight that the undead theme transcends the horrific presentations created by authors and directors, who have relied on vampires, ghouls, and various resurrected entities for over a century. Ancient human fears are explored in several published essays.
In eras when medicine was still in its infancy, it was often difficult to determine if a person had truly died. Consequently, instances occurred where those deemed deceased would suddenly show signs of life, resulting in ghost and spirit beliefs. This led to cemeteries being known for their eerie ambiance, a reminder that many of the past ghost stories emerged in the pre-public lighting era when nights were truly dark, and one dared not venture out after sunset.
Moving beyond past beliefs about the undead and ancient rituals to ward off malevolent spirits, the magazine also investigates modern attempts to circumvent death. From cryonics to the creation of digital avatars for the deceased using AI, these endeavors are seen as questionable technologies and indicators that their creators have yet to fully comprehend the true essence of life.
The magazine does not merely delve into old legends about the undead and ancient rites to keep feared entities at bay, as attested by various martial grave goods. Rather, Der Tod's thinking widens the perspective to encompass contemporary efforts to defy death and exploit all available technological means.
As the topic unfolds, it becomes apparent that these attempts are more than an attempt to achieve immortality; they are an escape from acknowledging the inevitable and counteracting the feelings associated with losing loved ones. The magazine raises the core question: Are we attempting to avoid grief through our fascination with the undead?
Der Tod goes on to assert, "Those who don't ask are left with a mountain of unsaid things. Irretrievably and inconsolably."
In the magazine's humoristic comic, "Mr. Death and Mrs. Life," the conversation revolves around actual zombies, frozen ones, uploaded entities, and mobile zombies preoccupied with digital beeps. It is suggested that these modern zombies serve to illuminate the flawed consumer culture that sees life as the accumulation of possessions, creating a further intriguing theme.
Mrs. Life remarks, "So you're advocating for 'carpe diem'?" To which Mr. Death responds, "The last shirt has no pockets," emphasizing the need for genuine living experiences such as human encounters, rather than amassing material possessions.
Though there may be no definitive studies on the prevalence of the "undead" entertainment trend, the magazine ventures into understanding the fear that lies beneath it. Fear of real people who behave erratically, violently, and without regard for others. The fantasy world serves as a reflection of our own frightening reality, leaving us feeling powerless in the face of these menacing forces.
As the magazine culminates, nascent remarks are made on today's political climate, opening the door to discussions on death, politics, and the willingness of humans to become accomplices to horrifying actions. Another compelling theme yet to be explored is the psychology behind why people are so readily swayed by Others' whispers and foreign propaganda, effectively ending their own lives philosophically.
The magazine leaves contingent questions lingering, such as "Death and Politics," and poses thought-provoking questions like, "Would you prefer a scare with an end, or an end without a scare?" The essence of the discussion is whether individuals find the courage to live their own lives or let others dictate their behavior, ultimately asking, "Do we live, or are we being lived?"
"Undead and Dead," priced at €11, is available now at Kabelsketal 2025 from the FUNUS Foundation.
The magazine's exploration of the 'undead' phenomenon goes beyond ancient myths and legends, delving into modern adaptations and their implications in society. As Der Tod remarks, these endeavors, such as cryonics and AI-created digital avatars, might indicate a misconstrued understanding of life and a means to escape confronting mortality and grief.
Furthermore, the magazine also touches upon the correlation between fascination with the 'undead' and mental health, raising the question whether our fascination could be a coping mechanism to avoid grappling with loss and reality. In essence, the magazine invites readers to ponder on the dualism of life and death, encouraging self-examination and introspection.
