Discussion series #1. Zombie Misinformation and Misconceptions.

As we all know. There are tons of misconceptions and misinformation out there concerning zombies. Be it through Hollywood, the media, or word of mouth. How they got started is not really important. What IS important is to shoot down all this BS and get to the logical and sensible facts. Here is what I have and in my humble opinion. The facts as they are and very based in common sense.

MISCONCEPTION #1: ZOMBIES CAN RUN!

Having studied the books for the last five years on HUMAN ANATOMY. It is my conclusion that there is no way we will encounter a running zombie at ANY stage of its reanimation. Even a completely intact zombie that recently dies will lack the ability to be a runner. Primarily because of the fact that decomposition starts as soon as the body dies. The first stage is Rigor Mortis. Here is the order in which it attacks the body. First phase sets into the brain. Once the brain is no longer active is when Rigor Mortis starts here. Once there, it then starts to move down and begin the second phase. Infecting all the internal organs. Once completed, it then moves down to the extremities. The arms and legs. When this happens. It does not come out totally. Morticians however have found that it can be loosened up by flexing the muscles of a deceased person by moving the arms and legs. Thus making it easier to work with the body but still not easy. So with Rigor Mortis still having hold of the body and limbs of a reanimated corps. There is absolutely NO WAY a zombie can run.

MISCONCEPTION #2: ZOMBIES FEED ONLY ON BRAINS!

This little tidbit of misinformation came from Hollywood with a certain comical zombie movie that came out in the 1980's. The simple bitter truth is that a zombie is an equal opportunity snacker. If they can grab it with their hands and put it on their mouths. ITS THEN LUNCH! It does not matter if its an arm, leg, or ones genitals. If its in bite range. Its in danger of being eaten. That plain and simple.

MISCONCEPTION #3: ZOMBIES RETAIN CERTAIN MEMORIES OF THEIR PAST LIVES!

Yes. It is true that a zombie has been seen doing things that may seen like they have memory of their past. But I believe this to be a falsity entirely and any attempts to try to trigger any memory from these things should be totally avoided. Once they turn. They are mobilized death machines and should be treated as such. All because a zombie is sitting behind the wheel of a car trying to drive is NOT a reason to try to befriend it. Once the brain dies. All the person was dies with it. Hence the next misconception below.

MISCONCEPTION #4: ZOMBIES CAN BE TRAINED!

This is the BIGGEST misconception of all. The only part of the brain that I feel is made active is the brain stem area. This area controls our most primal of needs and instincts. The rest of the brain is collateral damage and as a result lacks the basic cognitive skills the living has. Even the ability to learn like before. The fact that they have been seen attacking in what seems like organized groups is nothing more then pure coincidence.

MISCONCEPTION #5: ZOMBIES HAVE EVOLVING INTELLIGENCE!

As stated before. The rest of the brain is virtually useless. In my opinion. Only the most primal remains. Movement, mobility, and an unending hunger for HUMAN FLESH. All attempts to get them to respond in any way to command, training efforts, and even memory triggering as stated above are a total waist of time. These efforts should be totally avoided at all cost! Granted it is human instinct to not want to let go of the fact that what you are facing was once a person. And what is even harder to face is that this reanimated ghoul was once a close childhood friend, neighbor, or even a beloved family member. But the fact still remains. IT IS A ZOMBIE AND MUST BE DESTROYED! That simple. They do not learn. They can't be trained. They have no memories of past lives. And certainly are not human anymore much less neighbors, friends, or even loved ones. They are reanimated killing machines that need to be stopped. NO EXCEPTIONS!

MISCONCEPTION #6: THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY KILL A ZOMBIE IS WITH A FIREARM!

The fact is there are MANY ways to destroy the brain of an undead enemy. True enough that a firearm is the easiest way to do so. But in some cases may not be the most practical of ways. There ARE other ways to break through the skull and into the brain case of a zombie. Things like BLUDGEONING TOOLS, BLADED WEAPONS, and SPIKE LIKE WEAPONS. All of these types will be covered in a later discussion on a later date. Even improvised forms of these weapons. But make no mistake. When ammo runs low or runs out completely. These weapons are what you will need to use to get the job done and all will be gone over with complete clarity and distinction. Even FIREARMS.

MISCONCEPTION #7: ONLY AN ATHLETE, MARTIAL ARTISTS, AND SOLDIERS CAN SURVIVE A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!

This is a major misconception and very misleading. The truth is ANYONE can survive a zombie apocalypse in any severity. The three types of fighter you will see in an outbreak and each type has major strengths and weaknesses. Being in shape can help you survive. Don't get me wrong. But the fact is this. Not all human beings are in total tip top shape and no matter what your physical traits are. In later discussions. I will cover with you for discussion the types of fighter there is that can and will be encountered and all the strengths and weaknesses of them. With the proper know how and motivation. No matter what your body type. ANYONE can survive the undead.