How do contemporary zombie narratives address issues of consumerism?

Contemporary zombie narratives often serve as a critique of modern societal issues, particularly those related to consumerism. The correct answer highlights how these stories portray "zombification" as a metaphor for mindless consumption, where individuals are depicted as being driven by incessant desires and superficial needs, much like zombies are driven by their insatiable hunger.

These narratives typically illustrate how consumer culture can lead to a loss of individuality and critical thinking, rendering people passive participants in a system that promotes consumption for its own sake rather than for genuine fulfillment. By depicting characters who are thoughtless and driven by consumerist impulses, these stories challenge the audience to reflect on their own consumption habits and the societal values that underpin them.

Through this lens, the zombie becomes a powerful symbol of what happens when humanity succumbs to mindless acquisition and the pursuit of material goods, thus encouraging viewers and readers to reconsider the implications of their own consumer behaviors. The focus is on critique rather than celebration, making the examination of such themes central to contemporary zombie fiction.