How do the undead function as a metaphor for social and political issues?

The choice of class struggle and colonialism as a metaphor for the undead is significant because it reflects how the undead, such as zombies and vampires, can embody societal fears and the consequences of socio-political dynamics. Within various cultures, the figure of the undead often critiques the structure of society, highlighting issues of inequality and exploitation. For instance, zombies are frequently portrayed as the result of systemic oppression, where the disenfranchised rise against their oppressors, symbolizing the struggle of the marginalized against dominant forces.

Furthermore, the representation of vampires often aligns with themes of colonialism, illustrating exploitative behaviors of the elite or colonizers who drain resources from other cultures. In this way, the undead serve as powerful symbols that evoke conversations about power, identity, and resistance in the context of historical and contemporary social struggles. This metaphorical dimension allows for a deeper examination of how these entities relate to real-world issues, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of societies they originate from.