The modern concept of zombies was strongly inspired by Haitian slavery.
Haitian Slavery and the Fear of Zombification
According to English professor Amy Wilentz, the fear of zombification played a significant role in Haitian slavery.
- Discouraging Suicide: Slave drivers, who were often slaves themselves and sometimes voodoo priests, used the fear of being turned into a zombie to deter slaves from committing suicide.
- Control Tactic: This fear served as a powerful tool for control, as it instilled a dread of the afterlife being even worse than the current conditions of slavery.
Summary Table
| Inspiration | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Haitian Slavery | The fear of zombification was used to control slaves and discourage suicide. |
