Why are we fascinated by the end of the world? On the one hand, Archer writes that the apocalypse has a unifying "do good" feel that instills a sense of community and solidarity that brings everyone together. This element can be seen in the popular video game series Fallout. Set in the future, the game's storyline is influenced by the post war culture of 1950s America, its combination of fear of nuclear combination and hope of the arrival of new technology. The people have moved to underground shelters owned by different communities or "factions". Unified by their hopes, fears and the struggle to survive, each community seeks its own ways of sustainability.
On the other hand, Pagels points out that the end of the world is succeeded by the birth of a new one as predicted by The Book of Revelation. In the same fashion, Norse mythology foretells the emergence of a new world after ragnarok. Fallout is already set in the new world that combines some elements of the past (1950's cars and computers) and the future (directed-energy weapons, advanced cars). The familiar elements of the new world provide a sense of calmness and hope that part of our world will be preserved in the new one. Even though apocalyptic stories are centered on death and destruction, they always end in rebirth and preservation. It seems like the popularity of apocalyptic stories is not fueled by the content (death and destruction), but the ending (arrival of the glorious new world with some elements of the old one). What ultimately thrills the human mind is the hope of seeing the amazing gift of new life along with the survival of some old elements of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment