DAY 67: Doomsday Conspiracy Theories

Since the beginning of recorded history, people have been forecasting the end of the world. In biblical times, many people believed that Jesus would return in a few short years, and religions throughout the world have cautioned people to repent and prepare for the end of days for as long as there have been religions.

In modern times, with science gaining popular acceptance and doomsday scenarios falling outside the mainstream, such beliefs can seem highly unorthodox. But the Daily Mail reports that 22% of Americans believe the world will end in their lifetime, and the belief that a religious figure will return to “save” a chosen few is still commonplace.

The National Geographic Channel has dedicated a popular television series to people who believe the world may soon end: Doomsday Preppers follows individuals – sometimes referred to as survivalists – and their families as they plan and prepare for the end of civilisation.

Humans have a nasty habit of interpreting havoc as “the signs of the times.” In fact, it’s common practice to associate any problem with an end-of-the-world prophecy. For example, last night’s ‘freak’ whirlwind in Pafos was considered an act of the Almighty, and reported by most local media as “the wrath of God;” I’m beginning to wonder if all those disaster movies and television series are trying to prepare us for a so-called “new world” era.

The Walking Dead tells the story of a small group of survivors living in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse.  Most of the story takes place in the Atlanta metropolitan area and then the surrounding countryside of northern Georgia, as the survivors search for a safe haven away from the shuffling hordes of predatory "walkers" or "biters" (as the zombies are referred to in the show), who devour any living thing they catch, and whose bite is infectious to humans.

Revolution takes place in a post-apocalyptic dystopian future. Fifteen years earlier, an unknown phenomenon disabled electricity on Earth and effectively all devices powered by it, ranging from computers and electronics to car and jet engines. People were forced to adapt to a world without electricity. Due to the collapse of government and public order, many areas are ruled by warlords and militias. The series focuses on the Matheson family, who possess a special device (a USB flash drive contained in a pendant) that is the key to not only finding out what happened fifteen years ago, but also a possible way to reverse its effects.

Unlike my work colleague, I’ve never been one of those individuals who remain addicted to social media prophecies, or follow someone’s prophetic timeline.  However, The Walking Dead and Revolution have certainly captured my following as I eagerly wait for the next episode.

But there could be some underlying truth to both of the above apocalyptic series; the reality that the world has progressed drastically overnight, is certain.  If we could somehow rewind the clock to an era of naivety where three dimensional games, playing with the hosepipe in our backyards, eating dinner as a family and not as separate entities, were considered “correct conduct.”

Most people have exhausted the idea of modernism, and are realising the importance of returning to a more simple and independent lifestyle – steering away from the artificial necessities, and learning to live with less. If only we could eliminate the addiction to technology and revert to ‘healthier’ forms of entertainment.

Television has also cast a veil over their censorship ethics. Healthy television sitcoms which instilled values of morality and honesty are a thing of the past.  Music has also followed the doomsday path as our children praise the disturbed antics of Lady Gaga, whose recent hit “Judas” delivers a blasphemous message: “Jesus is my virtue, and Judas is the demon I cling to.”

The religious or blasphemy laws passed in Hollywood (in the 1970s) insisted that movies touching on the subject of “good and evil” would have to portray the triumph over evil at the end of the flick.  But in recent years, these laws have softened their stance allowing “evil” to emerge as the victor.  The audience turns a blind eye and remains oblivious to the sub lineal message beamed into their minds.

The Doomsday conspiracy theories have in some way fulfilled the prophecy of the “seven sins;” wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony have become the principles on which we rely on.  Pandora’s Box has finally unravelled all its evil mysteries, and the world as we know it has become a peculiar and unrecognisable place.  Are we to blame?

Weight for me tomorrow. Paul

Paul Lambis is the author of “Where is Home?” – A journey of hilarious contrasts. 
For more information on Paul Lambis, and to order his book online,
visit www.paul-lambis.com