Good-byes & WWZ Adaptations
Reading Responses to WWZ (Good-byes section)

Although Brooks uses plenty of research material throughout his novel, World War Z, within the last section (Good-byes) I found two particular phrases most interesting. Character Todd Wainio mentions a song with the lyrics "God help me, I was only 19", as well as the term Hero City in the very last portion of the book (Denver, Colorado). 
The song he references is one titled "I Was Only Nineteen" by Australian music group, Redgum. It is a folk song from 1983 about the unfortunate experiences of infantry Australian soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War. This song was used in a documentary (2005) called Vietnam Nurses. The following year, 2006, the main songwriter of Redgum (John Schumann) sang the song at a 40-year commemoration of a famous battle fought in the Vietnam War. 2006 also happens to be the year World War Z was published.
The term Hero City is mentioned earlier in the book, but it's actual location is not fully disclosed until the end of the book when we learn that it is in New Jersey (where a major battle took place). Hero City, as far as I could find, originates from Russian history, and 12 cities that were bestowed this honor (title awarded for outstanding heroism) from World War 2. Smolensk (obelisk statues) were later constructed in 6 of these cities. It should be of note that Max Brooks earned his bachelor's degree (Pitzer College) in history.
The main cultural critiques Brooks makes deal with war in general and our look back at them with the World War 2 and Vietnam references mentioned above. Some of the opinions of the characters in this section attempt to show an optimistic attitude, like Maria Zhuganova and her opinion that Russia is strong again, while others like Michael Choi focus on a negative aspect (as he states that whales died off). Some, as is the case of Joe Muhammad, speak about the optimistic outcome of the war, and yet segues into missing the good old days. The dialogue and point of view are the literary elements Brooks is utilizing here.
My zombie issue is that of nostalgia. Muhammad's section deals with this theme. In the Total War section, the interview aboard the USS Holo Kai in which Michael Choi explains the benefits of older equipment for deep sea dives, which brings up nostalgia. In the Around the World & Above section, the Bohemia (first portion) interview also touches down on this as old castles are described as great weapons which have endured in the modern conflict.

Adaptation

For my adaptation, I wrote a song. Sort of a spoken word/folk tune. It describes events in The Great Panic (section: Topeka, Kansas, USA), Total War (section: Denver, Colorado, USA), and Good-byes (section: Denver, Colorado, USA).

 

 

Daddy told us to wait in church
I sat there with Mommy. He said he'd come back for us.
Pastor Dan was trying to talk.
"Please stay clam, the 'thorities are coming....just stay calm".
Brace the door. Hold it. Hold it!
The windows broke. Lights got black. Grown-ups screamed.
Shhh.... baby I won't let them get you,
Gunshots heard. I won't let them get you. 

My name is Sharon. My parents are gone.
Mrs. Randolph carried me away.
She told me to run, and said don't stop.
The Rothman Home is now where I stay.

Our BDU's were colored blue,
Bite-proof material and a hood to cover my face.
My weapon is something which I call "sir".
Did time in the Rockies, Yonkers and L.A.
I got pumped while they played Iron Maiden.
Got into position, then heard them yell "FIRE"!
It wasn't like Yonkers, we fought them all night.
As the sun rose, the G's were stacked 20 ft. high....20 ft. high

My name is Todd, and the war is gone.
I get counseling down at the V.A.
I lose it sometimes, anything is a cause
Dr. Chandra tells me that it's all okay.

 

 

Serious Planning (Music for Preparation)

 

It's the End of the World As We Know It by R.E.M.
The song is about change. Not necessarily about the end of our planet, but about drastic change in the world. This song still fits the criteria, however. A zombie apocalypse will change everything in our society. All of the fear in today’s culture (North Korea, anyone?), will be legitimized. Get ready.



 

The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash
This song IS about the end of our planet. Mr. Cash quotes the book of Genesis, Acts, Luke, John, Matthew and Revelations from the Holy Bible, along with his own prose to weave a story concerning Judgement Day. All of the signs pointed out could be used in an argument to let the public know that we have a major crisis happening.



 

Am I Demon by Danzig
In this song, Glen Danzig describes hordes of faces with empty eyes. The world is torn asunder and he questions if he is human, or beast, or just like you? We need everyone to be very careful in this outbreak and take note of your surroundings. Be careful of who you make contact with!



 

Now I’m Feeling Zombified by Alien Sex Fiend
Here is another song with descriptive medical terminology on signs of infections: haven’t slept in days, face is white, eyes turned grey, etc. Also, we should note the behavior of our hunger. Are we searching for food in dustbins? If we find a dead rat, do we think it’s a treat? If our hunger habits change we should consider what is the boundary between survival techniques and blood thirst of living things.



 

Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd
This is actually about Kristallnacht in 1938, when Nazi’s rampaged through many Jewish communities, destroying businesses and homes. It may seem extreme, but we can not express it another way: Run Like Hell! Run from this terrible threat. Do not try to fight and be brave. Save you self, while you can.



 

Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden
Yes, we have already spoken of another Iron Maiden song (The Trooper) mentioned in World War Z, but this one is fitting for the current Salt Lake City zombie infestation. If you can not make it to the southern safe haven of Camp Williams, then go east. Run towards the Wasatch Front and head up the hills. Since the outbreak continues in a southern direction, heading east into the mountains will give time. Maybe a lot: if they keep going, they might pass you completely!
 

 

 

 

War Pigs by Black Sabbath
The idea behind this song entails what we as a group, the War Pigs, is to the main proposal of your survival guide and thus has become a clear connection with something that is outlandish yet it has happen (historically) and what the flaming pig represents - disposable for mass causality. Although, this song has more of a political connection of using a flaming pig as a weapon to the masses, this song is also a great representation of government and communication through the use of media. This epic song by Black Sabbath is the inspiration for our task force name.