“World War Z” is not a science-fiction concept to some Americans: 14% of Americans believe there is at least a small chance of a zombie apocalypse actually happening according to the YouGov Omnibus survey taken May 15 through 17, 2013.
To many people, the zombies are already here: nearly half the US population (45%) believes that our politicians are the closest things we have to zombies right now. 30% of Americans believe reality TV stars are the closest thing to zombies, followed by investment bankers (17%) and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies (14%).
After a few seasons of watching “The Walking Dead,” people aren’t afraid of them either: 40% of respondents said that if there was a zombie apocalypse, they would pick up a weapon and fight back, overshadowing those who would board up their homes and wait it out (12%) or hide in a shelter (9%).
If anybody could clear up a zombie apocalypse, it seems it would be vampires: 43% of Americans believe vampires would beat zombies in a war, while only 18% thought zombies would be the victors.
One out of five Americans (19%) said that if they became a zombie, their first meal would be their local congressman or congresswoman, a more far more appetizing choice than their ex (9%) or their boss (5%).
As for why there would be a zombie apocalypse in the first place, it’s a close choice between “A scientific experiment gone awry that turns humans into zombie-like creatures” (19%) and “The spread of a parasite that turns its victims into zombie-like creatures” (17%). Least popular reasons: “A toxic chemical spills into the ground and causes the dead to rise” (8%), “There is no room in hell, so the dead have to roam the Earth” (4%), and “The dead have nothing better to do than rise and attack” (3%).
Which of the following, if any, do you think are the closest things we have to zombies now?
For further information about poll results, and for details about methodology and Omnibus services, please email omnibus.us@yougov.com.
