" I like zombie movies. I like ‘The Walking Dead;’ I like the metaphor of it, simply because when we go with the zombie concept – if you’re bitten by a zombie, you don’t transform into something else like a vampire or a werewolf or whatever. You become something that’s not you. "
- Marilyn Manson

In this quote, Marilyn Manson expresses his fondness for zombie movies, particularly "The Walking Dead." He notes that what he appreciates about these films is how they depict a transformation caused by a bite from a zombie. Unlike other horror tropes where being bitten might turn someone into a vampire or werewolf, zombies represent a complete loss of identity and humanity. Once infected, an individual no longer retains their original self.

On a deeper level, Manson's statement touches on themes of existential dread and societal decay. The idea that one can be completely consumed by something outside themselves, losing all sense of personal identity and morality, reflects broader anxieties about the fragility of human nature in the face of overwhelming forces. This metaphor also serves as a commentary on how people can lose their individuality within larger systems or cultural narratives, becoming mere shadows of what they once were. It highlights the fear that individuals might be stripped of their autonomy, becoming part of an undifferentiated mass driven solely by base instincts and desires.

Marilyn Manson is an American musician known for his provocative artistry and complex lyrical themes. His work often explores societal issues through dark, surreal imagery and commentary on cultural norms and personal identity. Known for his theatrical performances and controversial public statements, Manson has been a significant figure in the alternative music scene since the 1990s.