"Danger Word"

"Danger Word" by Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due is a short story which describes the difference between zombies and humans. The thing that made me think the most is the effect of the "danger word" which we learn in the end is "breakfast." Kendrick and Grandpa Joe made the danger word and this danger word is a way to identify each other for safety. This danger word is also the foundation of their trust when it comes to the zombie invasion because Kendrick is able to identify that Grandpa Joe hasn't become a monster as well. What is surprising to me is that in the end after Grandpa Joe has been bitten, he says the danger word which we get a sense is to lure Kendrick in by making him believe that Grandpa Joe is still human. I think that with this danger word, we are able to see how zombies and humans think different. When Grandpa Joe was human, the danger word was a symbolism that they were still fine and that they were still safe. When he became a zombie and said the word we learn his new intentions for the word and how becoming a zombie alters your mental sanity and self-awareness. Although I never really liked zombie movies/books because they seemed too fake, I really enjoyed reading "Danger Word" because it reminded me a little of a post-apocalyptic world similar to the one in "The Road." Overall, this story was a good read because we are able to see the elements which separate zombies and humans. We are also able to see the different views of the characters and what they are thinking which makes the story a little more realistic.