The Chernobyl indecent has always been the spookiest things to think about. I say spookiest rather than scary because the feeling wasn't just fear. There was something awe invoking about the thought of an abandoned nuclear plant teetering on the brink of meltdown with a crumbling sarcophagus being unable to contain the ensuing cataclism. Even the words are chilling... "sarcophagus", what a great word: A manmade shell to hold back the cascade of Pandora's Box.
As the years passed though, and the more I saw and read about the disaster, that feeling of acute doom dispersed. It still feels eerie watching footage of the disaster but, and if you can forgive the term, my feelings towards Chernobyl have mutated. I've became immersed in the story and the mystery, and place of north Ukraine have become very much a long term interest. And that's what this post is really about. We can get wrapped up in the romance of Chernobyl and nuclear fallout, as if it's just some cosplay for people to dress up for at the weekends, but real people are still suffering from all this, 25 years on. For me, the illustration above would have an extra picture included about Armageddon at the top but other than that it's a true personal reflection. That doesn't mean I feel bad about that though, but one does sometimes need to step back and think about the realities of life.
In the wake of the nuclear catasphorie in Fukashima, Japan, many pondered on the idea whether this was a new "Chernobyl". Some then continued to ponder if Fukushima would be the setting for a new STALKER game. People were disgusted at these thoughts, with the notion of it "being too soon" to mention anything about it. Here's the thing though, with nuclear fallout, even after a hundred years it will still probably "too soon" to use it for trivial entertainment purposes. STALKER has given many people new insights into the trials and tribulations of the people surrounding Chernobyl... as well as many hours entertainment blasting radioactive zombies in a virtual exclusion zone. It's all about balance.
A video of abandoned villages inside the exclusion zone. It's such a great setting for a gaming environment, even if full of tragedy.
4 comments:
I was in Belarus as part of a relief effort helping to build a new centre to help reintegrate disabled kids (as a direct result of the Chernobyl fallout) reintegrate into society. Very little can make me cry, but it was impossible not to bawl in privacy at what it was like for those children.
Chernobyl has always fascinated me anyway. I was born the year meltdown occurred and the disaster, legacy and tragedy encompassing it is wholly captivating.
Thanks for commenting candidly about your thoughts and experiences there.
I've never been and I actually just heard and learning of this terrible terrible disaster. You are right.. spooky is such a great term for the chills and heart ache that runs through your body and mind when reading about the events up till this day. Yet so inviting and such a seed has been planted in me to learn more.. thank you for your post!
Wonderful, I'm glad it provided some inspiration :)
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