With everything that is going on in the country, there is one show that has the ability to unite us all, and that show is The Walking Dead. Now you’re probably wondering how a show about human zombies running rampant through the world could possibly bring all of us together, but by the time you finish reading this article, you will see why. Before I get into the reasons why The Walking Dead is essential American television, if you have not seen the show before, and you plan on watching it, this article will contain spoilers. If you want to avoid learning about any spoilers, well, the show has been on for seven years now so you’ve had plenty of time to start watching. Maybe this article will inspire you to start. Anyways, here are the four reasons why The Walking Dead will help America:

1. The Walking Dead brings people together of different backgrounds and ethnicities, that probably would have never been friends if not for the apocalypse. This is demonstrated by following the story of Rick Grimes (pictured below) and his friends which have become his family.

In The Walking Dead, Rick Grimes and his family are a diverse group of characters. A lot of them lived in different worlds before the apocalypse started. Characters like Daryl, Glenn, Michonne, Maggie, Sasha, and Rosita are just a few examples of the diversity within the group. And even though they have their differences, and they may argue at times, all of these issues are put aside, and they all work together to survive. However, here is the shocking part, they don’t just work together because they have to, they work together because they want to! They actually care about each other. These relationships are strong, and they are built on love, and America could learn a thing or two from this!

2. The Walking Dead can teach America a thing or two about relationships!

Here’s a quick question for you all: Who is Rick Grimes dating? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not the woman he’s holding (the woman he’s holding was actually married to Glenn). Yep, Rick is dating Michonne (the woman to the far left). Now, for some of you, this might have been a shocker, but I want to ask you one question, why was this surprising? Is it because it’s easier to picture Rick with Maggie (the woman he’s holding)? Is it hard for you to imagine Rick with Michonne? Well that is one great aspect about this show! Rather than judging a book by its cover, each character actually takes the time to get to know one another, which is what happened between Rick and Michonne. Just because someone might not be in the same social circle as you, or it seems like you have nothing in common, get to know them first, they might be good for you!

3. When injustice is happening in the world, do not just let it happen, do something to stop it!

For those of you that have not watched the show, you’re probably wondering why this man is grabbing Rick’s face. Well, that man’s name is Negan. Negan is a cruel dictator that wants to have control over everything, and when someone goes against him, he will either punish the person physically or he will do it mentally. For example, in the beginning of season 7, to punish Rick and his friends/family for going against him, he kills two of their members right in front of them (RIP Glenn and Abraham!). Not only that, but he puts Rick through so much mental abuse that he causes Rick and his group to surrender and cater to his every whim. It takes Rick about half the season to finally come to his senses and realize that Negan must be stopped, and when this happens, not only is Rick and his group ready to fight him, but they have also formed alliances with other groups throughout Virginia that want to put a stop to Negan’s abusive reign as well. This just goes to show you that when there is injustice going on in the world, don’t just sit there and let it happen, work together to put a stop to it. Of course in this case, it means fighting Negan, but in America it doesn’t mean fighting, maybe it means working together to form a peaceful protest.

4. Lastly, The Walking Dead teaches us to put our selfish desires aside, and instead, work together to create a better world for everyone.

What I really love about this show, is the selflessness shown by the main characters. In the first episode of season 8, Rick says to Daryl, “It’s not about me,” when addressing the fight with Negan. Rick makes it clear that he is not fighting for himself, but he is fighting for the future of humanity. This is why they are all fighting against Negan. They want to make the world a better place for future generations to come, and they are working together to do it. America, this is what we need to do. We need to put all of our minor differences aside and work together to make this country and this world a better place for future generations. We shouldn’t need a zombie apocalypse for us to have this realization, we should realize this right now.

Let’s use The Walking Dead as an example of how we should work together for the greater good! (Also, start watching the show if you do not).