Dead Fred and the Commercial Appeal of Death

Dead Fred Appeals to the Unappealing in You

Ready to work out some murderous aggression? Loathe the kids still coming to your door for Halloween trick or treating? Wondering about your dead ancestor? If so, you might want to throw in your lot with all those who have lined up behind the Dead Fred name for some relief.

$2,650 Dead Fred Zombie Chaser

Dead Fred is a gory, robotic zombie that operates via remote control. Much like the supermarket devices it will moan and groan, but unlike the former, it will actually give chase to unsuspecting trick or treaters who dare to come to your door. It is a bit like Scary Hary, but has more umph.

$12 Dead Fred Pen Holder

The Dead Fred pen holder is a lot easier on the budget, but no less murderous. It is a pen holder in the form of a human figure. The pen is the stake through the figure's heart. The same company that manufactures the Dead Fred pen holder also claims the Splat Stan coaster, the Avenging Unicorn play set, Hanging Harry, and the Ex Voodoo Knife Set. (The latter sells for $100.)

Dead Fred Genealogy Search Site

Dead Fred is also the name for a genealogy search site where those looking for ancestors may spend some time uploading and searching for photos of the dear departed.

The Obsession with the Unsavory

With the exception of genealogy at the DeadFred.com website, there is something distinctly unsavory in the Dead Fred news of today. It points to a somewhat lighthearted and irreverent treatment of the dead, death itself, and even seeks to capitalize on the would-be disgruntled worker who needs to let off some steam.

Historically speaking, the preoccupation with death and dying is not new. Take for example Victorian mourning jewelry that frequently contained the hair of the dear departed. Today, however, this kind of jewelry is for sale to the highest bidder via Teardrop Memories. The same is true for antique photos of the dead.

Changing in treatment from the tasteful to the in-your-face gory, Halloween this year is bound to become once again a celebration of the undead, blood, guts, gore, and the unappealing in all of us. Are you ready to participate with a Dead Fred of your choice?