5 Myths About Preppers
Ben Ryder 07.27.20
In this article we are going to explore 5 myths about preppers and why they are just not true.
First things first: not everyone is a huge fan of the term “prepper.” Sure, saying prepper is an easy way to describe someone who lives a self-sustaining lifestyle or has a vision for a future version of America that isn’t a utopia. The problem with “prepper” is that ever since the History Channel launched “Doomsday Preppers,” the term morphed into something used to shame those who would dare believe the world could turn into a dark place overnight.
Much like the current political climate, if your opinions don’t match the mainstream hive mind, you are forced to go it alone or risk your day in the court of public opinion. With all that said, I thought it would be good to clear the air on a few of the myths that surround the preparedness community.
Preppers are Crazy:
This one is probably the most widespread and the least true. To say that all preppers are crazy is similar to saying something along the lines of “all homesteaders are crazy.” The core of preparedness is very similar to homesteading lifestyle.
“What is homesteading,” you might be asking yourself? Well simply put, it’s a self-sufficient lifestyle.
A person who focuses on preparedness isn’t crazy, he or she is a planner. If you are preparing for the future, whether it be financially, in your career, your family, or even just for a trip, chances are you are going to spend a ton of time exploring the different possibilities of what could go right and wrong with your goals.
That’s exactly what preppers do, but with the goal of being able to sustain their lives and the lives of those around them with some semblance of normalcy and safety should our current way of life change.
Preppers Want the World to End:
This is just funny, but in a sad way. Anyone who has spent time pondering the world without law and order, organized police, modern medicine, mass food production, and last but not least electricity is not only terrified about the prospect of a SHTF situation but is most likely praying that it never happens. Only those who live under the mantra of “Western civilization could never collapse” would think that people are dreaming longingly of a Mad Max scenario.
Preppers Think They are Going to Rule a Post-Apocalyptic Wasteland:
Those who truly set out to prepare themselves and their families for any short- or long-term disasters are not looking to become warlords. Most survival experts and firearm trainers will tell you that the key to staying alive is avoiding dangerous situations if at all possible.
If you have ever gone through firearm training with anyone who actually knows what they are talking about, they will tell you that violence is the absolutely final step, it’s not something you should ever seek out.
The reason is simple — you never know who the other person you are squaring off against is, what their level of training is, or if they are on some type of substance that will allow them to continue their attack even if you draw a weapon to defend yourself. You also have no guarantee that drawing a firearm will go the way you planned, as in you can have it taken from you and used against you.
With all that said, most levelheaded people who are investing their time to be prepared will be seeking to secure their property and the safety of their loved ones, not embarking on a journey to become the dictator of their town.
Preppers are Going to be the Saviors of the Unprepared:
Preparedness-minded individuals are typically strategic about how they prepare. They spend time playing out scenarios in their minds of what could happen, how it will impact their family, and what they will need to make it through to the other side.
What preppers are not doing is also calculating the needs of every neighbor, second cousin, and guy they hung out with in high school. Those who do not prepare are quick to throw out the line “oh I know where I’m headed if things go bad” without realizing they will probably not find anything there for them.
There is only so much money, time, and storage space a prepared individual can devote to this cause, and unfortunately it does not include preparing for everyone. That is the Federal Government’s job, right? I kid, I kid.
Preppers are Extremists:
If the everyday person who buys his groceries a day at a time and never has more than 36 hours’ worth of food on hand truly knew the size and diversity of the preparedness community, he would be surprised to learn that the community is filled with people from all walks of life. Those who prepare are not just tin foil hat conspiracy theorists. The ranks of the prepared are filled with doctors, attorneys, successful businessmen, moms, dads, and everyday people you would not dream are thinking of disaster scenarios.
The reality is, preparedness is often times lived the same way as “Fight Club.” The first rule of preparedness is, you do not talk about preparedness.
The reason for this is twofold. First, as an everyday citizen concerned about keeping your family safe no matter the situation, you don’t need any added grief from friends and family who say you are crazy for preparing. Personally, I don’t much care about the opinions of others regarding what I do, but many people do and it’s not worth the hassle to them.
Second, you don’t need to broadcast that you have prepared because when people get desperate they are capable of anything, including going to a friend’s house to collect what they think they deserve. This goes back to the previous point of avoiding violence at all costs.
That’s About it.
So there you have it, 5 of the top myths that are spread about preppers and why I believe they are not true. Do you have a myth that drives you nuts about preppers? Let us know if the comments below and we’ll add it to our list.
