Doomsday preppers, or survivalists, are people who believe in the collapse of society due to a catastrophic event and prepare accordingly. These events may range from natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to man-made catastrophes such as economic collapse or wars. The belief that society may eventually break down has led some individuals to take the matter of survival into their own hands.
What Drives Doomsday Preppers?
The motivations of doomsday preppers differ from person to person. Some argue that they are driven by fear while others believe it’s a way of life. One common theme among the prepper community is self-reliance – the belief that individuals should be able to fend for themselves in times of crisis, whether it be through growing their food, gathering resources or learning survival skills.
Another factor that drives doomsday preppers is their distrust in governments’ ability to handle catastrophic events. For example, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, many people were stranded for days without help from local authorities. This lack of support left many feeling helpless and vulnerable.
Preparing for Doomsday
Preparing for doomsday can be an extensive process that takes years of planning and investment. Many preppers choose rural areas that are removed from cities and towns where they can set up homesteads and live off-grid. They build underground bunkers or fortify homes with survival supplies such as food, water filters, and weapons to defend themselves against potential threats.
Others choose a less extreme approach by stockpiling food and other necessities they think will be crucial in times of crisis. Some even participate in activities such as hunting, fishing, gardening or learning skills like sewing or blacksmithing – all skills they feel will come in handy if there is a disaster.
Criticism Against Doomsday Prepping
Despite its growing popularity over the years, doomsday prepping has received criticism from some who argue that it’s an unproductive lifestyle that leads to paranoia and isolation. Others argue that it’s simply sensationalism in an attempt to stay relevant in a world where nothing catastrophic has happened yet.
Although the likelihood of society collapsing is slim, some might argue that prepping is not about predicting the future but rather being prepared for any eventuality. As Luke Mitchell, a reporter for The Atlantic, put it, “preppers are a diverse group of people, each with their own reasons for preparing and doing what they do.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, doomsday preppers may appear paranoid or extreme to some people, but the fact remains that the world is unpredictable, and society could collapse at any time. It’s essential to have a plan and be ready for anything that comes our way.
Like any other lifestyle choice or belief system – from veganism to religion – there are those who will agree with the practice while others won’t. However, regardless of one’s stance on doomsday prepping, it’s hard to deny its increasingly mainstream appeal.