The Prepper Culture

[Glock19Fan]

I have been a firearm enthusiast for 12-15 years now and I am a collector as well. I have a variety of firearms that can fit a number of roles as well as several that I just wanted for no particular reason besides the collection aspect. I think its a great hobby and anyone responsible and mentally capable of participating would likely have a great time.

Anyway, with the recent trend in the "Prepper" mentality, the whole Doomsday series of television shows as well as the Zombie craze of the last few years I have noticed many former and new firearm owners taking on a different personality. I have even noticed my friends start to change their habits. It even seems like many are similar to the "characters" that I have seen on recent episodes of "Doomsday Preppers" (which I think that show is a joke). From what I have seen, many of these preppers have such an obsession that it effects their personal life as well as their family and friends.

I don't think there is anything wrong with being prepared for a certain event, but many of the people (at least in my area) seem to take it a bit far to the point where it makes the rest of us look bad. I was just wondering if anyone else noticed this and if you think it can cause a negative image for the rest of us?

 

[USAF_Vet]

The acts of the few, or the individual, should have no reflection on any demographic as a whole.

I quit watching Doomsday Prepper during the episode where the fat guys plan was to become a marauder. That was so stupid, it soured me on the show entirely. In any event, thee crap they put on TV is over the top by design. People who emulate what they see on TV, I can only feel sorry for them.

Does it make preppers look bad, maybe. Does it make gun owners look bad? Not really.

Who gets to say how far is too far?

 

[larryh1108]

I believe the TV shows take the most extreme examples of whatever they are
"featuring" for the show. I'm sure there are many levels of hoarders but the ones that make it to TV are outrageous, at best. If they put the more usual, or average, person on the show, it wouldn't be as "interesting". I find all the "reality" shows to be a waste of film and energy but I guess enough people watch them to keep them coming. I see it as another way that Americans are being dumbed down by what we see on TV.

 

[FinnComm]

I believe the TV shows take the most extreme examples of whatever they are "featuring" for the show.

Absolutely agree!

In years gone by (think pre-supermarket), most people kept a few spare cans in the cupboard, pickled surplus vegetables for the winter, and had a ready-filled storm lantern just in case of a power cut. Many people still do this and many newcomers are rediscovering the wisdom of doing it. Unfortunately these people would make pretty dull viewing for the reality-TV generation. Hence they find the extreme examples of this sensible way of life.

 

[Al Thompson]

Not seeing this one as on topic.