4 ms·

What exactly are “preppers” prepping for?

4 points by okket 8y ago

LinuxBender 8y ago
Let's flip that on its head. Why are people not prepping for emergencies? Who do you think is going to save or feed you?
Quequau 8y ago
The thing that always bothered me about preppers is that our species already developed a really good defence against many causes of untimely death... we call it "Society" or "Community"... and so many preppers are not only anti-social but it seems like they're dead set against allowing anyone else to maintain such things.
- tlb 8y ago
  Our household is prepared for natural disasters with stores of food, water, first aid, and emergency shelter. It benefits the whole community when people are prepared: they're less likely to be a drain on resources that other people need, and are more likely to be able to help others and rebuild. I haven't met a prepper who wants other people not to be prepared. Whom are you thinking of?
jonhendry18 8y ago
Black people.
jgowdy 8y ago
Remember how government agencies and people would literally advise everyone to have an emergency plan, first aid kits, flashlights, and other preparedness? It was considered wise and rational to be prepared for disasters. Yet today some people (seemingly largely on the left, although I'm on the left and I don't share this) seem to take pride in their reliance on society to continue to function no matter what happens. They look at those who have different opinions as to the level of preparedness one should have, and what types of situations one should prepare for, with contempt. Does that really make sense? The future is uncertain. Many people on the left believe in climate change. We talk about how climate change is a serious and potentially existential threat. It could lead to unexpected disastrous storms like Katrina. In theory someone who practices the most "crazy" form of prepping could have been better prepared for that situation than someone who simply relied on "society" which definitely let everyone down in Katrina and cost many people their lives. Are there people who overdo prepping? In my personal opinion, yes. But they don't need my approval, and I'm not taking responsibility for their safety and security if something horrible happens. What right do I or anyone else have to tell them they're doing something wrong by being what I consider over-prepared? How can we be of the perspective of live and let live for so many lifestyles and activities, but then act like these people are contemptible fools for having different opinions about likelihoods of disasters?

4 points by okket 8y ago

Let's flip that on its head. Why are people not prepping for emergencies? Who do you think is going to save or feed you?

Quequau 8y ago

The thing that always bothered me about preppers is that our species already developed a really good defence against many causes of untimely death... we call it "Society" or "Community"... and so many preppers are not only anti-social but it seems like they're dead set against allowing anyone else to maintain such things.

tlb 8y ago
Our household is prepared for natural disasters with stores of food, water, first aid, and emergency shelter. It benefits the whole community when people are prepared: they're less likely to be a drain on resources that other people need, and are more likely to be able to help others and rebuild. I haven't met a prepper who wants other people not to be prepared. Whom are you thinking of?

jonhendry18 8y ago

Black people.

jgowdy 8y ago

Remember how government agencies and people would literally advise everyone to have an emergency plan, first aid kits, flashlights, and other preparedness? It was considered wise and rational to be prepared for disasters. Yet today some people (seemingly largely on the left, although I'm on the left and I don't share this) seem to take pride in their reliance on society to continue to function no matter what happens. They look at those who have different opinions as to the level of preparedness one should have, and what types of situations one should prepare for, with contempt. Does that really make sense? The future is uncertain. Many people on the left believe in climate change. We talk about how climate change is a serious and potentially existential threat. It could lead to unexpected disastrous storms like Katrina. In theory someone who practices the most "crazy" form of prepping could have been better prepared for that situation than someone who simply relied on "society" which definitely let everyone down in Katrina and cost many people their lives. Are there people who overdo prepping? In my personal opinion, yes. But they don't need my approval, and I'm not taking responsibility for their safety and security if something horrible happens. What right do I or anyone else have to tell them they're doing something wrong by being what I consider over-prepared? How can we be of the perspective of live and let live for so many lifestyles and activities, but then act like these people are contemptible fools for having different opinions about likelihoods of disasters?