As I’ve stated on my FAQ page, “As you venture into the prepping world, you will find many videos, reels, and blogs on preparedness that may contain controversial opinions, religious and political slants, conspiracy theories, and gatekeeping.” This is because extremism does exist in the prepping lifestyle.
Emergency preparedness has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it should. With concerns about natural disasters, economic downturns, and even societal disruptions, it’s my goal to help people on a path to preparedness. I’ve made it a point to keep all my content neutral and inclusive.
What is Prepping?
Prepping is about being self-sufficient and capable of handling unexpected challenges. This can include having a stockpile of food and water, medical supplies, communication devices, weapons, personal essential items, etc. It also involves learning skills like first aid, gardening, and basic survival techniques.
When Prepping Turns Extreme
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell a prepping video from one showing anti-government militia members, and occasionally they are the same. Some are on the extreme ends of the political spectrum or very drenched in a particular religious ideology. Their statements, props, and some veiled yet emotionally charged language make it clear that they intend to speak to a particular audience. If you run into enough of this content in succession, it may put you off prepping altogether.
But not all Preppers fall into this category, and what you find extreme may be bearable for someone else. Still, it’s clear that prepping can veer into extremism when it’s driven by fear, paranoia, or a belief in an impending societal collapse that implies exclusionary actions when “rebuilding.” Here are some signs that prepping might be crossing the line:
- Isolation and Conspiracy Theories: Excessive focus on conspiracy theories and a belief that the government is out to harm you. (note the italics)
- Hoarding, not Stockpiling: As I mentioned in a previous blog, your goal is to stockpile, not hoard. Hoarding is accumulating supplies more to ensure others can’t get any than to increase or replace the amount already owned.
- Survivalist Mentality: Self-defense is very important as a prepper, but when it becomes violence without an actual threat and veering into excessive paranoia, it’s extremism.
- Hateful Ideology: Incorporating racist, sexist, or other discriminatory beliefs into one’s prepping plans.
The Dangers of Extremism
Prepping based on fear and paranoia can have negative consequences:
- Mental Health Issues: Excessive worry and anxiety can lead to mental health problems.
- Strained Relationships: Alienation from family and friends due to obsessive prepping behavior.
- Financial Burden: The cost of stockpiling supplies can become overwhelming.
- Legal Issues: In some cases, extreme prepping activities can lead to legal trouble.
Responsible Prepping
It’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective when prepping. Focus on practical steps to enhance your preparedness without compromising your mental health or relationships. Here are some tips:
- Assess Your Needs: Determine your specific needs based on your location and circumstances.
- Start Small: Begin with basic supplies and gradually expand as your budget allows.
- Educate Yourself: Learn essential skills like first aid, CPR, and fire safety.
- Build a Support Network: Connect with other preppers for information and support. Like any undertaking, find the people and online groups you feel comfortable with and can communicate with in a way that doesn’t make you angry, uncomfortable, or indicates that you must act or behave in a way that is harmful to others outside of self-defense.
- Maintain Perspective: Avoid excessive fear-mongering and focus on building resilience.
Prepping aims to increase your ability to cope with emergencies, not live in constant fear. By maintaining a rational approach, you can be well-prepared without sacrificing your quality of life. When you find content presented in a way you find extreme or turns you off overall, take what resonates and leave the rest.
Most preppers are kind people from all walks of life who are willing to share their knowledge with everyone. Even for the ones that aren’t, practice not letting the rhetoric steer you away if it’s a topic with information that will benefit you. Remember, these people exist, and it’s good to know what they’re thinking and what they’re up to because that also helps with your situational awareness.
Beyond Prepper Culture as Right-wing Extremism NOTE: This is a PDF file
