Word of the day

Survivalism


Here is the WIKIPEDIA definition.

Excerpt:

Survivalism is a commonly used term for the subculture or movement of people anticipate and make preparations for a future disruption in local, regional or worldwide social or political order. Survivalists often prepare for this anticipated disruption by learning skills (e.g., emergency medical training), stockpiling food and water, or building structures that will help them to survive (e.g., an underground shelter). The specific preparations made by survivalists depend on the nature of the anticipated disruption, some of the most commonly anticipated being:

Natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, and severe thunderstorms
A disaster brought about by the activities of mankind: chemical spills, release of radioactive materials, war.
General collapse of society, resulting from the unavailability of electricity, fuel, food, and water.
Widespread chaos, or some other unexplained apocalyptic event.

Living in the south one is acutely aware of this thought process. But I would hate to just focus on my region of the country because it is prevalent among the religious, atheists, liberals and conservatives. You can see this thinking among global warming disciples who have accepted Al Gore into their heart and made him their savior. Now I care about the environment very much and agree something has to be done about global warming. But the fear mongering and absurd exaggeration is nauseating and silly. Now to the south. Since I live in the south I have been exposed to that apocalyptic gleam in the eyes of my fellow citizens when disaster is in the air. Y2K was one manifestation of this. But I think the ultimate thrill seekers look towards "Islamo-Fascists". No one can dissuade me that some of my countrymen look forward to terror and the threat of terror. Many people have alot of ammo in their homes and want a reason to use it. What is more thrilling than an invasion of "Islamo-fascists" lumbering like zombies towards ones home and they unload shotgun shells at the approaching menace?

I think the main reason for survivalism is that people have alot of time on their hands. Relative to the past, Americans are living in luxury. And luxury breeds free time, which breeds paranoia.