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Originally Posted by Raellus
I understand the point that you're trying to make but, realistically, what are the chances of any of that happening here in the U.S. anytime soon? It's certainly possible, but is it really plausible?
I kind of get it. I kind of like the idea of a simpler life where modern "first world" problems like the daily 9-to-5 grind, and paying the bills, and taking the kids to little league are gone and everyday survival is the priority. There's a certain liberation that goes along with throwing off the shackles of civilization. That's why I play T2K. Some people, however, choose to create big scary boogiemen in their heads and then stockpile stuff for that inevitable day when the boogieman comes for them. What happens when they get tired of waiting? You remember the Sarin attacks in the Tokyo subway a decade or so ago? I think that most casual preppers approach it as a sort of fun hobby, but the ones that take it really seriously because they truly believe that the apocalypse is on its way soon, they're the ones that frighten me.
I've wondered about the appeal of doomsday prepping and I think it's an extreme form of escapism. People long for simpler times. Some people are really hoping that the government collapses and the power goes out. When it happens, they won't be common wage slaves anymore- they'll be free, independent, tough survivors, and everybody else will look at them with envy and admiration. It's a fantasy. For most, it's harmless. I worry about the people that decide to precipitate the apocalypse because they're tired of waiting around for it to happen.
As for zombies, I picked up Max Brooks' Zombie Survival Manual when it first came out, because it appealed to my sense of humor. I'll admit, after I read it, I would daydream about surviving in a zombie-infested world- it was all in fun. Ten years later, pop culture is lousy with zombies (books, movies, TV, video games). It's gotten silly. There are actually a not insubstantial number of people here in the U.S. that are preparing for a real zombie uprising. A couple of companies actually market and sell anti-zombie ammunition! Is this amusing or alarming? I think it depends. For those of us who have a firm grasp on reality, it's the former; considering those people who don't, it's the latter.
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All valued things that you say. The US really falling into anarchy like Iraq or Croatia? Maybe. I saw on the news this morning that 160,000 people in 10 states are asking for succession. Voter fraud is rampant. Fiscal cliff coming. To me, those area all valid concerns. If I can be prepared for them, at no major expense to myself, then great.
Other things like zombies, mayan calanders, colliding planets, are just time wasters. Have you seen the real information coming out of New York? The looting and fighting has been pretty bad. They've taken to stationing cops at gas stations. That is no where near the end of the world, but when hurricane Irene and Hurricane sandy came through where I live I just shrugged my shoulders and topped off the tanks in both vehicles. It was nice to be able to sleep through the rain with no fear of anything.