Negative impressions of
preppers and their activities are hard to combat when misinformation leads to a
false perception of what it means to be prepared. In order to avoid
misconceptions and to better understand the true nature of prepping, an
understanding of the semantics involved will be necessary.
There’s an old saying that a
picture is worth a thousand words. This can also happen in an opposite manner
as well. A single
word can create a thousand images in the minds of misinformed people. Many
times this is due to the media showcasing extreme examples in an attempt to
secure higher ratings without regards to the damage that can be done or the
false perceptions that can occur as a result of their actions.
A thorough understanding of
the semantics involved may help you understand preppers and prepping. This
requires the terminology used to be defined along accepted guidelines. The
terminology can then be used to accurately portray the activity being
referenced.
Stockpiling
Stockpiling is a method used
to accumulate and maintain a reasonable supply of needed items with a known
value for future use should supply be disrupted. Stockpiling
helps maintain order. It insures that needed items will still be
available for use when required. These items are usually carefully acquired
with a specific purpose in mind and thoroughly maintained and upgraded on a
regular basis. This is an accurate description of the majority of preppers. It
also describes the activities of the government and many businesses that also
have stockpiles of various items.
Hoarding
Hoarding is a very
misunderstood word that has negative connotations for the majority of people.
Unfortunately, the majority of people don't know the actual meaning of hoarder. The actual meaning of hoarding comes from old English and quite
literally means “to hide treasure”.
In exploring this definition, the key word is treasure (aka, something with
great value). This is where extreme examples can create a very real
misconception of preppers and their activities. Should your stockpiles of food,
water, first aid items or other gear be considered valuable items? Of course
they should.
The misconception occurs when
things are taken to the extreme. Hoarders are most often viewed in terms of the
“media perspective” that showcases the extreme nature of hoarding by a very
limited element of our society. Extreme hoarding
creates disorder. This is normally associated with several specific
elements that apply only to extreme cases. In extreme cases, items may be
collected without regards to their value. The perceived values of these items
are not apparent to a reasonable person who associates value to items in a
meaningful way. Quite often these so called “valuable” items are "not hidden" but
are often left on display in plain sight and in a manner that shows no regard
for order or reason. When taken to extremes, hoarding is also very detrimental
to your health and safety.
Can a prepper be considered a
hoarder? If taken in the context of “hiding treasure”, you could very well be
considered a hoarder. Many times the way people perceive you is a justification
for their own actions. It is well known that there are many people out there
who openly admit they will just take what they want. This is simply a way for
them to justify this action when they seek to “redistribute” (aka, steal) your
preps. They can rationalize this action in their own minds because they perceive
preppers as hoarders, which automatically make preppers the “bad guys”.
When it comes to prepping,
let your conscience guide your actions. Normally the only people who will view
prepping in a negative sense are the ones who expect something for nothing or who expect someone else to provide it for them when something does go wrong.
Prepping is a lifestyle that should create order and serve a useful purpose.
Got preps (aka, “hidden
treasure”)? You betcha!
Staying above the water line!
Riverwalker
2 comments:
It's unfortunately that the people who so diligently stockpiled supplies for years and who probably wanted to spend their hard-earned money on new cars and shoes but choose to purchase food are labeled as hoarders. It's even worse when all those people who didn't stockpile anything will choose to redistribute your supplies for you!
To: milleniumfly
The entitlement mentality is pretty pervasive in our modern society and there are so many people who give little or no thought to their needs.
They simply believe someone else should provide for them.
Unfortunately, they may be in for a real surprise when something goes wrong.
Even the smallest of nature's creatures know the value of stockpiling in order to survive.
Thanks.
RW
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