Is Amateur radio related to the "Prepper" Movement?

[KK4AMI]

My wife and I were watching the Today Show this morning. They did a show on the American Prepper Movement. Apparently it is a large group of people (over 3 million families) that believes in preparing for the end of the world as we know it.

Definition of a prepper:
Prepper (noun): An individual or group that prepares or makes preparations in advance of, or prior to, any change in normal circumstances or lifestyle without significant reliance on other persons (i.e., being self-reliant), or without substantial assistance from outside resources (govt., etc.) in order to minimize the effects of that change on their current lifestyle.

They build shelters, stock a year supply of food, turn their pools into stocked fish ponds and yes they wear gas masks

I laughed at that, but my wife asked "What are you laughing at?" "You have a Radio and Generator to practice for emergencies, a radio in your truck and we keep a chest freezer with about three months of food. "

[n2ize]

How can anyone prepare for the end of the world ?

[KK4AMI]

How can anyone prepare for the end of the world ?

Read the whole thing "end of the world as we know it!" Economic collapse, natural disaster, collapse of government or war. I hear an asteroid is coming danger close around 2040. Not worried about that one however. I'm more interested in how close I can get to 2040.

[KB3LAZ]

How can anyone prepare for the end of the world ?

By sleeping in a coffin.

[Jeff K1NSS]

How can anyone prepare for the end of the world ?

Well, it's more like prepositioning your End of the World Tailgate Party supplies.. I always gave the Unthinkable alot of thought. In fourth grade I volunteered for Atomic Window Duty. That wasn't the job descripton, but it involved either opening or closing the big classroom windows - I forget which - with one of those cool poles with the little hook on the end. When the air raid siren went off and everybody ducked and covered, I got to play the bigshot with the pole.Our windows looked out on the playground and I thought it was cool that I might see the swings melt when the Rooskies dropped the big one.

[N8YX]

Jump Teams are standing by. Please monitor 14275Khz for details.

[XE1/N5AL]

Jump Teams are standing by. Please monitor 14275Khz for details.

As long as we have the IARN and those new 60 meter exclusive EMCOMM channels, humanity still holds a candle of hope.

[KC2UGV]

I don't prep for the end of the world. I just am prepared. Knowledge is a bigger asset to have than material goods.

Example:

I locate close to running water. This way, I have a water supply.
I am familiar with the animals and fora of my area. This allows me to do "hunter gatherer" style living, should I have to.
I know how to make rudimentary weapons. This enables me to defend myself and home, as well as to hunt.

We have survived with nothing but spears and animal skins. Everything else is extra.

---EDIT---

I also know the key strategy in survival in a collapse of known civilization: As quickly as possible, get away from other people, and pick up stragglers along the way to build your new tribe. There is strength in numbers.

[KK4AMI]

I don't prep for the end of the world. I just am prepared. Knowledge is a bigger asset to have than material goods.

Example:

I locate close to running water. This way, I have a water supply.
I am familiar with the animals and fora of my area. This allows me to do "hunter gatherer" style living, should I have to.
I know how to make rudimentary weapons. This enables me to defend myself and home, as well as to hunt.

We have survived with nothing but spears and animal skins. Everything else is extra.

---EDIT---

I also know the key strategy in survival in a collapse of known civilization: As quickly as possible, get away from other people, and pick up stragglers along the way to build your new tribe. There is strength in numbers.

Thanks, I think you just made my wife's point.

[KC2UGV]

Thanks, I think you just made my wife's point.

Except, I don't do the whole "stocking up" thing. I stock up on knowledge, including situation awareness.