Bug-Out, Survivalist, etc...

D

DFW_Dave

Joined
Jan 7, 2006
Messages
72
I believe bug-out, survivalist, etc.. are probably not the best terms, due to the negative stigma attached, for what I would call: ‘Personal Emergency Planning’. Be it for a hunting trip, back packing or the home.

'Bug-out' is simply your personal emergency evacuation plan. On the lowest level it's planning ahead with you and your family on how to get out of the house in the case of a fire, and where to rendezvous so that everyone can be accounted for. On a larger scale it's simply planning various evacuation plans should the need arise to abandon the home for some unforeseen reason.

'Survivalist' is probably somewhat misleading for simply planning and preparing to be self reliant to varying degrees. That encompasses food, shelter and protection at the basest level.

Overall I think that these forums are helpful because few of those here are professionals in emergency planning although many of us have hobbies such as back packing, hunting, fishing, etc, that utilize skills that are beneficial to emergency situations. Plus, some here have occupations that utilize skills that would be needed in a emergency situation, such as: Law Enforcement Officer, Fire Fighter, Farmer, Radio Operator, Electronics Repair, etc... We cannot do it all but this forum provides a place for people to pool their knowledge.

Just my .o2... I feel like if I mention being prepared I get lumped in with the nuts... rather than just being... well, being prepared.
 
I agree with what you said, DFW_Dave. I've read the phrase "preparedness-minded" throughout the 'net as a more accurate descriptor for what we do. It's just a little unwieldly in everday conversation and somewhat limited in its scope, anyways. So, we need to come up with a new title for ourselves :)
 
survivalists apparently used to be known interchangably as survivalists and retreaters in the 60's/70's.
But I believe the cold war and more public awarness about how fragile society truly is, not to mention many "true" survivalist who stockple arms and food for the coming war with their government, as well as the media has latched on to the more newsworthy title, has caused retreater to go the way of the dodo, somewhat ironically.

Retreater is much better then survivalist IMO, but there must be something even better then that out there. It sort of implies that we are running away, though I believe the term was meant to mean making your way to a wilderness "retreat"

I believe "preparing" or "equipping" are both good alternatives.
 
There was a "Survivalist " movement in the early 80's. That is when American Survival Guide Magazine got started up. It was mostly about being prepared, best knives under $40, water storage and the like.
Not too long afterward was a surge in reports about "Surivival Groups" , as the media put it, they really did a disgrace to the honest survival movement, as we learned these "Survival Groups" were more like the Aryan Nation and American Nazi's (from hell). There were also some para-military groups running around in Camo and doing end-of-the-world style para-military training.
So the public's image of "survivalists" ended up being Paramilitary Nazi's wearing camo. That is why people are concerned with what to call it or how to refer to it.

I'm not much for Political Correctness, so I think we should call it whatever is easiest. I couldn't be bothered with what the Sheeple think. They think the govenment is going to take care of them.
 
Even if the government wanted to, there is very little they can do to help people in the event of a major disaster. Katrina should have been a wake up call to people, but somehow I doubt it has.

Survivalist is really how I would define myself in one word, if I had to, but its not really that important. Mostly because when I get the opprotunity to put my skills to real use noone else will be in a position to care either
 
Never give in to the PC crowd , do not let them win.
IMO there is nothing wrong with the term "survivalist" unless one is afraid of possible reality.

My buddy Matt is dead set that there is no reason to preapre for anything since in all probability him and his family will not survive , with that mindset he is a goner (sad but , you can lead a horse to water......)
 
Survivalist is what we all are every day. I survive the drive to work and back, I survive working for a dumba$$ and I survived living with my X far to long....
This is what it means to be human, it is why we have risen to the top of the heap. Not saying we're at the top of the food chain, but we've all but wiped out many species already. The only reason some things are still alive is that we caught it time and let them come back.
Cold as it might seem, Darwinism is hard at work, but not as effective as it could be. I realize my family has not been hit with disaster and it may be easier for me to say, but then we all seem to be as ready as we can be for such events. The human animal is the most ruthless critter to roam the earth yet and will be our undoing.
 
For everyday conversation, I think the word "survivor" might be more sheeple friendly than "survivalist", which has overtones of right-wing paramilitary groups. Regular people everyday use the expression "I'm a survivor" when talking about bad romantic relationships, bad family relationships, business deals gone sour, bankruptcy, chronic diseases, etc.

So if somebody asks me what I would do if the SHTF, I would say "I'm a survivor, I plan to get through it." If they want details, I'll explain to them about reserving supplies of water, food, clothing, medicine, alternative heat sources...leaving out, of course, some of my more alarming "reserves."

But as far as this forum is concerned, I don't see any reason to change the name. It's perfectly legitimate and besides, who reads this besides us?
 
Use the correct term; Survivalist - it is good for the sheeple and PC crowd to be frighened or made uncomfortable. They do not care if they offend you. They care nothing for your rights. They want you to be legislated to be like them. Why be afraid to make them uncomfortable?
The world is a hard place- don't give in to those that want to make believe that it isn't.
Enjoy!
 
Since 9-11 it isn't such a foriegn idea, then add Katrina and the Florida trio-of-storms and i don't think many people will look twice if you use the term.
The public awareness is higher than it has ever been, and even the local news advises people to have supplies on hand.

When explaining it to any half-wit (nice, educated , but ill-informed) i use the BoyScout motto as an example: "Be Prepared"
It kinda sez it all, and is probably where I got the idea that I can fend for myself in many cases.
 
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