Dangerously close to prepper territory
Some of my interests and anxieties bring me dangerously close to prepper territory.
My major problem with a lot of prepping stuff is racism. Obviously. Other conspiracy theories. This tactical pseudo-military aspect. Almost like certain elements want this bad stuff to happen. If you are a prepper but not that kind of prepper you don't need to tell me not all preppers are like that. I know.
Then, after that, it's all just very serious. Takes itself very seriously.
You don't hear parents talking about their EDC. They definitely have them. Nor are tactical people talking to mums about their voluminous changing bags carrying everything for every eventuality. They definitely should be.
Camping brings one close to preppers. Looking for first aid stuff brings one close to preppers. Some gardening stuff, especially on the food preservation side, brings one close to preppers.
And I do believe in being prepared! Climate chaos brings unpredictable weather events: I need to be prepared for flooding especially. Water mains can burst: I have water stored. I used to live close to a petrol station and was aware a fire or such could mean we were evacuated. Or, you know, there might be a global pandemic where it's in everyone's best interests to leave the house as little as possible. This isn't big conspiracy stuff.
These things, plus an interest in sustainability, having several first aid kits, keeping emergency blankets in my rucksack, a penchant for torches... Yeah, dangerously close to prepper territory. It's not survivalism, it's just anxiety! I don't think I need to bug out and live in the woods; I'm scared of finding an old person collapsed in a field!
Also, I just want a bag with lots of compartments. To put washing up liquid, spare batteries, a loo roll, scissors, etc, when I go away self catering or camping. I'm either going to end up with something anglers use to keep bait, a hi-vis tradeperson toolbox, or a camo bug out bag.
I do love a big dumb action movie about natural disasters, it's true. But I do not like the zombie apocalypse alpha male individualistic stuff. I don't know what the name is but you know what I mean. I like a Station Eleven apocalypse. With Hamlet.
Unironically I'd absolutely be the first person to go down in this sort of situation. No doubt about it.