The Bunker – News without the nonsense Should you be prepping for the end of the world?
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Apr 11, 2025 
Robert E. Kirsch and Emily Ray, experts in doomsday prepping, delve into the fascinating phenomenon of people preparing for catastrophic events. They discuss the roots of this trend in American culture, exploring motivations from nostalgia for self-sufficiency to reactions against neoliberalism. The conversation touches on the psychological allure of survivalism, the transformation of homes into fortresses in today's political climate, and the importance of community resilience in facing societal challenges.
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Prepping as American Identity
- Doomsday prepping isn't a fringe activity, but a central aspect of American identity.
- It's rooted in self-sufficiency and distrust of state and community support.
Historical Roots of Prepping
- The Boy Scouts' motto, "Be Prepared," reflects the historical context of prepping, stemming from the loss of the agrarian frontier.
- War gardens and victory gardens further ingrained prepping into American culture.
The Allure of the Apocalypse
- Some preppers experience a conflicting mix of fear and longing for the end of the world.
- This desire stems from a nostalgic yearning for a chance to prove their self-sufficiency and mastery.
