Sunday, January 29, 2012

DOOMSDAY Preppers



By Reginald Kaigler (DEMCAD)

I watched a preview for National Geographics' new documentary series "Doomsday Preppers" and I couldn't help by wonder what most people are going to think of the prepper community after seeing this goofy show. Am I the only one who thinks that the preview makes preppers look at a bunch of wackos?

First of all, the title implies that preppers are nutjobs waiting for the end of the world. Second, they had the REM song "It's the End of the World as We Know It" as one guy admits that the extent of his preps are "insane." Third, the show sends the wrong message. Now maybe that guy was taken out of context, but most people won't see the actual show, they'll just see the preview featuring an array of eccentric characters looking silly.

Let's be honest, this series is a reality TV show. And like all reality TV shows, it focuses on the most eccentric and extreme. TV networks want entertainment value, which doesn't always translate into a sensible portrayal of a group. I understand that National Geographic is trying to tap into a social phenomenon, but showing a bunch of preppers in gas masks and tactical gear is not in the prepper community's best interest. This show will make most causal viewers laugh and look at preparing for an emergency as a trait of a strange individual.

I don't know why the participants joined this show, but I respect their efforts to prepare for emergencies. They are more advanced in their prepping than I am. I think the problem is that show will likely turn more people off to prepping than encourage them. In a country where the masses are willing to support two corrupt political parties would betray the citizens and offer nothing but an array of empty personalities, perception is very important.

If we want to encourage more Americans to prepare, we need to speak from a place where we can be taken seriously. There's nothing wrong with running emergency drills with your family, but is that the first image you want non-preppers to see?

Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but Fox Cable Networks owns 75% of National Geographic, so I think we have to be very mindful who controls the images that are put forth to represent us. The mainstream media rarely presents things in a manner that makes preppers, gun owners and survivalist look good.

In the preview below, there's a point where a friendly middle-aged woman raises her glass for a toast. The guest raise their drinks and she says, "Here's to the end of the world!" I'm sure it was taken out of context and she maybe have been kidding, but that's the point. If you want the preview, you get a presentation that makes preppers look crazy.



Why did Fox insist on adding the word DOOMSDAY to "Preppers"? Most preppers aren't preparing for doomsday, they are doing what squirrels and other animals do naturally. They simply prepare for a time when resources are harder to find. It's common sense.

It's not just what you do, it's how you do it.

I'm going to leave you with two links to a classic episode of "The Cosby Show." In nine minutes you'll see a great example of bad presentation and some wise words from Clif.
Part 1
Part 2

But maybe I'm wrong about "Doomsday Preppers". Maybe the good will help a lot of people and if that is the case and I would very pleased. What do you think about the preview?

8 comments:

  1. Reginald: I would agree with you, I think that the series "Doomsday Preppers" has and will continue to portray ALL preppers as crazy! Me myself know im a little crazy LOL. I dont think all preppers go to the extreme as portrayed, but most do in their own way. I only wish they would have called it something other then Doomsday! I myself am prepping for the economic collapse that we all know is coming, I even have slowed down on posting videos to youtube to focus more on family and community to better prepare for the inevitable!

    ohioalone.

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  2. I hope it backfires on them and makes the viewers around the states a lot more aware of what could happen in this country they live in. i will tune in for the overall ideas these preppers have. im also trying to prep but i live in the urban area of new york so i have to change my strategy accordingly.

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  4. For what it's worth, I never would have dreamed of prepping until I saw the promo episode of Doomsday Preppers a few months ago. I guess it did backfire somewhat! I am now prepping for harder times ahead. My dream is that this is all a waste of time but better safe than sorry.

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  5. Perhaps someone will watch this show and realize how vulnerable they really are in today's world? NatGeo is approaching this subject for the wow factor...showcasing what they consider to be 'survivalist freaks'. And that's understandable, from their point of view. That's how you get ratings. But if this show spurs some folks into thinking about getting themselves better prepared? I say why not? People have been making fun of us for preppers for years. When we all know deep down that these very same people will rue the day that they mocked us. When they experience the sheer terror that comes when you're faced with a disaster, and all of your cupboards are bare. And there isn't any more 'running to the corner market' for supplies. We should pity them...for they are like the unwise virgins who neglected to fill their lamps with oil.

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  6. >Silliness sells on Television. For the average person to get on television, they have to act silly. Someone NOT knowing about professional sports could watch one football game & think ALL sports fans were 'cheese heads' & wore foam-rubber replicas of cheese-wedges all the time.
    Television presents> Doomsday prepping in the same way. BUT, the truth may seep into the brain of an intelligent person & they may realize; it is time to get some preps. Most people are aware that things are going downhill fast in the USA & the world.

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  7. I knew this was gonna happen. I got word about some DDP got his weapons confiscated because of his ego to be on a show. I have to call out on these "Showboat Preppers" who make videos about their weapons and stash of food in the background or heaps of precious metals on YouTube. Real Preppers keep to themselves and don't show off. Should the SHTF occur, people other than Law Enforcement will know where they are and take their stash for themselves. I know that some Preppers are sharing information out of their good hearts, but they need to use more of their brains! TRUST NO ONE! Prep for that!

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