Research Question 2

[rebelsaint]

Hey again, this is Stephen Roberts. I'm an undergrad researcher in Anthropology from the University of North Texas. I'm doing a research project on survivalists. (The first research question/discussion is posted as well, but I can't link to it because I haven't made 15 posts yet).

I appreciate everyone telling me what's most important about survivalism. It not only helps my project, it also tells me what I should focus on to develop skills for my own survival.

The focus of my research project is on stigma management. So for my second question(s):

What kinds of stereotypes are there for survivalists? How do you deal with being stereotyped?

Thanks again for your help. As a reminder, any answers provided may be used in my project but all names/usernames will be entirely confidential. Nothing will be used that could identify you. Also, you may feel free to ask me any questions you like.

[Skyowl's Wife]

What kinds of stereotypes are there for survivalists? How do you deal with being stereotyped?

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn, so I don't have to "deal" with it.

[IronHorse]

What stereotypes? : )

[B]What kinds of stereotypes are there for survivalists? How do you deal with being stereotyped?

I don't advertise to all my neighbors that I am stockpiling food and Ammo. That will make them come to me for help after its too late. ;) As for my friends and family. I don't go into great detail as to my personal preparation but I do suggest they do so. So far they have all been accepting and several have started preparing themselves. (My best friend created a large garden and started canning shortly after I spoke with him). I am not a huge talker/political conversationalist but most of my co-workers and friends are in the same mindset as myself. No persecutions here. Good luck on your own preparations.

[rebelsaint]

Thanks for your responses.

[waitnc]

Stephen,

How about writing what most want to hear? That we are bearded unkept and ex felons
and the like our woman are mainly ex biker chicks needing a place to crash. That's what your educators would gladly except.

[Centurion]

I agree with you Waitnc, Stephen just a couple of questions for you. Just about all Universitys dont begin there fall semesters until Mid to late August so whats with the Research? Why do we need to be studied? I understand that you need a neat subject in order to get a good grade but perhaps a subject like "ethics in Gov't" or economics 101 maintaining a budget would help. Or better yet "how is it possible that students are able to get gov't loans in the thousands and earn degrees that there are no jobs for".

[rebelsaint]

I agree with you Waitnc, Stephen just a couple of questions for you. Just about all Universitys dont begin there fall semesters until Mid to late August so whats with the Research?

It's a summer program called the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU).

Why do we need to be studied?

My hope was to describe survivalist culture and address stigma in a fashion that helped promote an insider perspective. I seek to help alleviate stigma and stereotyping by portraying survival and preparation practices as a rational response to mainstream culture. That's what I believe them to be.

That and survivalism is interesting to me and I wanted to learn about it anyway.

[TheLastMountainMan]

The term survivalist is a stereotype in itself, we are not preparing to just survive, we are preparing to "live" also. Enjoy life, not just surviving. I've been taught preping all my life, growing up in Northern Michigan, we kept our pantries, freezers, fuel, ect ect full because you may never know when the money runs out or if a big snow storm hits, or what ever. So were we terrorist, or freaks, no we just prepared for the worst hoped for the best. You buy insurance for your home, car, and health, but you don't expect to crash your car, or burn down your home, or get sick. You just prepare incase. Thats what we do.

[lady_banjo]

Mmmm how do I deal with the stereotypes? I try to let my values and actions speak for themselves, but will talk with those whose opinions I care about to help change their perspectives. For the most part though, most people to whom I mention preparedness just think I'm strange. I don't talk about it much anymore outside of family and close friends. One acquaintance mentioned how they were totally unprepared when the big power outage occurred years ago, but haven't changed anything as a result. How stupid can you be? I'm sure their view of the 'survivalists' will change when the SHTF.