People have been preparing and surviving for thousands of years only they did not put a NAME on it like you see in the mass media now.
They did this in this country and worldwide.
Like one man (?) says on here, "Labels are for cans."
He was right.
Why some people think this is some NEW IDEA because it is in pop culture is beyond me?! Geez Louise.
Geesh - like it is some NEW thing to be prepared in their life? Yes, some people are 'dense' and do not THINK or plan ahead but I do not think that ALL people are like that. Many people plan ahead and they come in all classes financially.
People who use their brains and common sense have prepared for all kinds of things in peace and in war time. In all kinds of weather and financial circumstances. They come from ALL parts of the country too. North, south, east and west. They come in fly over country too! They come in all flavors! They are city folks, country folks, suburban folks, small towns, you name it. They come in all ages too. Some were taught by their parents/mentors and some were self taught.
A lot of these 'prepared people' who used their brains, common sense, hard work and money are not posting on forums or shouting from their rooftops, "Look at me and look what I did to prepare!"
Some people have survived situations and they LOST it all due to a world war, a civil war, a depression, becoming a refugee, an orphan and/or whatever... sigh. Sometimes those people managed to survive better using their skills, brain power and common sense than what some guy/gal could do with a basement full of supplies and tons more!
Your mileage may vary.
You prepare as best as you can and you survive. However, S!!! can still happen in life and no matter how well you prepare for horrific situations... bad stuff can still happen to good people. So you DEAL with that too. You survive or you do not!
When my late husband was dying of cancer... he used to say a few lines in various ways. S_t happens in war and S-t happens in life - DEAL WITH IT!
Your mileage may vary.
Peace.
Catherine