I was sitting here talking with some friends and telling them about my plans for the weekend. (I'm going camping with the bare essentials) and they all laughed and asked if I was some sort of "survivalist". That's when I started thinking about the difference between a "survivor" and a "survivalist". Now remember, this is my opinion and not fact, or documented anywhere as being the true difference.
To me, a survivalist is somebody that will go to the local sporting goods store, buy a pre-made 72 hour "survival" kit, a dynamo radio, a case of MRE's, water pouches, and a compass and call themselves prepared. He/she will read a book or two on edible plants, MAYBE a survival guide but skim through it and look at the pictures of the shelters and animal tracks and then go on some internet forum and argue with the world on how they are the experts. These so called survivalist will store their MRE's, keep the 72 hour kit in the trunk of their Prius, and probably lose the compass on their way home. BUT DON'T WORRY, THEY ARE PREPARED!!!! Prepared for what? Let's pretend for a second. This "survivalist" couple just found themselves neck deep in water because the levy broke and their town is now underwater. Where is their 72 hour survival kit? Oh that's right; it's in the trunk of the car that floated away during the night. The compass? Who knows where that thing went. (Who knew how to use it anyways?) Well, atleast they have the MRE's. The two of them are used to eating three meals a day, with their small snack in between meals, so that case of twelve meals will last them a WHOPPING 2 days. Now for the best part. Remember the book they read about edible plants? Well, they have to go scuba diving for them now. Good thing the American Red Cross is on their way to give these survivalist shelter, food, water, and warm blankets.
Now for the survivor. This is somebody who will buy certain items that he/she feels they will use in a disaster/emergency situation. They will go camping with this stuff to try it out, test it, see if it's actually a common sense thing to carry along. Once they determine that this piece of equipment is useful or a waste of time, they will either add it to their "kit" or sell it to a "survivalist". A survivor spends a lot of time researching books, the internet, tv, and even attend some seminars. A survivor will do whatever he or she deems necessary to have the knowledge to survive in any situation. They will test not only their equipment, but also themselves to see where their limits are, and how far they can be pushed. Yes, a survivor will also buy MRE's and compasses, but they will know how to pack them and use them. Not just own them because their neighbors told them it would be a good idea to have them around. Am I a survivor? Yes. Do I test my equipment and myself? Yes. Should you? Yes. Just remember, prepare now, and live to see tomorrow.
PS. If you were at all offended by this post, maybe you should take a look at what catagory you fall under. If you fall under the "survivalist" catagory, please do everything you can to get out of this catagory. Read more, watch more, learn more, and for goodness sakes, get out and practice more. If you are under the "survivor" catagory, then I will gladly have you by my side when the time comes.
To me, a survivalist is somebody that will go to the local sporting goods store, buy a pre-made 72 hour "survival" kit, a dynamo radio, a case of MRE's, water pouches, and a compass and call themselves prepared. He/she will read a book or two on edible plants, MAYBE a survival guide but skim through it and look at the pictures of the shelters and animal tracks and then go on some internet forum and argue with the world on how they are the experts. These so called survivalist will store their MRE's, keep the 72 hour kit in the trunk of their Prius, and probably lose the compass on their way home. BUT DON'T WORRY, THEY ARE PREPARED!!!! Prepared for what? Let's pretend for a second. This "survivalist" couple just found themselves neck deep in water because the levy broke and their town is now underwater. Where is their 72 hour survival kit? Oh that's right; it's in the trunk of the car that floated away during the night. The compass? Who knows where that thing went. (Who knew how to use it anyways?) Well, atleast they have the MRE's. The two of them are used to eating three meals a day, with their small snack in between meals, so that case of twelve meals will last them a WHOPPING 2 days. Now for the best part. Remember the book they read about edible plants? Well, they have to go scuba diving for them now. Good thing the American Red Cross is on their way to give these survivalist shelter, food, water, and warm blankets.
Now for the survivor. This is somebody who will buy certain items that he/she feels they will use in a disaster/emergency situation. They will go camping with this stuff to try it out, test it, see if it's actually a common sense thing to carry along. Once they determine that this piece of equipment is useful or a waste of time, they will either add it to their "kit" or sell it to a "survivalist". A survivor spends a lot of time researching books, the internet, tv, and even attend some seminars. A survivor will do whatever he or she deems necessary to have the knowledge to survive in any situation. They will test not only their equipment, but also themselves to see where their limits are, and how far they can be pushed. Yes, a survivor will also buy MRE's and compasses, but they will know how to pack them and use them. Not just own them because their neighbors told them it would be a good idea to have them around. Am I a survivor? Yes. Do I test my equipment and myself? Yes. Should you? Yes. Just remember, prepare now, and live to see tomorrow.
PS. If you were at all offended by this post, maybe you should take a look at what catagory you fall under. If you fall under the "survivalist" catagory, please do everything you can to get out of this catagory. Read more, watch more, learn more, and for goodness sakes, get out and practice more. If you are under the "survivor" catagory, then I will gladly have you by my side when the time comes.
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