Doomsday cults and survivalists
Surviving survivalism
The couple, who has now died in a shootout with police on the farm in Sutherland, has been described as “survival experts”, but it’s not clear exactly what this means.
An interest in survivalism, does not mean genuine expertise in being able to survive in adverse circumstances, or actual increased chances of surviving. Survivalists usually believe there’s a great disruption coming: from political upheaval, natural or unnatural disaster, and they plan to Be Prepared for this.
They believe that with proper skills and preparation they at least will be able to survive, selected by their wisdom and foresight, rather than any cultic religious faith. Such beliefs have arisen in many places and cultures across the centuries, leading to a range of tragedies and conflicts.
As a home industry, it’s become notable in recent decades, with books, courses, seminars and paraphernalia being successfully marketed. More recently it’s even included silly forms of reality TV, in which some otherwise very uninteresting folks “survive” in a deserted place (deserted, that is, except for dozens of cameramen, sound-men, production staff, medics and caterers.) Or, in the upmarket BBC way, the crew follows a boring individual who shows you how to chew roots and eat grubs.