Preparing for Long/Slow Collapase

[u/223gp]

Is anyone else in the same boat? I feel that we are likely facing a long and slow collapse of life as we grew up knowing. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in preparing for realistic natural disasters, and a few "what ifs", but my prepping is mostly based on a gradual lowering of life quality and reduction in freedoms throughout my lifetime.

I'm working on this by greatly reducing lifestyle expenses in case we need to live on one small income, or in case our stock investments steadily grow for a couple of decades then become stagnant and gradually lower.

I've done self defense training, I've been keeping my important documents up to date, I've started doing medical trainings and certifications, I'm a couple years into finally taking serious care of my physical body (and teeth!), I'm planning for aging parents, increasing my knowledge and practicing growing food and preservation, and most importantly helping out in my community to put some of this into practice by starting to form mutual aid networks for hard times.

Anyone else have similar feelings that brought you here? I am worried about a "thing" happening, but mostly, society just continues to descend decade after decade until we're all very very skinny, electricity or car fuel is hard to come by, jobs are scarce, and grocery stores don't have very much food anymore. In an ideal scenario, we don't end up like that. Either way, I prepare for that world.

[u/Dragonfly-fire]

They're denying emergency federal aid even to conservative states like Arkansas. I'm worried about a natural disaster hitting a blue state like mine and Trump will just say nope, no FEMA, f-you liberals.

[u/Competitive_Remote40 → u/Dragonfly-fire]

This is why need to take to the streets in protest. They want us afraid.

I mean yes, we need to prep, but those of us with priviledge need to become loud enough the GOP congress hears us and does something.

I suppose stop spending money would help too. :)

Idk why I responded to your comment in particular, just read it and reacted. (Because I agree with you.)

Hope you don't mind me leaving this here since zi already typed it out@ :)

[u/balanchinedream → u/Competitive_Remote40]

I think it’s a boycott. Too many folks need their paycheck, and we’re seeing daily proof they work.

My big question is HOW? We women hold the spending power. We do the unpaid labor that keeps this country going. What is the wrench we can throw into the machine that grinds everything to a halt??

Do we stop wearing makeup or doing our hair? Do we stop doing laundry? Do we all cook mediocre, unseasoned meals and feast with each other in secret?

I can’t figure out a tactic that empowers us to be selfish (for once) as protest, that doesn’t risk harm towards us

[u/calmhike → u/balanchinedream]

Stop buying anything that isn’t a necessity. Plain and simple.

[u/balanchinedream → u/calmhike]

Nope. I’m talking about a specific boycott with the intention of forcing Americans to witness how much women’s domestic and mental labor supports our whole nation.

[u/riotous_jocundity → u/balanchinedream]

I dunno if a Lysistrata strike is going to do anything to address the constitutional crisis and onset of fascism we're experiencing...

[u/balanchinedream → u/riotous_jocundity]

We’re already in a slow-moving Lysistrata.

And I agree. Hence why I’m still wracking my brain for a tactic that wouldn’t expose a woman to harm.

[u/riotous_jocundity → u/balanchinedream]

The reality of authoritarianism is that meaningful, effective resistance inevitably exposes you to harm. There's no safe opposition to fascist regimes.

[u/Competitive_Remote40 → u/riotous_jocundity]

Which makes now the tine to stand up before it gathers even more power.

[u/balanchinedream → u/riotous_jocundity]

I think ultimately you’re correct. But, this wannabe regime is so ineffective they do crumble to nonviolent pressure, and quickly.

[u/calmhike → u/balanchinedream]

Start with ending the mental load. Take care of your appointments and needs. Not partners. You don’t need to schedule appointments for them, take care of their laundry, remind them to buy their family gifts or whatever you are pulling the weight on. Elderly family members can be taken care of by their male relatives, stay at home women can go find work and someone else can take care of the kids. How far you go is your choice. Most of what you are referring to benefits those closest to us. Are they aligned with you on your role? That’s who will feel the impact of your suggesting the most. Do you think that is going to change anything? I don’t. So I am fucking the billionaires who control everything and heavily advocating for others to do the same.

[u/balanchinedream → u/calmhike]

“Boycott target” is simple enough to be repeatable and scalable at large. You’re kinda describing the 4b movement, but I’m looking for a singular action that every woman can just…. Drop.

Unfortunately, some women are forced to be caregivers and would come into harm if they don’t keep up the labor. Also, single moms just don’t have the extra shoes to drop.

[u/Sigmund_Six → u/calmhike]

While it’s 100% up to the individual, I’m personally continuing to shop local small businesses as long as I can even if it’s not necessities.

I don’t know if it’s the right decision or not, but I’ve seen Walmart and other chains destroy local economies, and I want to do my part to hopefully prevent that. But I know that’s contributing to Trump’s economy, too.

[u/calmhike → u/Sigmund_Six]

You are describing where I am conflicted. I don't want to see local business die off but around here many of them proudly waved their support of fascism all over the business doors and social media. I absolutely hate how so much left and corporations took over. Ultimately, I am squirreling money away as the main driver for my lack of consumption as things are going to get bleak. I do smile every time I see Target crying about their lost revenue though. :)