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4 Things Dystopian Fiction Teaches Us About Survival (And What they Fail At)
4 Things Dystopian Fiction Teaches Us About Survival (And What they Fail At)
by LB
Everyone loves a good apocalypse flick, but are these scenarios actually arming us with any practical knowledge to survive an event? Well, yes and no. We probably shouldn’t believe everything we see in Hollywood and we definitely should not rely on their tactics for survival. On a broad level, the concepts explored in these films are important to warrant an examination in your own life. If you don’t know how to do things like secure food, fortify a dwelling or manage a group of people scared out of their wits it may be time to consult a manual.
In all seriousness, the US Government does have a handy supply of survival manuals that cover some of the basic elements to survival that can help you long-term. Knowing how to choose a location, and what tactics to use to defend it, may make the difference between the survival of your group. The best thing you can do is choose something to specialize in and learn it. The one thing movies consistently get right is that the group with the strongest will often survives longest.
Water is Crucial
One of the best scenes in the show Lost is early in the first season when the survivors realize that water is going to be an issue. They had started with a reasonable system of rationing, but that quickly breaks down as the mob mentality sets in and survival prospects start to look grim. That’s why you should arm yourself with a few common tips for finding water in a bind:
· In urban and suburban environments: check water heaters and water pressure. It might be gone over time, but immediately after an event you could get lucky
· Check closets for water bottles. Remember that a gallon jug weighs about 9 pounds, so pack accordingly
· Look for muddy areas and dig a hole about a foot deep. You might hit a natural water source. Strain it with cloth to make it drinkable
· Catch water when it rains, most rainwater is drinkable
Humanity is Dangerous
The Governor subplot of the Walking Dead shows us that humanity is a force to be contended with. The fact is that you don’t know someone else’s state of mind. The best thing you can do to be prepared is to take some courses on communication and try to keep an open mind. You might have something of value that you can trade before things come to bloodshed.
Get Used to Walking
The Road, a movie about a father and son walking down a road together and looking for shelter, shows us that hiking long distances may be the norm. Realistically speaking it will be hard to find fuel you can use after the first year of the event. If people haven’t siphoned stations dry, the fuel you do fine might be expired. So heed the advice of professional hikers like Rick Featherly:
· Invest in a good pack
· Know what poison ivy and other potentially harmful plants look like
· Carry a map and peanut butter
Learn how to pack for long distance trips, what to eat before and during the trip and when the best times to hike are
Find a Secure Location
When we meet the survivors in 28 Days Later, they are holed up in a store inside of a subway tunnel with a sliding steel shutter. Most warehouses will be enough to defend and fortify, but a good location to call home is important in any survival situation.
Where Fiction Fails Fact
In movies, everyone knows how to use a gun and ammo is everywhere. If you do plan to use a gun, or feel the need to own one, go for a 9mm handgun. Ammunition is prevalent and they are generally easy to handle.
It doesn’t have to be the apocalypse that shakes society to its knees either. Hurricane Katrina showed that society could completely break down for a short period of time. Disasters happen year round, but you won’t be scared if you’re prepared.
© 2013, Rourke. All rights reserved.
Source: http://modernsurvivalonline.com/4-things-dystopian-fiction-teaches-us-about-survival-and-what-they-fail-at/
