The “back to the land” movement is at least forty years old. The emphasis and devoted followers have waxed and waned over the years but recently seems to be in full swing. Although there are extremes of thought the popular category seems to be homesteading. The reasons for renewed interest are pretty obvious; increased awareness of natural disaster, a questionable economy and a myriad of social and political ills. They don’t say it so many words, but people want two things, security and the ability to eat. The real problem with surviving is what we are willing to trade for it. There is much more to being self-sufficient than one would think. The biggest clash is not knowing what kind of chicken will yield the most eggs but how established systems will react to our new found independence. Caveat. Remember to think for yourself.
For the most part, it’s seen as a recreational hobby. The entertainment industry has dealt with it by embracing this interest as a quirky idea to poke fun at but if you want to watch it we will accommodate with reality TV. Does it support or marginalize those who wish to walk a little softer, we could invoke Mr. Roosevelt here.
There is a delicate balance between convenience and surviving as our forefathers. Pioneer life was hard and the quest to make it easier went unimpeded for decades. We moved indoors, traded for manufactured goods and continued to refine the more delicate frames of society imported from Europe. What was overlooked was the balance between goat cheese and great art.
There are a couple of ways to respond to the need for feed and protection. There are a couple of extremes but most of us will find ourselves in the middle. Next up will be… what makes sense.
The Frontier View 