I guess one advantage to being a sigma male is that you don't really care about what other people think about you. On the other hand, I have to admit this reel from Instagram by @erikcrackschina, a Chinese businessman, definitely got my attention. It's titled
The Tactical Illusion: Mass-Producing Male Survival Anxiety
The most profitable brands don't sell products; they sell solutions to emotional anxiety. Breaking down the industrial reality behind the $200 "military-grade" EDC tactical knife. Discover how massive CNC machines and kitchen-scissor factories mass-produce "alpha male" survival anxiety for just $5.I was stationed in Hong Kong and was able to visit the PRC (and do a little tourism). So, I can confirm this even though I saw the industry in its nascent stages during the 1980s and 1990.
How DTC founders use the heavy hardware matrix of Yangjiang, Guangdong, to arbitrage Western male "survival anxiety" and turn stamped steel into massive profits. You are buying the feeling, but they are selling the steel.
Even more cutting is this comment to the video:
as a man who has spent 30 years in the gun and tactical industry id like to say your assessment is so dead on its scary. And being im in firearms were one of the only industries not completely dominated by China because of import restrictions. But the firearms accessories market is quickly becoming dominated by Chinese manufacturing as well. Brands like Holosun and Vortex are dominating the optics market. American gun companies should be thankful for those restrictions on firearms import. Ive seen and shot the Norinco AR15 and its actually a damn fine rifle.
I have to admit amusement because I occssionally cross paths with the US gun community. Toss in that I worked in military procurement (mostly electronic gear), but that didn't stop me from getting addicted to true military surplus.
And not rusty rifles that have sat around in some warehouse since lord knows when.
Anyway, I do have admit that US gun culture is driven by paranoia. Even if sometimes that paranoia can be justified, as happened during the "peaceful protests". Although, some people did go way out of control. But that is a whole other set of posts.
The reality of all this is that paranoia is big money.
It makes you feel like a navy seal even if you’re not one or want to open an Amazon package in the suburbs.
