Thursday, February 11, 2010

American Pickers: Pre-hoarder or Post-hoarder?

My new favorite television program is "American Pickers" on the History Channel. Two guys roam the countryside to find treasures and "rusted stuff". It is interesting because history is imparted and knowledge is gained through the owner's stories. (While some may feel the picker guys are ripping off their sources, I give them credit for their knowledge and access to specific collectors. Things their sources of treasures don't have.)
If ya ever watched "Hoarders", you will recognize the gathering cycle at the critical mass stage with old folks and their rusting crap hidden under grass, being ruined with each passing day and unwilling to sell anything. It's just plain crazy. By contrast, the folks that actually let go of dusty junk seem incredibly balanced and sane.
Wondering if the Picker show might be dangerous viewing to a budding hoarder. Would seeing all those hidden treasures increase a hoarder's compulsion to collect more? Yikes.

3 comments:

Michelle said...

I love that show, too! Although it does make me happy that I a. don't have a van or b. endless time to drive around the country looking for rusted stuff because otherwise I *would* be a hoarder! The stuff the find is awesome!

Aquilla da Hun said...

Two of my most favorite shows. I would hope to say im not a hoarder, but i think a pack-rat is the same thing.Sadly, I think I have gotten the habit from my father. I have recently been trying to break these habits of saving EVERYTHING! It was a really snowy week in Baltimore, my father and I went through our 'junk cabinet' (yes cabinet because a drawer isnt big enough!) We threw away a whole box of items. It was exhilarating.

Skitzo Leezra said...

A da H - you're right, getting rid of dead energy is exhilarating. Every time I get rid of stuff, something really great comes to me.