Disappearing in Plain Sight: Security During Times of Crisis

Brad Parker
5 days ago
3 min read

Lessons from the Great Depression, Totalitarian Regimes, and Today’s Rising Political Violence

Adopting the Skill of Remaining Unseen: A Tactic for Managing Uncertain Times.

When society breaks down, visibility turns into vulnerability.

Wealth, influence, or affiliation can become a target on your back. And history shows us, over and over, that those who survive chaos aren’t the loudest or the proudest—they’re the most discreet.

From the Depression-era United States to Nazi Germany, Maoist China, and today’s politically fractured America, the same rule applies: Security begins with blending in.

The Great Depression (1930s): Hiding in Plain Sight

When the economy collapsed, social resentment soared.

What people did:

Parked luxury cars like Duesenbergs in barns
Stored furs and jewelry away from public view
Dressed modestly to avoid attracting attention
Avoided flaunting wealth during social gatherings
Buried cash

Why it worked:In a time of mass suffering, obvious wealth created hostility. Going low-profile was a form of personal security.

Nazi Germany (1930s–1940s): Political Violence & Survival Tactics

As Hitler rose to power, the Brownshirts (SA)—his street-level enforcers—unleashed a wave of intimidation, beatings, and assassinations. People didn’t just fear the state. They feared their neighbors.

What people did:

Hid political affiliations
Removed religious or cultural identifiers (especially Jews and dissenters)
Created fake identities or forged papers
Stored valuables in secret caches or transferred assets abroad
Fled early if they could

Why it worked:Those who understood the danger of standing out, or opposing the regime openly, were often the only ones who survived. Security meant silence, concealment, and escape planning.

Maoist China (1949–1976): Mass Surveillance, Loyalty Tests, and Purges

During the Cultural Revolution, millions were imprisoned, tortured, or killed for being “counter-revolutionary”, “educated,” or “wealthy.”

What people did:

Destroyed or hid books, photos, heirlooms, and personal effects
Burned academic records and family histories
Pretended to be peasants or laborers
Publicly renounced wealth or privilege to avoid execution
Moved to rural areas or obscured family ties

Why it worked:Survival required abandoning identity. Even accidental signs of prosperity could get you killed. This was security through cultural invisibility.

Modern America (2020s): Political Chaos and Targeted Attacks

Let’s not pretend we’re immune. Political violence is here. It’s growing—and high-profile people are in the crosshairs.

Recent evidence:

Two assassination attempts on sitting U.S. presidents in the past decade
Gunfire and arson attacks on Tesla dealerships, targeting Elon Musk supporters
Riots in 2020, 2021, and 2023 that destroyed neighborhoods, businesses, and lives
Mass protests escalating into violence based on ideology, race, or class
A nationwide surge in random street-level violence, road rage, and mob behavior

What smart people are doing:

Locking down their online presence
Removing political signage, bumper stickers, and brand affiliations
Hardening their homes and vehicles with physical security upgrades
Buying firearms for self-defense
Avoiding media exposure and public controversy
Relying on professional security teams and discreet planning

Why it works:The same principle applies -- in times of ideological instability and public rage, staying off the radar is the ultimate form of security.

What This Means for Your Security in 2026

The people who made it through history’s darkest moments weren’t always the wealthiest or strongest.They were the most adaptable, disciplined, and quietly prepared.

Here’s how to apply that mindset today: