I don't know if this is the right place for this. I have been told its a joke but remembering the LA riots a while back, and Ferguson, Mo, Baltimore, Md, and the others more recently it does seem true.
Anyway, one of the best barter items in a man caused shtf situation is bricks. Reportedly (and I recall) seeing people going into the damaged area carrying bricks and coming out with all kinds of nice stuff.
Sure seems they make good barter stuff. I think I have get a couple dozen.
Nemo