Do you think living an Amish lifestyle is a good thing?

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   mistyhorizon2003posted 10 years ago

   Do you think living an Amish lifestyle is a good thing?
   
   Do you think living an Amish lifestyle is great, or keeping young people from the real world as it is today (technology and all)? My concern would be that simple though the way of life is, the children are incredibly sheltered from basic realities of life on earth as it is today. Having recently followed the TV series 'Breaking Amish' it became very apparent how unprepared for the 'real world' these youngsters were, plus the fact they were shunned by their families simply for choosing to try living in 'the real world' for themselves.

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   Earl Noah Bernsbyposted 10 years ago

   Being, as I am, from Pennsylvania, I frequently see Amish people going about their business- Driving a horse-and-buggy to the grocery store, tilling their fields, building a barn, etc.  One particular incident stands out in my mind, though, and I often recall it fondly: 
   
   I was at the park with my family, attempting to fly a kite.  Some Amish children turned up in their peculiar garb by way of a back path in the woods, and made their way to the swing-set.  They smiled congenially at us, and we did likewise, before returning to our grand kite endeavor...  But we couldn't help but turn our attention to the Amish boys every so often, as we noticed the pure delight they seemed to derive from the swings.  One of the older boys encouraged his fellow jovially as he swung higher and higher, no irony or retort in his voice.  Their musical laughter contained not a hint of mockery or scorn.  They were so good-natured with each other, and it all seemed so different from the adversarial relationships that I recalled from my boyhood associations...
   
   In this day and age of electronic over-stimulation, cyber bullying, and super-sized portions,  I can't help but wonder that, despite our sophistication, we have lost something along the way.
   So, to answer your question: No, I don't think that the Amish should have to conform to our "real" world, if they do not wish it.  In fact, I applaud them for resisting the temptation of modern society, and for finding fulfillment in simple things, like dedication to their faith, a hard days work, community, and a sturdy swing-set.

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   1. 88

      mistyhorizon2003posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I largely agree with you for all the reasons you have given, indeed the lifestyle in many ways appeals to me. I guess my problem is more with the way those who choose to leave that way of life are shunned by their families for clothing choices etc.

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      sheilamyersposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Wonderfully said!

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   erorantesposted 10 years ago

   I believe that it is wonderful to be an Amish lifestyle. Simple and smarth way of living in this world. They have the best time with their families and freedom of a lot

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   Wesman Todd Shawposted 10 years ago

   Not being exposed to corporate consumer lack of values, and total lies or ignored truths from corporate media can ONLY be a good thing.

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   Borsiaposted 10 years ago

   If I'm not mistaken they Amish allow their children, at about 18, to leave the colony and see the outside world and all it has to offer. It is then up to them to decide if they want to return to the Amish way and that there are basically no questions asked and no stigma attached.
   I don't see anything wrong with their decision to follow their lifestyle if that is their choice of free will.
   I have heard that if children act up too much that they are taken away from the colony and more or less dumped to fend for themselves, this is IMHO wrong if they aren't of legal age.

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   shielamaeparrenoposted 10 years ago

   No I don't think living an that kind of lifestyle does great with kids. Yes they do have to trained, disciplined and taught well at home but not to the extent that they'd be shut down entirely and detached from the world.
   
   But what's Amish lifestyle by the way?

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   Escobanaposted 10 years ago

   I see the good in living their lifestyle mainly because of what Earl Noah Bernsby said.
   
   The absolute bad thing I see because of living in a closed society is the fact that many of the young women (way too young) are forced into marriage or even worse...they are forced to have sex against their will.
   
   I saw a documentary on this topic on Dutch tv and many young women left the Amish because of being raped. Of course they are all traumatized and even more because they are shunned by their families. Imagine you'll never see your mother again because she chooses to stay with her husband who abused his daughter.
   
   Living in a closed society makes it easier to get away with this because you can't notice the bad side from the outside. And 'we' from the outside of course are not allowed in, to solve this problem. In their way of life, this is not a problem.

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      mistyhorizon2003posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This 'rape' point came up in the series I just watched. The girls were saying how it is covered up and goes unreported to authorities. Very wrong.

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      Escobanaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It is!

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   Justsilvieposted 10 years ago

   No matter how hard you try, time does not stand still and it will not even for the Amish. I too have watched shows and read about the culture and find it very interesting.
   
   One thing that stood out was that they have German Language Bibles but they no longer really speak German so they have to rely on others to interpret the bible for them and questioning those interpretations seems to be a no no.
   
   I do like a lot about the simplicity of the lifestyle, but think when a group sequesters themselves from the general population there can be a lot of negatives, especially for women and children. Also they idea of shunning my child or any family member for any reason is incomprehensible to me.

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   Pamela-anneposted 10 years ago

   I too followed the series "Breaking Amish" I enjoyed watching it as it opened my eyes more on what the young Amish are facing- choosing giving up family for a life in the world outside of their Amish community.  I myself live in an area (Kitchener Ont.) where there is a large Mennonite Community who also live in the old "horse and buggy type life style.  Here it is very common to see a horse and buggy trot by within the city there is even horse parking barns at certain shops to accommodate this community.  I think it is sad that the young people have to be shunned by their families in order to live in society outside the Amish community.  I believe in freedom of choice- to each their own so to speak.  Hopefully the youngsters who left the community will inspire others who want to leave the community.  Maybe the elders will realize they have to make some changes allowing their children to stay connected with the family if they choose to live outside the community.  I don't think the Amish lifestyle within itself is a bad thing; it is a good green way to live but I don't agree with them cutting youngsters from family that choose to live outside the community- this is so wrong on so many different levels.

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10. 57

    taburkettposted 10 years ago

    Most Definitely, it is a good thing. The Amish have the same right to choose as everyone else. Anyone who believes otherwise is simply trying to eliminate the individuals ability to choose.  I have yet to meet an Amish family that did not provide the best equality support values to all.

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    BLACKANDGOLDJACKposted 10 years ago

    I interact with Amish on a daily basis. When I want something done right and at a fair price, I hire Amish. Their integrity and work ethic are superior to society in general.
    
    What I can't understand is how Amish women can wear all that dark clothing in weather like this.
    
    The only thing I can think of at the moment I don't like about the Amish is their horses. My daughter complained to me it smelled really bad inside her car so I investigated. She was driving with the windows down and there was you know what on her tires and inside the wheel wells.

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    1. 88

       mistyhorizon2003posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Lol, I actually find the smell or horses quite pleasant, and even their poo is only digested grass and grain so not an unpleasant smell (at least to me). Horses as transport are one of things I really like about the Amish lifestyle.

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    DDEposted 10 years ago

    Amish lifestyles lack modern technology  or  are away from the reality of life the real harsh world but looking at how they liev it makes more sense now, knowing how  most children fail to respect their parents, and bully kids at  school, the juveniles and drugs have gone so bad and change many teens in many ways. so the Amish lifestyle is a good thing

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    Maggie Bennettposted 10 years ago

    When the grid goes one day....who will we all be running to for answers?  The Amish and Mennonites. 
    
    I grew up in the sixties and we had hardly anything compared to today.  I went to bed with curlers in my hair. The blow dryer is still my favorite invention.
    
    I lived almost thirty years with no way to cool down and we made it.  In fact I was the last person I knew to adopt AC.  Now people cause brownouts because it is 80 degrees and they can't stand the heat.  ?????  80 is not that hot....but then again my generation is much fatter than the one previously and the generation that has come after me is even fatter.  Being so much heavier we cannot no longer regulate our body temperature as well.
    
    People freakout if they do not have electric for days or phone service.  Self sufficiency is something we should strive for instead of being so dependent on utilities and technology.
    
    The Amish seem to have a wonderful outlook on life.  Let them be.  Reality shows are entertainment first...reality shown is questionable.

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       Escobanaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I thumbed your comment down because you're basically telling those raped Amish women that left their family....their reality is questionable therefor a lie maybe...It saddens me that you would question their honesty...

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       Nicole Danielleposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I think what she's trying to say is that the show itself is questionable as far as it's reality. A lot of shows fabricate or make things up in an attempt to get more viewers. If you've ever seen "Amish Mafia" its a perfect example of that.

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       Escobanaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I think I'd like to know from Maggie Bennett herself if this is what she really means. No one fabricated the fact that Amish women get raped while the men get away with this. This is real and horrible.

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       Nicole Danielleposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I'm well aware of the fact they do. I never claimed that was fabricated.

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       taburkettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Has anyone noticed that the media is attempting to discredit all religions except Islam. They pick on the Amish, Catholics, Mennonites, Jews, and all Christians. The only safe religions in society are Islam and Atheist. It saddens me completely.

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       Maggie Bennettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I worked in show business for years and TV production for five and there is nothing real about reality TV.....it is entertainment.  I do not watch it don't know about rapes...I hate reality TV.

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       Escobanaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Maggie Bennett. I'm so sorry you are in denial of an important and accurate fact. If you have not cooperated in these series then you can hardly dismiss 'this reality' to just be entertainement. Don't watch it if you hate it so much I'd say.

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    8. 60

       Maggie Bennettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Escobana, i commented on whether or not they are ready for the real world.  I think they are.  You mentioned rape not me and then blindly marked me down?  Rape happens unfortunately in every class of people. You jumped to very wrong conclusions.

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       Escobanaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Read your own comments and find out who's wrong or right. "There's nothing real about reality TV."? That's why I 'openly' thumbed you down in the first place. Even Nicole tries to understand what you mean. You keep ignoring my point. As you wish...

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    Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years ago

    African Americans tend to be urban and futuristic.  I was an exception; as a youth living in the evil, violence-ridden inner city, rescued by peaceful, wholesome, nature-loving Seventh Day Adventists, I grew up idolizing Amish society.  However, reality has since smacked me in the face.  Currently, one of my roommates is a white woman from Tennessee who despises the country lifestyle.  She told me it's much easier to hide corruption in such isolated places.  Having heard horror stories about what goes on in some Amish communities, knowing about the treatment of Mexican migrant workers, and my own semi-rural traumatization nearly 20 years ago and the SDA pastor turning his back on me at that time (check out my hub "My Experience in a Cult" for that story), I have since revised my opinions. 
    Bad as things are now, they were much worse 100+ years ago, when no one could use technology to escape!

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    Nicole Danielleposted 10 years ago

    I'm from Pennsylvania, right smack dab in Amish Country. As I myself honestly couldn't live an Amish lifestyle, and as I have witnessed MANY Amish with technology and some that are more modernized; those who aren't I commend them for that. I believe youth today as well as older are too consumed with technology and material items that they miss out on the real joys of life.
    
    Amish children are happy just swinging at a park (Like Earl Noah Bernsby has commented) or playing Volleyball with friends and family. They grow up learning to work for a living to provide for their family.
    
    I enjoyed watching the series 'Breaking Amish' on TV (of course I was drawn to it because I live in the state highly populated by Amish). With every culture or society there will always be a good & bad side. Rape is taught to be covered up like nothing happened, and never talked about it again. Which I 100% believe is completely wrong! No woman or man should have to live life knowing their rapist is walking around like they've done nothing wrong. I also disagree with the fact that they should be shunned for things such as wanting English clothing, divorcing a husband, or even wanting a more extensive education.
    
    All in all I'm 50/50 as well. While they enjoy and find fun in the simplicity in life, I also believe certain things shouldn't be swept under the rug. (They almost never press charges or report anything) Hush hush isn't always a good thing.(sorry for super long post haha I got carried away)

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       mistyhorizon2003posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Very good answer Nicole, not too long at all.

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    BuffaloGal1960posted 10 years ago

    I think there are good and bad things in every culture. 
    
    I would like to take the family values and simplicity the Amish culture has and mix it with my own. I'd definitely support my child in crimes committed against them and even seek justice.
    
    I too live in Amish country in Western Missouri and we also have many Mennonites.
    
    I have extended family who are Mormon and while II strongly disagree with their doctrine, I love them very much.
    
    I believe we should all have the right to express religious freedoms which are based on our forefathers. I do not support ANY religion that endorses hate and abuse and that includes radical groups of any kind.
    
    But wouldn't it be great to have a society that was unspoiled, unselfish, not self-righteous, nonviolent and who served our neighbors?  There is nothing wrong with a simple life when it PROMOTES faith, love and family - regardless of the religion.

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       taburkettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Jesus was crucified because the Priests were jealous. So, it is basically impossible to secure a society that is unspoiled, unselfish, not self-righteous, and nonviolent. Man is the master of his destiny so when violence occurs man created it.

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    HeatherH104posted 10 years ago

    I live in pa Amish country (I'm not Amish) but I have no problem with the way they choose to live. The shunning is very sad, but not exclusive to Amish community. Some non-Amish families shun their children for choices they make.
    As far as the show you're watching, our local newspaper released information stating that a lot of the show was staged and not accurately portrayed. As they say, can't always believe what you see on TV.

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       mistyhorizon2003posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       An interesting point, but then again you can't always believe what you read in newspapers either! I agree some families shun their children for choices they make, but 'rarely' for ones so ridiculous as wanting to wear western clothes etc.

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       HeatherH104posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       That's true too!

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    gmwilliamsposted 10 years ago

    I am going to digress here.  This does not appy only to Amish people but to many ultraorthodox,ultrareligious people regardless of sect and/or demonination.  Many are so ensconsed in their particular lifestyle that they do not know any other. They are well, just there. To them, their particular religion provide an emotional and psychological network as well as a comfort and safety net.
    
    Many have been severely inculcated that the outside world is an evil and/or foreboding place. They see modernity as something not in accordance with divine preordination or their view therein.  They view their lifestyle as what God would have ordained.  That is why they are suspicious and weary of outsiders.  They strongly believe if exposed to outside influences, they will lose their religious & lifestyle ways.

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       taburkettposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Correct. When immoral actions are permitted to be accepted as moral, the moral individual draws suspicion. Prov 24 Follow thou not evil men, desire thou not to be with them. For the soul of them bethinketh ravens, and their lips speak frauds.
       Amen.

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    skperdonposted 10 years ago

    The Amish lifestyle is quite unique and it takes a lot courage and strength to live in a community like that. I do admire the Amish for their choice, however the Amish is not the only community to live like that.
    
    There are people  who live like the Amish, though not by choice, but by location. They are simply too far away to be touched by civilization.
    
    I do not think that segregation is the way to grow children up. I am all for teaching children how to live in the real world, it does make them stronger.

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    Penny Gposted 9 years ago

    It has good and bad. Many of their youth are choosing to leave. My daughter and her family live this way and are very happy. There are many levels of Amish . For most it would be a novelty after living the modern life. Amish life is not all peaches and ream. I have lived among them for years.

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