Correcting misconceptions about the Amish
In a world marked by rapid technological advancement and cultural diversity, the Amish community stands as a unique and enigmatic presence. Often shrouded in misconceptions and romanticized notions, the Amish way of life elicits curiosity and intrigue from outsiders. In this article, we embark on a journey to debunk seven common myths and misconceptions surrounding the Amish, shedding light on their beliefs, practices, and values. Through careful examination and accurate portrayal, we aim to provide clarity and understanding, offering an authentic glimpse into the rich tapestry of Amish culture while dispelling falsehoods that have long persisted.
Are taxes paid by Amish?
Absolutely. They fulfill all tax obligations of non-Amish individuals, with the exception of Social Security, which they view as an insurance system (although some Amish, particularly those employed by non-Amish businesses, may not be exempt from paying into Social Security). These taxes encompass income, sales, property, and other types.
What is the significance of a blue gate outside of an Amish household?
According to the myth that originated in Lancaster County, it is believed that an Amish man will paint his gate blue if he has a daughter who is ready for marriage.
Although it may seem like an interesting tale to tell tourists, this is not true. Amish women who are of courting age typically participate in youth groups and their availability is widely known among potential suitors through their social circles and other connections.
Are marriages between siblings or cousins common among the Amish community?
In most cases, no. However, due to their isolated and insular lifestyle, there are instances of Amish couples being related to each other, with some being more closely related than others. On rare occasions, marriages between second cousins may take place.
Is it true that non-Amish men get Amish women pregnant?
This widely believed misconception can be traced back to the fact that Amish communities are typically isolated and have faced challenges with genetic disorders. As a result, they may seek out new genetic material from outside sources to improve their gene pool.
There is no proof that the Amish have ever condoned this behavior. In reality, the Amish view premarital or extramarital intercourse as a grave transgression that must be confessed to the church.
A variety of false beliefs and misunderstandings have emerged surrounding the Amish culture.
The Amish community is knowledgeable about the potential genetic problems that can arise from endogamy, which is why they may urge young people, particularly those in smaller settlements, to explore other communities when looking for a partner.
Weaver-Zercher’s book Thrill of the Chaste examines the genre of Amish fiction and dispels a commonly held misconception known as the “man swap.” This concept has been featured in the writing of at least one author of Amish fiction, where it portrays Amish men being forced to impregnate women from outside their community against their will. Weaver-Zercher’s analysis of this phenomenon can be found in her book, Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels, pages 209-211.
Is the English spoken by the Amish different?
The Amish do not incorporate “thee”s and “thou”s in their language and they do not use German dialect terms when speaking English. This belief may have stemmed from the song “Amish Paradise” by Weird Al Yankovic or other media outlets, while the latter is often used as a literary technique in Amish fiction books.
The Amish community typically has a distinct accent that differs among different settlements. They may also mispronounce certain English words, as well as use unconventional grammar structures such as saying “it wondered me” instead of “I wondered”.
Is Amish food always organic?
No, this is not necessarily the case. Organic farming is not a widely practiced method among the Amish community. In fact, the majority of Amish dairy farms utilize conventional farming techniques. Additionally, it is common for Amish farms to use conventional fertilizers and pesticides. While there is a growing trend towards organic farming among the Amish, it is important to verify before assuming that any produce purchased from an Amish stand is organic or “all-natural”.
Although the majority of Amish individuals consume and value locally-grown produce, there is a small group within the community that advocates for organic food. However, not all of the food that the Amish consume and sell will necessarily be certified organic or labeled as “all-natural”.
Is technology considered evil by the Amish?
No, the Amish do not believe technology is inherently evil. Instead, they make a conscious decision to restrict their own adoption of technology in order to maintain their church, family, and community values.
The Amish community understands the importance of utilizing technology to some extent. They gradually incorporate new technologies into their lifestyle or make accommodations to reap its advantages in a restricted manner. For instance, they may not own cars but may hire a non-Amish driver for longer journeys.
According to the Amish, technologies such as cars or computers are not inherently evil (they are not inherently “of the devil”), but the excessive use of these technologies can result in evil.
Sources:
The growth and development of Amish tourism is explored in “The Amish Struggle with Modernity” by David Luthy. This topic is also examined in “Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels” by Valerie Weaver-Zercher and “The Riddle of Amish Culture” by Donald B. Kraybill. Additionally, Kraybill and Marc Alan Olshan delve into the subject in their book “Amish Enterprise: From Plows to Profits” (2nd ed.). All of these works are published by the Johns Hopkins University Press, with the exception of “The Amish Struggle with Modernity” which is published by the University Press of New England.