The Amish community and their lifestyle are often misunderstood. Stereotypes about religious groups can be harmful and even create barriers between them and the rest of society. We’ve listed 18 common stereotypes that we shouldn’t consider as true for every Amish person or community.
They Reject All Modern Technology
While the Amish opt for a simpler way of life, they don’t outright reject all manner of technology. Many communities use the technology they need, and businesses will also use modern equipment. According to Britannica, while the Old Order Amish are stricter about personal phones, they do use a communal one.
All Amish are Farmers
Look at any depiction of the Amish in the media, and it’s likely you’ll see them living and working on a huge farm. Yet Amish people undertake many different trades, and even have small businesses in line with economic change. Their occupations can include retail and carpentry.
Education Ends in Eighth Grade
It’s commonly viewed that traditional education for the Amish doesn’t extend beyond the eighth-grade level. But Amish children will receive further learning, including a more hands-on approach and apprenticeship opportunities after this. Their education focuses more on life skills than anything else.
They Don’t Pay Taxes
The Amish will still have to pay taxes on their property, income, and any sales, just like everyone else. They are, however, exempt from Social Security taxes because of their self-sufficient way of life. They are still required to pay taxes to support the local economy.
Amish Marriages are All Arranged
While the Amish encourage their younger people to find a partner and marry, they don’t force them to do so. Instead, they plan community events to encourage interactions between younger people and give them opportunities to meet and choose their own future spouses.
They All Wear the Same Clothing
Amish America explains that the Amish prefer plain clothing because it’s more practical and more suited to their Biblical beliefs. But clothing isn’t identical in every Amish community, as they can all differ in style. Personal expression is still allowed in certain ways within dress codes.
Outsiders Meet an Unfriendly Welcome
The Amish value privacy, but that doesn’t mean that they’re automatically unfriendly to every outsider they meet. They’re welcoming and respectful to visitors and often attend local markets or businesses where they will interact with people outside of their community.
Amish Women Don’t Have Rights
Another misconception is that men rule Amish communities and women are secondary citizens. In reality, Amish women have just as many important roles in the community and are involved in decisions over households and their finances. They also have their own jobs to contribute to income.
They Don’t Use Modern Medicine
It’s true that the Amish prefer home remedies or natural alternatives, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t seek medical attention if needed. They will use modern healthcare services whenever necessary, especially for serious issues that can’t be treated with natural remedies.
They’re All Pacifists
While the Amish do favor peaceful living, this doesn’t mean that they’re all automatically pacifists. Views on non-violence will vary from community to community. They do work to avoid military service, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely ignorant of politics.
They Shun Any Modern Convenience
It can often appear that the Amish stubbornly ignore any modern conveniences in favor of doing things in an outdated way. Yet many Amish homes are open to modern appliances and battery-powered tools. They’re selective about what they use, but they still have an open mind.
They’re a Dying Community
Many might believe that the Amish and their more old-fashioned way of life are slowly becoming obsolete, but the opposite is actually true. PBS informs us that around a quarter of a million Amish people live in the U.S. and that their birth rates are high.
They Don’t Interact with the Modern World at All
As mentioned, the Amish regularly attend local businesses, events, and even healthcare services when needed, so they’re not completely cut off from the rest of the modern world. They also use public transportation and visit non-Amish locations to sell their own products.
The Amish Are Against All Forms of Education
While the Amish place higher value on practical life skills, that doesn’t mean that they’re forcibly against all forms of traditional education. They support formal education to a certain degree, but many communities will emphasize hands-on learning instead of classroom learning.
All Amish Communities Follow the Same Rules
Rules and practices within the Amish way of life are known as Ordnung, and every Amish community will follow their own version of Ordnung. The rules are decided by the individual church districts, which means that Amish communities don’t all follow identical rules.
Amish Life is Very Simple and Uncomplicated
Amish life may seem simple, but it still involves hard work and efforts for the community. They face challenges just like everybody else. Simple doesn’t always mean uncomplicated. Discover Lancaster says that their everyday life is often a mix of work, socializing, and recreation.
They’re Fundamentally Opposed to Change
Contrary to popular belief, the Amish can and do adapt. They always try to preserve their core values while still being open to change when needed. The Amish focus most on practical life, which means if innovations help to be more practical, they’ll take them on board.
They’re Completely Out of Touch
Finally, one of the biggest stereotypes is that the Amish are completely out of touch and don’t know what’s happening in the wider world. However, the Amish stay informed through selective media use and engaging with non-Amish locals.
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