Today was quite the learning experience in Amish country, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. After lunch and a bit of shopping, we saw two short films about the Amish and the Mennonites. There are several lessons that could evolve from this experience.

One way to approach teaching about these ways of life is the misunderstandings that exist out of ignorance and the tendency to stereotype groups we perceive to be different. In one of the films, a few examples of insensitive remarks made by others were given. One man said he and his wife were working in their garden, when a lady with a camera around her neck and standing directly on top of one of their tomato plants asked, “Are you one of the real ones?” Another common question is, “Do like being so backward?” or “Why are you so backward?” This demonstrates a total disrespect and lack of any understanding of how their religion is their way of life.

 

We were lucky to have had a feisty little ninety-year-old lady as our tour guide today by the name of Ada Fischer. She reiterated the basic differences between Amish, Amish Mennonite, and Mennonite, the first being the most conservative of the three. Ada was born and raised Old Order Amish, but she and her husband decided to become Amish Mennonite after several years of marriage. This meant they were excommunicated and then shunned by their community. Ada explained that meant she and her husband could not help others in that group, though they could receive help from them, if need be.

 

The Amish could be compared/contrasted to/with the Puritans, Mormons, Jews, Native Americans or any other religious group, sect, nationality or ethnic group that students already have learned about. Their Amish and Mennonite histories date back to the Reformation and they left Europe to escape religious persecution.

 

Many people could tell you the Amish don’t have electricity or drive cars, but few probably know why. The two most important words for the Amish are “unity” and “community.” They are interested only in preserving their way of life and they believe a sense of belonging and family life are most important. Their view of technology is that machines separate people more than they bring them together. That was a choice they made long ago, and compared to most of us with computers, cell phones, video games, and iPods, it does look like they may be onto something when we see how busy, hurried, stressed, and disconnected from one another a lot of us have become.

 

We had an outstanding meal at Stoney Ridge Acres prepared and served by an Amish family. The huge spread included ham balls, chicken, the best mashed potatoes, peppered cabbage, applesauce, bread, and more. We even had apple pie, carrot cake, and ice cream! The family was delightful and sang a few songs for us after dinner. Their twelve-year-old daughter had a strong, clear voice and carried the group. As we watched their two youngest children riding their tricycles all around, I really “got” why it would be offensive to take their pictures; it would be disrespectful of who they are as a people and individuals to take pictures and share them as if they were some sort of side show. I have much respect for them and glad I learned about their way of life in such a dignified way.