I am too big a pussy.
Printable View
I am too big a pussy.
Really the Amish/some Mennonites are the closest we have to how our ancestors lived. They do have propane powered fridges, but other than that, I’m not sure how much modern technology they use, even for businesses. It really depends on the specific group.
You are right Tradd. Ever since I have learned that they have the biggest cruelest puppymills I won’t buy anything they make and have been getting the word out on social media. I have friends on the East coast where they are big trying to get them shutdown.
The other problem is the very high rate of sexual abuse within Amish communities. A few groups are starting to address it, but it’s everywhere. Lots incest/rape.
I don’t think of them as wonderful people, like I used to before I knew.
Tammy, I had no idea. Ugh!
Yep, knew both those things about the Amish.
I also heard this about the Amish.
My ancestors came to northwest Ohio in the 1840s from the Alsace Lorraine area of Germany/France. They were Amish until late 1800s, at which time they transitioned to the Amish-Mennonite church, and then in about 1930 transitioned to the Mennonite church name. But all that means is that they progressed very slowly toward modernity, while the Amish progressed not at all.
In the 1970s, when I was a teenager, we were finally allowed to pluck eyebrows, wear pants, go to G/PG movies, and participate in music and sports in the public school. It was still slightly suspect to pierce ears, wear immodest clothing, or go to other places where we could be tempted (bowling, restaurants that had an alcohol license, etc). No dancing at all. I attended 4 proms (had older boyfriends that took me when I was in 9th and 10th grade) but never danced. Women could not be elders or pastors. College was a scary place with new ideas, so it was encouraged to only go to the Mennonite colleges if you go at all.
Today there are openly gay pastors and female pastors in the church conference that I grew up in. Kids can dance. Wine is served openly with dinner. The change in one generation is astounding.
All of that to say that I understand the culture of the Amish. Both good and bad components. It’s heart breaking.