I would bet that the people here who look down on the Amish do not live near any Amish or have never met them before. I grew up in the Midwest (wisconsin) and would often see a black horse carriage on the highway of the Amish traveling around. I would always find it absolutely amazing that they could continue such a life and value system in the face of a country that really does want to culturally indoctrinate its members (through television, music, and movies). Our country does not like it when small groups form their own communities, we look down on them as quaint or messed up - while those of us in the modern culture grew more seperated from community, alone and depressed. I think it is foolish to look down upon a group of people as if you have judged their life stupid compared to your choices. Perhaps their life is different than yours, but why judge them or disrespect them if it doesn't hurt your modern lifestyle?
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Originally Posted by debaser
Cynthetiq:
I believe that you must suborn some of your own wants and needs to better the nation you live in. I feel that I do that (I feel much more on some days than others). The Amish, do not. They live in an insular society that does not permit the free association with other groups, and discourages the exhange of information and ideas.
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This is just not true. The Amish often have their children go on a journey modern society and live in a modern lifestyle. They do this so that their children can see if they want to be like a modern american lifestyle or an amish lifestyle - and they let their children decide for themselves. The Amish also commonly trade crafts and interact with modern society, as well as travel using the highways, etc.