Did They Have a Proper Childhood?
When I first learned about the Amish system of letting their children choose there lives for themselves, I really liked the idea. I think it is very important for people to make there own choices and have their own view. After watching the documentary Jesus Camp, this Amish view was refreshing. As I learned more about the lifestyle though, I became doubtful. Children are raised for 16 years in the Amish culture and around the Amish beliefs so it is likely that they will fall into the same belief system. Is may be true that Amish children have a choice, but their choice is based on a bias perspective.
The other thing that bothers me about the Amish culture is how restricted the children are at first. Restriction only causes a want for rebellion so as soon as the children get the chance they do as much of whatever they can. They drink, they do drugs, they wear makeup, and many other thinks that the Amish church restricts. Eventually about 90 percent go back to the church because it is the home that they know and are comfortable with, but for a little while at least they go completely insane. This for of upbringing reminds me of a friend I had in middle school. She was a very sweet girl and my friends and I would always try to invite her to hang out with us. Her parents restricted her from everything though and chaperoned her where she did go. I was always worried about her though because I knew that as soon as she got the chance, she would get her hands onto everything that she was never allowed. The link below is an article about the effects of strict parenting.
The Amish culture we viewed was a lot different from the culture we saw in Jesus Camp. In Jesus Camp the ministers did not give the children a chance to consider other possiblities or ideas, and in the Amish culture, in general, they give them a chance to live how the "English" live. I think this makes the Amish youth appreciate there own families and culture alittle more when they can return home and stay away from their temptations of the "English" culture. I do agree there is some bias like having the Amish youth quit school at 8th grade so they cannot advance in the outside world's work place.
ReplyDeleteI also see the danger is in the strict Amish upbringing. Once you turn 16, you not only WANT to "go crazy" and experience otherwise forbidden things, you are ENCOURAGED to, maybe even PRESSURED to. It is scary to think that non-Amish, but nevertheless incredibly strict families end up raising children who rebel and are a danger to themselves and others (through drug/alcohol use, violence).
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reason the anecdotal part of your blog. It would be an even better read if you added an additional paragraph that connected the story to the personal stories shared by the film. Great read!