Cultural stereotypes are widely held, oversimplified, and often inaccurate ideas of particular types of people. They are common all over the world, and although they don’t always cause harm, they can and do sometimes lead to misunderstandings. So, what are Amish stereotypes, and how accurate are they?
Like all other cultural groups, the Amish are subject to stereotyping. And whether they’re good or bad, accurate or not, these ideas influence how outsiders perceive them. In this article, we address some of the most common stereotypes about Amish people and seek to understand their origins.
What this article covers:
Who Are the Amish?
The Amish are a distinct people group in America, with a unique culture, a strong religious identity, and an unwavering set of values and norms. Descended from Swiss-German Protestant Christians known as the Anabaptists, they arrived in North America in the 18th century and settled in Pennsylvania.
Driven by their desire to practice their form of devout Protestantism free from interference and persecution, the Amish established settlements and, later, villages and farms. Most are still found in Pennsylvania, although large Amish communities can be found elsewhere, particularly in Ohio and Indiana.
Why Are the Amish So Reclusive?
The Amish way of life is synonymous with seclusion and simplicity. They live in modestly furnished homes in their villages, far from urban developments. Despite centuries of American living, not much has changed in the Amish way of life.
With their outmoded attire, humble horse-and-buggy transport, and lack of modern conveniences, they’ve become targets for stereotyping. But why do they live the way they do, and why are they so reclusive? Their code of conduct, the Ordnung, serves as the foundation for much of this.
Unfortunately, because most Americans have little to no contact with Amish people, this has given rise to some popular stereotypes. Even Amish people are not immune to the habit of stereotyping non-Amish people. For example, Amish call outsiders English, irrespective of their heritage.
Amish Stereotypes
These are the 6 most common stereotypes that people ascribe to the Amish.
Cult-Like
Unfortunately, we often misunderstand others when we don’t take the time to understand them. This is especially true of religious groups. But while the belief that the Amish are a cult is completely unfounded, this stereotype persists.
It’s mostly due to their seclusion from society. The Amish live in isolation, and fraternization with non-Amish people is limited. They also have very strict rules that they abide by to ensure the continuity of their culture.
But they’re not a cult. They are, however, a very conservative Christian sect with very strict rules that they must adhere to. One of these rules is abstinence from worldliness and vanity. This is why they live in seclusion. It’s also the reason for those faceless Amish dolls their children play with.
Unfriendly
People frequently assume incorrectly that a dislike of outsiders is what drives this seclusion. Their seclusion is a safety measure against the worldly influences of urbanization.
So, what do the Amish think of outsiders? You may be surprised to learn that they have no problem with outsiders. But they don’t agree with people disrespecting Amish culture and trying to interfere with its norms.
So when visitors to Amish country photograph them, they don’t get upset because they’re unfriendly or intolerant. It’s because Amish picture-taking is forbidden under their laws.
Racist
The Amish love all races and cultures and respect everyone’s right to their unique identity. So, where does this stereotype come from? Are all Amish white?
The fact is, they’re almost exclusively white, but it has nothing to do with racial intolerance. Amish are only permitted to marry other Amish people to keep their culture alive. Although anyone can join the Amish, very few outsiders do.
Misogynistic
This one is especially hurtful to Amish men and women alike. While it’s true that traditional Amish communities are extremely patriarchal, this isn’t because of any anti-female sentiments. Women are celebrated as wives, mothers, teachers, and caregivers in the community.
Amish men are grateful for all their mothers and wives do for them. They do, however, believe in the patriarchal system as set out in biblical texts. As a staunch Christian community, great emphasis Is placed on the gender-specific roles set out in the Bible
It’s the women of the Amish community that produce the rustic bread boxes, pretty vintage picnic baskets, and other beautiful wicker creations you’ll find for sale here at Amish Baskets.
Uncivilized
This, too, stems from a misunderstanding about Amish life. Why do the Amish pull their teeth and wear dentures rather than go for regular dental check-ups? Why don’t they keep up with modern fashions, dressing instead in clothing that resembles peasant clothing from the 170s?
This is easily explained when you examine Amish culture. Because they live modestly and frugally, they make their own clothes. Replacing teeth with dentures helps them avoid ongoing dental bills they’d see as a waste of resources.
Polygamous
This idea is linked to the cult member stereotype and is completely erroneous. The Amish revere the traditional family unit, and even divorce is rare in Amish communities.
One of the reasons this idea is so pervasive is because of another group that does practice polygamy. They’re an offshoot of the Mormon Church and have no ties whatsoever to Amish culture or religion.
Conclusion
Amish people have put up with some unfair stereotypes over the years. Although they’re completely unfounded, many of these beliefs persist.
However, if you take the time to learn more about this fascinating cultural group, you’ll soon find that you have more in common than at first glance. A love of family, community, and spiritual connection.
Whatever your heritage and religious or political affiliation, these are common themes that run through every community. They’re the glue that holds society together. And no stereotype can change that.
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