02/08/2024

18 Common Misconceptions About the Amish Community

There’s more to Amish people than meets the eye, and a lot of what we hear is fiction rather than fact. Let’s set the record straight by debunking some common myths about the Amish. Forget the sensational stories you’ve seen on TV or online; here are 18 myths about them that are simply not true.

The Amish and Modern Tech

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The idea that the Amish completely reject modern technology isn’t quite right, as they’re selective, not anti-tech. For example, while you won’t see them talking on smartphones, they might use diesel generators or solar panels to keep their milk cool. They’ll choose devices that don’t disrupt their way of life or community bonds.

Electric Choices

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Similarly, some Amish communities do use electricity, but it won’t come from the usual grid. They’ll use things like solar power instead because it means they don’t need to connect to public power sources. Using their own form of electricity keeps them self-reliant and also means they can keep their businesses running well.

The Amish Connection

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While they do prefer keeping to themselves, Amish people aren’t hermits. They interact with non-Amish folks through business, especially when selling their crafts and produce. They are also strangers to town markets. Instead, Amish people keep things friendly and professional by making sure any interactions they have with others are strictly necessary.

Beyond the Farm

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Amish people do love tending to their sprawling farms, but not every Amish has a green thumb. Since farmland is getting pricier, many Amish people have turned to craftsmanship or building furniture to make money. These gigs fit their skills and allow them to keep on working hard without having to farm massive plots of land.

Tax Time for Everyone

Some say the Amish don’t pay taxes, but that’s not true. They pay their fair share of income, property, and sales taxes. Of course, they don’t pay Social Security taxes because they rely on their community for support in old age instead of government benefits. But the idea that they don’t pay taxes is completely false.

Education, Amish Style

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Ending school at eighth grade doesn’t mean the Amish don’t value learning because they just approach it differently. Their education is a mix of book-smarts and real-world skills to help prepare kids for life in the Amish community. It’s less algebra and more agriculture or craftsmanship, which are pretty important for their way of life.

Amish Diversity

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If you thought all Amish communities were the same, think again. Each group is quite different from the other, as they follow a different set of rules about everything, including dress codes and their use of technology. While some of them are more hardline, others are a little more liberal, and it’s clear that being Amish isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Language Lessons

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Of course, many Amish people speak Pennsylvania Dutch to each other, which is a German language. But that’s not their only language, as they’re usually trilingual. They have to use English to speak with the outside world. During church services, they might even use High German.

The Amish on the Move

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The idea that Amish folks never leave their local spots is just plain wrong. They travel when they need to, like when visiting relatives or going to medical appointments, which sometimes means traveling across states. They’ll get around just fine and often hire drivers, so they’re not breaking any rules by owning a car.

Modern Medicine and Old-School Remedies

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Don’t be fooled by the myth that the Amish hate modern medicine. They go to doctors and hospitals, especially for serious health issues, but they prefer their traditional remedies. Like most people, the Amish are serious about their health, and many people will visit a conventional doctor when needed.

Fun and Games

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You might not see an Amish family watching the latest blockbuster movie, but they know how to have a good time. Their preferred forms of entertainment are usually more low-key and community-centered, such as barn raisings or community singalongs. The main aim is to have some wholesome fun and bring people together.

Say Cheese? Maybe Not

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Photos are a bit more difficult because the Amish aren’t usually fans of posing for pictures. They believe doing so can encourage vanity, which they’re totally against. But if you take a photo and an Amish person is in it, that’s not usually a big deal, as long as they aren’t the focus and it’s done respectfully.

Partners in Work and Life

Men lead most Amish communities, but that doesn’t mean women are ignored. Many women have important roles, especially behind the scenes. They manage household finances or make important decisions about their children’s education. They run various parts of home life, and they’re certainly not just sitting in the background.

The Ever-Evolving Amish

If you think the Amish never change, you’d be wrong because their communities are always debating and changing rules to better fit their values. They’re not necessarily stuck in the past but instead trying to adapt while holding onto their important beliefs. Without change, it’s unlikely that Amish communities would continue to survive.

Amish Humor

Like most people, the Amish do have a sense of humor, although their jokes might be more subtle and situational. Smiling and laughter are a part of daily life, and humor is important for them to maintain community bonds. No matter what they show on TV, the Amish aren’t simply stone-faced and silent.

Dressing the Part

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Those simple, homemade clothes are part of what makes the Amish easily recognizable. But while they do a lot of sewing, they also buy some materials and ready-made goods, particularly practical ones, to make functional and modest clothing. As with any group, their clothing choices give them a sense of community identity.

Banking on It

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Amish people use banks, although they tend to prefer cash to keep things simple. However, a bank account is necessary for their businesses, especially those dealing beyond their community. They’ll usually use them to manage larger transactions that would be impractical with cash, like buying land or large quantities of supplies for their businesses.

Window to the World

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While most Amish folks stick relatively close to home, they’re not forced to do so, as teenagers will do something called Rumspringa. During this time, they have a chance to explore the wider world before deciding if they’ll commit to the Amish life for good. They don’t have to stay Amish if they don’t want to.