A Simple Life In Modern Times
Tara Holdredge
ANT101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Jeffrey Ratcliffe
November 5, 2012
We belong to a society that bases itself on constantly being connected. Connected to our computers, our phones, and our jobs. We are always hurrying to the next scheduled event in our day. The Amish, or Plain People, live a must simpler life. The Amish are a culture of people that pride themselves on living an honest, communal and biblical life. Even though the Amish economy has seen some influence from the outside world, their culture exists fundamentally unchanged. The Amish culture has created a vacuum around them, which has preserved their way of living. The Amish primary mode of subsistence has remained horticulture, their beliefs and values remained constant, and their gender roles have been identified and maintained throughout the generations. The Amish are a fascinating and rich culture worthy of our appreciation.
First, the Amish culture exists fundamentally unchanged in todays’ modern world due to the vacuum their culture has created around them. The Amish beliefs and values are what have created the vacuum to begin with. The Amish migrated to this country in search of religious freedom beginning in the 1600’s(BBC, 2009). They base their daily life and religious practices on a literal interpretation of the Bible “be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). The Amish have two key concepts they focus on. The first is the Hochmut, the rejection of pride, arrogance, and haughtiness. The second key concept is that they observe or value is Demut or humility, and Gelassenheit calmness and placidity (Etown.edu, 2012). This way of life surrenders them selves to God by living a way that pleases him. The Amish willingness to submit to the will of God is the opposite of how most choose to live their daily lives throughout the rest of America. The Amish have helped to strengthen this vacuum they live in by rejecting...