Sunday, October 28, 2012

breaking amish

            For the past few weeks I have been watching the show “Breaking Amish” on TLC and you could say I’m a little hooked, now some of you might know what I am talking about and some probably not so much. The show is basically about a group of Amish people all from different communities that break away from their community and live in “the real world” and do “American” things, the five people on the show all lived in New York for a brief period of time and had the chance to be more American like and do more American things. They experienced the feeling of love, and being able to go out in public with a short sleeve shirt on and it be okay, they weren’t judged as much and were more open to what America has to offer. At the end of the show they go back to their communities and homes to see and decide whether or not they are going to stay part of their community or go live on their own with basically nothing or anyone.
            The show in a way almost fascinates me; growing up with my ways of living I have no idea what it would be like to ever grow up with their ways. But then you have to think that you wouldn’t know anything different so in reality it really wouldn’t affect you.
            Growing up in an Amish community is a lot different than our everyday ways. I would refer to it almost as growing up with a safety blanket around you at all times. You don’t get to wear what you want, you don’t get to cut your hair or make it different styles and colors, no showing skin or wearing clothing of your choice, no going to movies, cell phones, boyfriends/girlfriends, touching, TV, and ect. Their views come directly from god and they are very strict on their views.                        
On the show when the people decide to leave their community they take the risk of possibly being shunned, which means everybody including your close family disowns you, and most important if you decide to leave for good, they will never talk to you again and basically pretend you never even existed. Now when I think of that happening that would scare me to death, I have no idea what I would do without my family. Also the Amish people don’t go to high school so they don’t have a diploma which in today’s world is what will get you a job and help you make money. This altogether means that if I were Amish and I left my community I would no longer have family and friends and I would pretty much be homeless. I would get a low paying job and it would be very hard for me to succeed successfully, but if I tried very hard and really wanted it, I could do and say I actually did it.
            When I think about these people I honestly think how crazy they are, but they don’t have that choice and they don’t have any other way of living so it’s just normal for them. I give these people big probs because they do a lot and I bet it’s very hard for them. I highly suggest watching the show, you won’t regret doing so. (556)

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