Ep 7. The Amish

In season 24 of American Experience, episode 7 titled "The Amish," viewers get an inside look into the unique way of life of the Amish community that has been around for over 300 years. The Amish are a group of traditionalist Christians that live a simple and self-sufficient lifestyle that rejects modern technology.

The episode begins with a brief history of the Amish community, which originated in Switzerland in the 16th century. The Amish migrated to North America in the early 18th century to escape religious persecution. Today, there are over 330,000 Amish living in the United States and Canada.

The episode features interviews with several members of the Amish community, including a bishop, a farmer, a schoolteacher, and a woodworker. Through their stories, viewers learn about the strict rules and beliefs that the Amish follow in their daily lives.

The Amish value simplicity, humility, and community above all else. They believe that by living a simple life, they can remain closer to God and avoid the temptations of the modern world. The community is governed by a set of unwritten rules called the Ordnung, which dictate everything from dress and grooming to technology and social interactions.

Despite living in the modern world, the Amish still rely on traditional practices for many aspects of their lives. They live off the land, farm with horse-drawn plows, and spin wool into clothing. They do not use electricity or telephones, and they do not drive cars. Instead, they use lanterns for light and travel by horse and buggy.

Education is also an essential part of Amish life. Children attend one-room schoolhouses run by a teacher from their community until the eighth grade. After that, they receive informal education and training in a trade or skill from a family member or member of the community.

While the Amish community is known for its isolation from the outside world, they still face challenges and difficulties. The episode explores some of these challenges, including the difficulties the community faced as a result of the tragic shooting at an Amish school in 2006.

Overall, "The Amish" episode of American Experience offers viewers a unique glimpse into a way of life that is both simple and complex. It portrays a community that, despite its differences from mainstream society, shares many common values and struggles. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the Amish and their way of life and may gain a new appreciation for the importance of community, simplicity, and tradition.