The lives of the Amish in the US | DW Documentary

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Published 2024-01-05
A life just as it was 300 years ago: the Amish in the US. They live according to their own rules, reject technological advances, wear old-fashioned clothing and drive horse-drawn carts. An encounter with the Amish is like traveling back in time.

Originating from southern Germany and Switzerland, the Amish community brought its culture and language to the New World. Deeply rooted in their faith, the Amish adhere to strict codes and reject modern technology. For outsiders, these rules can sometimes appear strange. They traverse their rural communities in horse-drawn carts, but if a distance is too far, they’re allowed to use a shuttle service. They don’t use telephones unless it’s for business purposes and the device is located outside of the home.

Children are expected to help with housework even when they’re attending school. But before they’re baptized as young adults and finally become part of the Amish community, they’re allowed to try what’s called the rumspringa: a period of time when they’re encouraged to behave like regular teenagers - before deciding on which lifestyle they prefer. But those who opt for a conventional, modern existence are exiled. The film sheds light on a fascinating world governed by tradition.

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All Comments (21)
  • @theshivers1967
    “Too much technology disrupts family life.” It’s difficult to disagree with that.
  • I grew up in Amish country (Lancaster, PA) and can tell you that these are definitely not as conservative as Amish get. No traditional Amish community would ever allow news outlets or documentary producers to film them, their homes, their children, etc. There is a real conservative spectrum to “Amish” communities overall. These folks have definitely integrated much more modern technology and materials.
  • @brandyharris7239
    I worked in the Neonatal ICU & one of our patients was Amish. She was born premature and was very, very sick. She was with us for about 3 months and her hospital bills were hundreds of thousands of dollars. The whole Amish community came together for her & helped to pay off all of her medical bills. One of the most heartwarming stories I’ve ever witnessed.
  • Teaching respect and behavior at an early age, is what we need a whole lot more of right now.
  • I have much respect for the Amish. Many times when a tornado devastates a town they live in or live near, the Amish will come and help clean up and rebuild the community even if the home owners aren't Amish. No questions asked. They are hard working people and its admirable.
  • @Alb410
    "what you teach them when their young, that stays all through their life." true words.
  • @revere0311
    Their furniture is top notch and highly sought after, my parents waited over 3 years for a dinning room table, and its craftsmanship is superb. They're good people to have around.
  • @Haffmatthew
    I’m not religious. I’m not old. And I am American. Even I can see the beauty of the way they lead their lives. I’m envious
  • @samswilly14
    We have a big Amish presence in the state I live in. They’re almost always involved in the local community and are amazing people. Their furniture and baked goods are as top notch as it comes lol
  • @user-rr1mn4px4e
    I have a friend who is employed by an Amish family. She does certain things for them, which because of religious reasons, they cannot do for themselves. For example, she has driven them to hospital appointments, since they do not drive themselves. She also helps the family do some housekeeping chores. I met the family on an outing to some places in Chicago they visited. They were friendly and I enjoyed my time with all of them.
  • @Jupe367
    I used to work with a lady who is Armish. She is modern, adapt to technology, extremely gentle and kind. She always have a smile on her face, no request is too much. Willing to help anyone and everyone. Oh my gosh..the nicest lady you will ever meet. I think they are very kind people.
  • We hired the Amish when needed a new roof, new siding and a room added to the house. They do great work. Only negative is that you have to pick them up and bring them home and sometimes, take them to Walmart, lol. From April to October the local Amish community has a Haystack dinner once a month we enjoy going to. It provides a source of income for their medical fund. Theyre wonderful people.
  • @crazyg74
    wonderful! Special thanks to these Amish folks for letting this documentary happen!
  • @Sammydx1
    As a Deputy Sheriff in one of the largest Amish communities in Illinois i absolutely love my job. 20 years so far and i can safely count on one hand how many bad interactions I've had with them. Being a Chicago boy born and raised it was a very different experience patrolling out here and responding to calls. Side story. In the late 2000s i fell in love with one of the farmers' daughters. Absolutely beautiful. I still see her to this day. With her 7 kids lol
  • @Josh-uf7ws
    I admire how family and community oriented they are. They truly work as a unit and care about one another. Something I feel like is lacking in 'modern' America, unfortunately.
  • Thank you to all who took part in this documentary. There is much to be learned from others who may not follow the same lifestyle as everyone else. The Amish views on family, work discipline and life holds wisdom that has been learned and passed down to the next generation are lessons that all should learn - all I am saying is that if we took time to see and understand their culture, the world would be a much better place. Learn a bit of patience, faith and dedication to family and community - and you might actually embrace life with a wider view of how rewarding life can be.
  • @JUNKJACKZACK
    My wife grew up Amish but no longer practices. It's such a good blend between my wife and I as partners, parents, and citizens. I have the standard American childhood and enjoyed every second of it. I can now share all my childhood memories and knowledge with my wife who is still opening up to the American life. She also teaches me so much about traditions and ways of life that I have never heard or seen of in my life.
  • Really impressed with Edna for speaking up on subjects that you don't commonly hear about from the Amish community.
  • @Zanne11
    The Amish approach to helping their community is wonderful. It reminded me of "Ubuntu" in South Africa - "I am; because we are."