Preview - The America of the Amish

The America of the Amish

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The America of the Amish (54:00)

Item# 36205
©2005

The Amish rarely allow themselves to be photographed or filmed, yet several members of the isolated religious community agreed to appear in this eye-opening documentary. Filmed on location in Pennsylvania and Ohio Amish country, the program goes beyond stereotypes and common misconceptions, presenting a fully human portrait of a misunderstood people. Interviews with Amish men and women—some born into the religion, some converts from other parts of the U.S.—reveal a range of opinions and sensibilities within the group’s traditional stance on technology, education, and worship. Highlighting the rapid growth of the Amish population and their changing attitudes toward electricity, cell phones, cars, and other modern conveniences, the program will expand viewers’ understanding of the Amish and the ways that American subcultures adapt to mainstream society. (54 minutes)

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Segments in this Video - (13)

1. Amish Culture (05:25)

Amish farmers adapt farming techniques exclusive of electrical or diesel-powered engines. Christianity is important social "glue" that binds the community together.

2. Amish Families (01:56)

Averaging eight children per family, the Amish focus on bringing up their children in the natural settings of the farming community. Amish women often sell hand-sewn products for additional income.

3. Amish Culture (05:12)

At the heart of the Amish are traditional dress and a way of life based on their religious convictions. In this segment, the Amish participate in a well-loved celebration, and an "adopted" member of the community tells why she joined the group.

4. Amish Teenagers (01:22)

Young Amish have until age 16 to choose baptism, but once baptized, they must live the Amish life. The culture slowly involves, including "English" music, cell phones, and other signs of typical youth culture.

5. Importance of Religion (04:52)

Sunday in the Amish community includes a three-hour service, a large traditional meal, and visiting. Some Amish men show interest in national politics and support Bush for his religious and political convictions.

6. Amish and Tourism (05:53)

Eli drives tourists through the Amish community in his horse-drawn buggy—a lucrative business for him. Most of the Amish do not like the attention of the "outside" world though tourists continue to find the Amish fascinating.

7. Farm Auctions and Horses (03:46)

Auction sales of farming equipment and animals punctuate daily life in the Amish community. Another great passion of the Amish is their horses; at auctions whole families share their love of congregation and of horses.

8. Amish Business Enterprises (06:18)

Many crafts and small industries grow up around horse and buggy transportation. Compressed air tools take the place of electrical tools. Jacob has a thriving pigeon breeding business, supplying Chinese restaurants in New York with the birds.

9. Amish-Mennonite (02:05)

The Amish-Mennonite community is slightly more "worldly" than their stricter neighbors, using electricity and other modern conveniences—yet they remain committed to their religious principles.

10. Amish Public Market (03:30)

The Philadelphia public market provides opportunities for the Amish to sell their products and goods, as well as to run retail businesses. Modern conveniences are readily available in the market.

11. Amish Education (05:15)

Authorized to run their own schools, the Amish educate their children through eight grades. Compared to many college freshmen, the Amish youth fare much better in basic educational knowledge.

12. Farming Technology (02:43)

Although they leave school at age 14, the Amish are excellent technicians whose innovative machinery allows them to compete with other American farmers. Most Amish fathers hope to hand their land down to their children.

13. Amish Challenges and Successes (03:56)

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Young Amish people face many temptations from the outside world though a high percentage chooses to remain Amish. The increasing population of Amish makes it difficult to find farms for families to pass on to their children.