The Amish, as you likely know, lead a life of tradition and simplicity. However, there are several myths and misconceptions about their community spread around the United States that just aren’t true. In this article, we’re clearing things up on 18 stereotypes about this unique group of people so you can better appreciate the Amish way of life.
The Amish Shun All Technology
Despite what many believe, the Amish do actually use modern technology to support their community, such as electricity to run businesses or electric tools and machinery to build things, though it’s selective. The use of technology generally varies by community and decisions on its adoption are made collectively by church leaders.
The Amish Are Uneducated
Another misconception is that Amish children don’t get any schooling, but in fact, they do receive education up to the eighth grade. What differs from our education is that it mostly focuses on practical skills over academia, which prepares them for work within their community. Amish schools are tailored to their values.
The Amish Are Completely Isolated from Society
According to the World Population Review, “Estimates show that there are about 367,295 Amish people in the U.S.” While many don’t engage with the wider world, some do, especially when it comes to business dealings and tourism. For example, they participate in local markets, interact with non-Amish customers, and even use hired drivers for transportation.
Amish Practices Involve Arranged Marriages
While Amish families might introduce their children to potential matches, the Amish do actually choose their partners and have the final say. Marriage within the Amish community is based on shared beliefs and values, not arrangements made by elders. Relationships are not enforced but rather supported and guided.
All Amish People Are Farmers
Another stereotype that isn’t true is that the Amish are all farmers. In actuality, many have diversified into businesses like carpentry, crafting, and even retail. While farming remains a significant part of Amish life, craftsmanship in furniture and goods is also highly valued and supports their communities economically.
The Amish Don’t Pay Taxes
As much as they’d probably love this to be true, the Amish do pay state and federal taxes like other citizens. They also contribute to public taxes such as property and sales taxes. They are, however, exempt from Social Security due to their community support systems.
The Amish Reject All Medical Services
Wrong again! The Amish “use modern medicine, such as a general practitioner, specialist, or surgeon, when necessary,” as per the National Institutes of Health. The community will use medical services, especially in emergencies or if someone has a severe health condition. Community funds often help cover medical expenses.
The Amish Immediately Shun Nonconformists
This is a widely believed myth, but shunning is actually rare and considered a last resort, used only when a member persistently deviates from Amish norms. The community will actually offer multiple opportunities for the individual to return before shunning.
Amish Women Are Oppressed and Have No Rights
People often debate whether or not Amish women are oppressed, but their modest attire is part of their religious expression and they do in fact participate in decision-making within their families. They also play crucial roles in the household and community and have rights to property and inheritance.
The Amish Only Eat Organic Food
While it’s true that many of the Amish grow their own food, they don’t exclusively eat organic products. Amish diets can include both home-grown and store-bought foods, with some using modern farming techniques that aren’t considered organic. It really depends on the family and community preferences.
The Amish Speak Only Pennsylvania Dutch
Although the Amish mainly speak Pennsylvania Dutch, they do learn to read, write, and speak in English so that they can communicate with those outside their community, according to the Amish Farm & House. You could technically even consider them trilingual, as they use High German during religious services.
The Amish Use No Electricity or Electronics at All
Most Amish homes don’t have grid electricity, but they use alternative sources like solar panels and generators for essential tasks. As we mentioned earlier, businesses may use electricity for operational purposes, but electrical usage is generally limited and controlled to avoid influencing community life and values.
Amish Clothing Indicates Social Status
Another common misconception is that Amish clothing reflects individual status or wealth. In reality, Amish attire is uniform and intended to signify humility and community equality. Both men and women adhere to strict, modest dress codes that reflect their values and separate them from mainstream society.
The Amish Never Travel Beyond Their Communities
Most people believe that the Amish never stray from their communities, but Amish people do travel! They often hire drivers for long-distance needs, and some even participate in mission trips or travel for leisure. The most common place the Amish go for vacation is Sarasota, Florida, where there’s another small community.
Amish Society Is Uniform Across All Communities
Amish communities actually vary significantly in their customs, from liberal to highly conservative groups. As shared by PBS, “There is not a common ‘Amish Rule Book’ of regulations that applies to all groups. Each community creates its own set of typically unwritten rules.”
The Amish Are a Cult
Many are under the impression that the Amish are a cult, but it’s actually a religion—a Christian denomination following Anabaptist traditions, focused on humility, simplicity, and community. It’s likely their separation from mainstream society leads outsiders to incorrectly label them as a cult.
Amish Men Can Have Multiple Wives
Nope, the Amish practice monogamy and don’t condone polygamy. Marriage within the Amish community is based on lifelong commitment. People tend to get confused because their plain dress style and separation from wider society are somewhat similar to those of other religious groups that practiced polygamy in the past.
The Amish Don’t Celebrate Any Holidays
Contrary to the stereotype, the Amish do in fact celebrate holidays, including religious ones like Christmas and Easter and national holidays like Thanksgiving. With that said, their celebrations are typically understated and focused on family and community rather than gift-giving and decorations.
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