Thursday, November 5, 2009
16?
I would definitely agree with the idea of rumspringa. I think it is only fair to let each person decide whether that is the kind of life they would want. In order to make that decision they must know what is it like both inside and outside of the Amish community. However, I do not believe that they should be set out into the world at 16. In the 'english' world we are considered adults and 18, and I find that a stretch. I do not think that they are capable of making a decision that important at that age. As we saw in the film, growing up as an Amish child means you are sheltered from things that 'english' teens are exposed to everyday- even things like cars and cigarettes. After being kept from these objects and opportunities their entire lives they feel the need to experience it all. Often times it leads to reckless and self-destructive behavior. I do not think 16 year olds are mature enough to make good decisions. I agree with the concept of rumspringa, but I think it should take place at an age of about 20.
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You raise a good point, Hannah -- Amish kids are even less prepared for the pressures that can be very hard for kids who *do* grow up with them around (ie, the 'english'). Perhaps it is unfair to release them into something unfamiliar like that, with its attendant dangers.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that Amish kids would ever be at an age that the outside world would consider to be an appropriate age to make that kind of decision. Their education ended after eighth grade while even then they were taught by Amish adults who I am sure taught them only what was necessary for the Amish lifestyle. There is so much that they don't know about the "English" world that I am sure many kids are afraid of it. I agree the sixteen is a young age to make that decision but I don't think any more years of growing up in the lifestyle would change their opinions.
ReplyDeleteor maturity level. (sorry about that)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, that they are not exposed to as much things as we are in the "english world," and so would be less capable of making decisions, etc, about it. I said in mine 18 might make more sense, but 16 isn't too bad, but when I look at what you said, 20 or 21 would probably be even better.
ReplyDeleteI think though, that Amish kids tend to get married shortly after their rumspringa, so like late-teens, early 20s, so maybe that's part of why they do it earlier.