I have to say that the movie was far more interesting than I initially expected. The whole idea of rumspringa was an intriguing concept, and one that I assume is one of the more well-known aspects of Amish culture.
In regards to my opinion on it, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I understand the context behind it, in allowing the youth to truly decide whether or not they wish to continue the Amish way of life or rather to adapt and move into the real world. Unfortunately, since the kids have been “held back” for so long, they subsequently become absolutely ridiculous, to the point of being dangerous, in trying new things. To them, I feel it must almost be a feeling of doing everything that they have missed in the last four years (or will miss the rest of their life if they return to the Amish). In that sense, they may feel it justifies their actions, which include extraordinary things such as binge drinking, extreme drug usage, and in general, complete disregard. I almost think it can be related to those kids who end up in college, and have been prevented from doing anything they may have wanted to in the past. They are the ones who gain the misfortunate label of “crazy partiers”, etc, in all, causing lots of harm to themselves.
I think it is slightly difficult for us to interpret the purpose or success of rumspringa. For us, the Amish are just an entirely different religious sect, one that is hard to relate to. They have their advantages and disadvantages, but what these actually may be is entirely subjective. Each person will interpret and understand the culture differently. In that sense, one has to be neutral towards rumspringa, and while I do feel it is an incredibly dangerous tradition that promotes very bad habits (if they choose to go back into society), it also gives the youth a chance to evaluate their religion and choose whether or not to follow it. Religion is one of those few things that is incredibly powerful and controlling, and allowing a 16-year-old to determine their own ways is at least better than being indoctrinated for life at birth.
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Miheer, you suggest that we cannot take a position in regard to the Amish because they are a 'different religion'. But why is this so? We take positions all the time about things that we aren't. In addition, you go on, after writing that 'one has to be neutral towards rumspringa', to state that it is 'incredibly dangerous'. It sounds like you're pretty conflicted on this score.
ReplyDeleteI think its safe to say that I was and am a little conflicted. I guess to rephrase myself is that any position that is taken in regards to the Amish should be treated as taking a position to any other religion; you have to consider all advantages and disadvantages... or else you really are not giving a true analysis of the point. The reason is due to the strong implications of religion and how tightly it is interwoven into our culture and society.
ReplyDeleteWhen I said it was incredibly dangerous, that is simply my opinion. Doubly so, I consider that I am not an Amish person, so it would not be correct for me to wrongly analyze their ways, for if you were an Amish person, you would most likely think otherwise. So while I have an idea of an opinion as an "english" person I am conflicted because I feel I must experience it myself to truly give an opinon.