Has anyone read Rumspringa? It's a sort-of "Amish Gone Wild".

[Bunny]

It describes the Amish practice of allowing their youth (age 16+) to break away from the fold and experience earthly pleasures: drinking, smoking,drugs, sex,driving cars, wearing blue jeans, etc.

Most of the kids who go into Rumspringa eventually return to be baptized in their church and live simple lives, but some don't. And some are subjected to that well-known custom of "shunning".

It's an interesting look at an interesting group of people. I live in the middle of Amish country, so I see them around, but of course I almost never interact with them.

[TheBaldyMan]

1. I heard about it, most of the kids settle down and become model citizens.

[Bunny]

2. Yes, that seems to be the case.

It's a rather restrictive religion (to say the least) but some people seem to need that type of order and structure in their lives.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. When I was in high school,

a group of Amish teens came to visit. They liked the soda machine the best--seemed they liked country music, which they listened to on transistor radios, more than rock and roll we had in the juke box in the lounge. I used to go to the Amish store for cheese and I recall they were among the first farmers to sell organic produce. Always seemed nice and friendly.

[Bunny]

4. I think they are friendly people, but very reserved. Especially

the womenfolk. A lot of the youth keep up with the latest music, even urban rap, and you're right - they use battery powered radios that they hide from their folks

[Donnachaidh]

5. actually, it speaks volumes for the parent's trusting their kids

And acknowledging that young people have a need to *let it rip*, to rebel and then come back and settle down.

Why should this be considered a bad thing?

[Bunny]

6. It does speak volumes about trust, but the book describes a lot

of agita on the part of the parents when the Rumspringa goes on a little *too* long, or gets too carried away. There have been DUI's, accidents, pregnancies (which lead to hasty weddings), etc. These parents also resort to bribery to bring their young back into the fold - offering them land, money, new tricked-out buggies, etc.

[Donnachaidh]

7. I'll have to read the book then ;-)

But isn't it kind of a mirror of our own *open* society as well?

Think about it. The problem I see (I'm a parent) with all parents is a LACK of communication. Parent's fall back on the *I'm the Mom/Dad and I make the rules* mantra far too often, mainly because they fail to talk to their kids. Half the time these parents haven't shown their kids the same courtesies the would show a complete stranger. And then when the kid goes crazy and gets into trouble - it's the kids fault!

It sounds like an interesting read. But I'm sure you'll find more parallels to the problems facing parents on the *outside* than you'll find differences.

[Richardo]

8. "tricked out buggies"?

:rofl:

[shortcake]

9. This sounds like an interesting read.

I would like to know more about them. I was surprised to learn about all the Amish and Mennonite puppy mills. Someehow that doesn't fit the picture I have.