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An Island of Calm in the Modern World
Author: Sarika Kabra  | Posted: 10-07-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 16 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
The reason why the Amish shun technology lies in their religious beliefs. Known to lead a reclusive lifestyle due to their religious restrictions, the Amish are an ascetic, reclusive group of people who try and keep their distance from the trappings of modern life. Not that modern technology would make their life less comfortable, but mainly it is seen as a affront to well established traditions and a simple and rugged life.
Take the use of the telephone. The small little instrument is a symbol of the progress man has made in the field of communications over the past centuries. Very few Amish, however, would be found to be in possession of this very basic little piece of technology. The shunning could well be a result of the belief that widespread use of the telephone will lead to outside influences creeping in, and hence spoil the purity of their culture. The society, however, does not prohibit the use of modern technology where it becomes essential- for instance, it may not be improper to use the telephone to call the doctor in case the need so arises. But using it for extensive chatting is definitely out. Small profit centers have thus cropped up on the fringes of the Amish settlements offering services such as the telephone for a cost. Some communities have allowed use of the telephone for emergencies and have set up community booths – anything as long as it does not go inside the homes to upset the scheme of traditional things.
Another reason for the shunning of technology is the perceived differences it is likely to bring within the society. While current following of traditional beliefs results in a nearly equal society, the adoption of modern technology and its derivatives is bound to create different income levels, which would further lead to competition and the will to outdo the other. Both aspects are against the very essence of the movement, which has an equal society as its foundation.
Where technology does not preclude contact with the outside world, it may sometimes be used. In a curious adaptation to the need of the day, some electric machines may be used, provided, firstly, they do not depend on outside electricity, and secondly, have a human element attached to it. An electric grass mover may be used, for instance, but only if it is to be pulled along by a human. Similarly, a wood carving machine may be used to make the basic structure of Amish furniture, but the final finish would still have to be done by the carpenter’s hand.
The simplicity would have to be retained, and you are unlikely to find too flashy a design in Amish handcrafted furniture. Tradition is of essence here, and it may take days to make a single piece, yet technology will only be used where it does not interfere with the cultural requirements. Even then, you can be reasonably sure that whatever the quantum of electricity used, the timber for the Amish made furniture has probably been cut on a diesel run generator rather than the regular supply!
Another area where technology is allowed to an extent is medical emergencies. The horse cart being impractical in such cases, use of a motor taxi may be made to move the patient. Some mechanical transport has started being used for commuting to and from work, but such use is more of an exception than the norm.
The Amish thus continue to be an island of calm in a stormy sea. Talk to an Amish gentleman or a lady, and you will find a person unhindered by the shackles of modern trappings, happy in the simplicity of his or her life.
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