Emma Bontrager Tributes

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

Emma I would acknowledge this - that the wild parties are a "normal" occurrance for any sizable gathering among the Amish and even many OOM parties of rumspringa age. I do not think it's fair to say it is normal for all or most to engage in the wildest activities though. In my experience, and I have been to my share - even a few of the Amish ones - there are usally about three divisions at a "Rumspringa Singing".

1. The striaght ones - ultracons if you will. These sing the German and English songs and see the "Singing" in it's original sense. Fellowship, singing, possibly dating.

2. The moderates - representing perhaps 70% of the Rumspinga group - they may or may not sing - but the clear focus is to have a good time. Smoking (though it is currently changing) and even an occaisional drink is cool and accepted as it is among most of their parents. This group has major hoe-downs in the form of square dancing to a caller and perhaps a harmonica, accordian or Jew's Harp. Like the ultra-cons they are quite committed to the Amish way of life though some consider a less rigid life as a Plain Person who is allowed an automobile.(meaning they may consider becoming New Order Amish or Mennonite)

3. Are the WILD ones they will have plenty of alcohol, possibly drugs, hard rock and roll at their disposal. Most of these will get a car with no clear plans for the future. They get the media attention when their drunkness or drugs lands them in jail or fined with a DWI.


Natually, these groups have crossovers, but in my experience these three do exist quite clearly.
There is also a substancial difference between various districts and states. So the percentages would change some.

I felt that Devil's Playground gave this group the vast majority of the media attention. I felt it was biased towards rock and roll, smoking, doing drugs and having sex.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by ILG

I felt that Devil's Playground gave this group the vast majority of the media attention. I felt it was biased towards rock and roll, smoking, doing drugs and having sex.

I have no doubt you are correct. I was sick watching it knowing it did not accurately represent the majority of Amish youth.

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I have no doubt you are correct. I was sick watching it knowing it did not accurately represent the majority of Amish youth.

I believe it accurately represents the majority of Rumspringa in essense...and yes, it made me sick too.

I was really glad to make friends with a 16 year old young man that commited to the Amish and boycotted the nonsense. I don't agree with all of that Biblically, but from his perception it was a move toward what is right, and in comparision, it was. It was very refreshing to see an Amish youth with such a presense of mind as to reject foolish unBiblical and unChristian traditions outright based on their own lack of merit.

Perhaps he'll eventually have an eye about the rest.