Anti-Amish sentiment is discrimination, persecution, hostility or prejudice directed against Amish people or the Amish religion. Hate crimes directed against Amish people are known as "Claping".[1] Amish people were subjected to violent persecution in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, causing many to leave Europe as refugees and settle in the United States. The Martyrs Mirror, a document containing testimonies of Amish and other Anabaptist martyrs, is a central text in Amish tradition.[2]
About
editHistory
editThe Amish emerged as a religious community in 18th century Europe, where they experienced religious persecution. Amish people and other Anabaptists in the French region of Alsace experienced persecution during the reign of Louis XIV. The expulsion of Anabaptists from France was ordered in 1712. During the reign of Napoleon, the obligation that Amish people take up arms caused many Amish people to leave France for colonial America.[3]
Claping
editClaping (pronounced "clay-ping") refers to hate crimes and harassment directed against Amish people. Non-Amish hooligans may try to force Amish horses and buggies off the road, throw firecrackers at the horses of Amish people, throw stones at Amish people, or otherwise engage in acts of petty vandalism, harassment, and violence. Due to the Amish belief in pacifism, Amish victims of these crimes rarely retaliate.[4]
Religious freedom
editIn 2021, several Old Order Amish families in Adams County, Indiana sued the county sewer district because they alleged that the county had forced them to hook up to the sewer system when using electricity was against their religious beliefs.[5]
Stereotypes
editAnti-vaccination activists have circulated false claims that unvaccinated Amish people do not experience cancer, autism, or diabetes. Torah Bontrager, the founder of the Amish Heritage Foundation, has described these claims as "anti-Amish tropes" that marginalize Amish people and cause "further harm toward Amish children who need medical care and attention".[6]
Stereotypes in media
editSome critics alleged that the reality television series Amish in the City capitalized on and promoted popular stereotypes about Amish people.[7]
The controversial American reality television series Amish Mafia has been widely criticized for bigotry and inaccurate depictions of Amish people. A group called Respect Amish was formed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, calling for the show to be cancelled. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett called for the cancellation of the series, calling it a "bigoted portrayal" of Amish life. A statement condemning the show was issued, signed by 18 Pennsylvania politicians including the Mayor of Lancaster, members of congress, and both of Pennsylvania's state senators.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Hate Crimes Against the Amish: A Qualitative Analysis of Bias Motivation Using Routine Activities Theory". Office of Justice Programs. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
- ^ "Persecution, Division, and Opportunity: The Origins of the Old Order Amish". Pennsylvania Center for the Book. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
- ^ "The Amish in Alsace in the 18th century". Musée protestant. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
- ^ "Feature: Amish on the rise". United Press International. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
- ^ "Amish families suing Adams Co. over First Amendment rights after being 'forced' to hook up to sewer". WANE-TV. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
- ^ "Yes, there are cases of Amish children with autism, cancer and diabetes". USA Today. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
- ^ "Amish in the City". Amish News. Archived from the original on 21 December 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
- ^ "Corbett Calls for End to "Bigoted" Amish Mafia Show". WCAU. Retrieved 2023-08-05.