Subcultures in U.S.

A: The Amish
Subcultures are those groups that have values and norms that are distinct from those held
by the majority. Within every society there may be many different cultures as well as many
different subcultures. In the United States, subcultures might include hippies, Goths, fans of hip
hop or heavy metal and even bikers - the examples are endless. In the following essay I will
examine some of the theories and definitions surrounding a very well know subculture in US
Amish.
The Amish are a unique subculture living in the U.S., in that they generally do not adopt
the norms, customs, and lifestyle of the broader society.
As a PBS documentary detailed, the Amish live much as many other Americans did
before the Industrial Revolution, in rural areas typically without electricity or most modern
conveniences that many of us take for granted. They wear simple clothing and believe that too
great a focus on individuality distracts from the devotion to God; likewise, technology interferes
with this devotion as well as family connections. As one member told filmmakers, working the
land is the best way to be closest to God, and many of the Amish today as in the past are
farmers.
Many visitors come with preconceived ideas about the Amish. Some of these may be
true, such as the Amish driving a horse and buggy, or married men having beards. But others
prove to be incorrect, such as Amish parents arranging marriages, or all teenage boys having
"courting buggies." Below there is a list of preconceptions related to Amish subculture:
1. Amish dolls never have faces.
2. Amish are not allowed to ride in cars.
3. Amish like to decorate their barns with hex signs.
4. The Amish cannot have telephones.
5. The Amish population is decreasing.
Now lets see the truth about the above mentioned aspects:
1. While in the past dolls often didnt have faces, today many Amish buy commercial dolls and
dress them in Amish clothing.
2. Although Amish church members do not own or drive cars, they are allowed to ride in cars,
buses, and trains, especially for long distance trips.
3. Traditionally, the Amish have not used hex signs or barn decorations.
4. The Amish may use phones, but they are usually outside the house and often shared by two or
more families. The use of cell phones has become more common.

5. With large families and most young people joining the faith, the population here doubles about
every 23 years. There are more Amish now than at any time in history.
So while many subcultures exist among us, the extent to which they are separate from the
broader society exists on a broad continuum. Some groups might strive for greater acceptance,
while other groups might actively seek to disconnect from the larger society. Just as the Amish
have a distinct mode of dress, unique beliefs, separate churches and schools, and even a distinct
language, subcultures may have all or some of these characteristics.
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larger culture. Well-publicized conflicts have been few since a Supreme Court Decision in 1972
exempted Amish children from attending public schools. Such an image however ignores the
continued conflict that any traditional subculture will have with the larger culture, especially as
the larger culture continues to modernize. Examples of past conflicts between the Amish and the
larger culture are numerous. They include mandatory education laws, requirements of rubber
tires on Amish vehicles, building code requirements for Amish homes, threats of outlawing the
practice of Social Security taxes, and questions about highway safety because of horse-drawn
vehicles.
In conclusion, the main reason the Amish tend to live in separate communities is that they
view the outside world as a threat to their religion and culture. The American focus on
individualism and consumption is contrary to the very heart of this groups practices. While most
subcultures are somewhat integrated with people from outside communities, the Amish have
worked to avoid this whenever possible.

Bibliography:
1. The Amish in the American Imagination - David Weaver-Zercher
2. The Amish in America Conflicts between cultures Lee Zook
3. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/amish/player/