Photography

The Amish culture does not allow its members to pose for photographs. Part of the reason for this is written in Exodus 20:4, "Thou shalt not make unto thyself a graven image." Besides following the bible, the Amish do not have their pictures taken because they feel that pictures create self-pride and foster individualistic feelings by calling attention to one’s self. This is primarily because their culture cherishes humility and community harmony. By emphasizing the individual, this community is taken away and the focus is turned to one’s self. It is for this reason that the Amish do not allow themselves to be photographed and why they do not carry pictures around with them. This is understandable. They desire to promote their sense of community by avoiding feelings of pride and individualism.

In a culture that values the individual, mainstream society tends to ignore the importance of community and working together. Emphasis is placed on individual needs and desires. This can be clearly seen just by looking at mainstream media. Celebrities litter the cover pages of many magazines with labels promoting individualism. Movies and television also foster these feeling by promoting ads and themes that are saturated with ideas to emphasize individualism.

For the Amish, their community and culture would not survive if they incorporated mainstream technology and thinking into their own lives. Self-pride goes against Amish beliefs. While they may have a lot of pride for their community, they do not believe that one should have pride for one’s self. While the Amish may have unique views, it does not mean that they are wrong. They have a different way of looking at things. We must learn to view both sides of the story to really appreciate the different viewpoints. I feel that this is true for almost everything in life.


Bibliography

Lancaster County
2009 Amish and Photographs. Electronic document,
http://padutchcountry.com/our_world/the_amish_and_photographs.asp


Robinson, B.A.
2008 The Amish: Practices of Various Groups. Electronic document,
http://www.religioustolerance.org/amish4.htm