Ep 8. The Amish: Shunned

In season 25 episode 8 of American Experience, titled "The Amish: Shunned," viewers are taken on a riveting journey into the closed-off world of the Amish community. Deeply religious and living a simple, self-sustaining lifestyle, the Amish are known for their strict adherence to tradition and their rejection of many aspects of modern society. The episode focuses on the practice of shunning, a controversial and emotionally charged disciplinary action used to punish those who violate Amish rules.

The first part of the episode delves into the history of the Amish and their beliefs, offering fascinating insights into their unique way of life. Interviews with experts on Amish culture provide in-depth explanations of their religious practices, their values, and the ways in which they interact with the wider world. We learn, for example, about the importance of community and the central role that religion plays in every aspect of their lives. We also learn about the various rules and restrictions that govern Amish behavior, ranging from the ban on modern technology to the strict dress code.

But as the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that shunning - a practice that involves ostracizing a member of the community who has committed a serious sin or transgression - is perhaps the most controversial aspect of Amish life. Through interviews with former Amish members and experts on the religion, viewers are given an inside glimpse of the painful consequences of shunning. Many of those who are shunned are left feeling completely alone and cut off from their families and friends. Some even describe the experience as akin to a living death.

The episode explores several case studies of shunning, including one in which a young woman is banished from her community after falling in love with a man outside of the Amish faith. We see the anguish of her family, who are torn between their desire to stay true to Amish traditions and their love for their daughter. We also see the devastating impact that the practice can have on the individuals who are shunned, often leaving them with high levels of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

Throughout the episode, viewers are invited to wrestle with some of the tough ethical questions that arise when studying the Amish community and their practices. Is shunning a legitimate disciplinary method, or is it a form of emotional abuse? Should people be allowed to choose to leave the Amish community without fear of retribution? What role can outsiders play in helping those who have been shunned?

Ultimately, "The Amish: Shunned" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that offers a rare glimpse into a little-understood community and the ways in which they interact with the wider world. It raises important questions about the limits of tolerance and the nature of community, leaving viewers to ponder some of the most pressing ethical issues of our time.