Media Production Mentoring

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Voting and the Amish

What an odd title for a media blog, eh?

"Let me explain. ... No, there is too much. Let me sum up."

I voted today, filling in the little arrows on the ballot. And that got me thinking about the machines they will use to count the votes, much like a scantron test. And that got me thinking about how much we use technology.

And I love technology (when it works), and I use it all the time. In fact, ever since college I have said, "Home is where my computer is plugged in and turned on."

But some people aren't so keen on technology. The Amish, for example, tend shun things like electricity. But technology is anything from a blog to a feather pen, so how do the Amish define what "bad" technology is?

I had never considered that question before.


"The Amish are averse to any technology which they feel weakens the family structure."


Of course, my family structure revolves around computers... but we're probably pretty "weakened" as a family unit. Ah well, at least I'm uber in World of Warcraft <smile>.

~Luke Holzmann
Your Media Production Mentor


James Weber said...

My mother was Amish (at a very young age), but I'm still far from being an expert. A lot of times it boils down to what the local bishops say- whether you can have a phone, but only 60 feet from the house, etc.
It's not just family, it's community too. When you can't drive easily to the next town over, the people around you become a lot more important and central in your life.
I think another big point is how technology in general affects your life. It's something that's not always discussed, but technology has drastically changed our culture, and not always with the intended consequences... something to think about, at least.

Luke said...


Great thoughts. Thanks for educating me, I really knew so little about the Amish community <smile>.

And I was only half-kidding about World of Warcraft, I do see how that can have very negative affects on families. But, as with all things, there is a balance to be struck.

Thanks again for sharing you knowledge!