Totally dug this independent documentary today, The Devil's Playground. It's the real life account of what is known as Rumspringa, which means running around. When Amish children turn 16, they are allowed a rite of passage which last a few months or a few years, up until age 21. During this time, they can do anything: alcohol, sex, drive, use electricity, etc. They are expected to make their own choice during this period to either leave their lifestyle and faith, or to join the church. If they join the church, they must accept everything that comes with it: the clothing, the lifestyle, etc. If they do join the church but later leave, they will have to endure shunning, which is where everyone you know in the church will reject and ignore you.
If you want to know more, visit the links or watch the movie. I highly recommend it!
Just a heads-up...during an unprecedented opportunity to film (with permission) inside an Amish farm/home with cast of "REALITY TRIP" (http://www.realitytrip.org), we shouldn't have been surprised to hear that NOT ALL Amish families/colonies practice the "rumspringa" thang. MANY Amish parents would never allow their children the chance to explore the "sinful world" and risk the results/new thoughts from this type of "exposure".
Great blog!
Todd Henry
Executive Producer
http://www.realitytrip.org
"searching for Truth on the open road"
Posted by: Todd Henry | July 25, 2005 at 09:49 AM
I ran across a follow-up interview with one of the people featured in this documentary, Faron, during Act 3 of Episode 213, "Devil On My Shoulder" of "This American Life".
Posted by: Searching For Aslan | July 02, 2005 at 09:14 AM
Does the "both-and" world we live in need more "either-or" choices in it(like the one this documentary draws attention to)? What do you think?
Posted by: Chris | May 16, 2005 at 08:28 PM