Former Amish Woman Gives Insider Perspective on Aftermath of Shooting
Oct. 3, 2006 — -- In a country that is all about diversity, we are still fascinated by those who are different, and the Amish hold a special place in our collective curiosity.
The Amish call us "the English," because we are outsiders to their unique way of life -- a life that was inexplicably shaken by violence and tragedy on Monday.
Many Americans first learned about the Amish in the Oscar-winning film "Witness."
They say they are a people apart, who choose simplicity over technology.
They live in communities based on humility before God, instead of the modern dog-eat-dog world.
"They feel that if they associate too freely with the world, those outside values will contaminate their values and lead children away from the church," said Donald Kraybill, who studies the Amish at Elizabethtown College.
Most speak a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch and learn English in school.
"They feel they came to the United States before it was called that, as Christians seeking tolerance, and to be left alone," Kraybill said.
Ruth Irene Garrett, who was raised Amish and left the community when she was 22, has written several books about her experiences.
"I think the fascination is just going back in time, and it's peaceful and serene and it is apart from the world, definitely," Garrett said today on "Good Morning America."
"You hear about violence in the outside world and these horrible things, but you're almost detached from the world because you're not part of it."
There is no evidence that the shooter, Charles Carl Roberts, who delivered milk in the community, specifically targeted the Amish.
In fact, Garrett said, a milkman like Roberts is often a trusted person in the community.
"A milkman came to our farm every two days and this is somebody you knew and trusted, I'm sure, as these people did," Garrett said.
Outsiders who come to the farms are usually an avenue of news as well.
"They will usually fill us in on world news like 9/11, school shootings, and things like that that make big headlines," she said.
