Amish: Out of Order

Amish: Out of Order is a gripping docu-series aired by National Geographic in 2012 that deeply immerses viewers into the anomalous existence of people who have chosen to leave, or have been forced to leave, their Amish communities. This eye-opening series is much more than a piece of factual entertainment. The 10-part series narrates the uphill battle these ex-Amish face in navigating the complexities of modern American life, whilst grappling with their traditional upbringing and values.

The show follows the journey of Mose Gingerich, a pragmatic ex-Amish community leader and guide based in Columbia, Missouri, a town home to a growing number of ex-Amish members. Having left his Old Order Amish community in Wisconsin due to the restrictive lifestyle, Mose takes on the role of mentor and advisor to others trying to find their bearings in the outside world. His life mission becomes helping other ex-Amish with their transition into mainstream society, providing them with pragmatic advice and emotional support as they grapple with the profound changes in their lives.

Amish: Out of Order also dives into the personal lives of the ex-Amish community, revealing raw, previously untold stories that help generate an atmosphere of empathy for what these individuals go through when making such a drastic life shift. It touches upon how the former Amish members grapple with these new norms, from learning English as a second language (most Amish people speak Pennsylvanian German), to obtaining their GEDs, getting a job, getting a driver's license, living without familial support, and dealing with the emotional trauma of leaving behind everything they've ever known.

Much of the emotional intensity of the show is drawn from the conflicted feelings these individuals often have towards the traditional Amish lifestyle - some miss its simplicity and sense of community, while others are much happier embracing their newfound freedom. This often results in a constant push-pull psychological struggle within them, which adds to the complexity of their unique experiences.

The culture clash also extends to the drastic differences in technology, education, and lifestyle. The show explores how these individuals adjust, each at their own pace, to cell phones, computers, social media, cars, and modern consumer culture which starkly contrasts against the minimalistic and anti-technology culture ingrained in their upbringing.

One of the poignant features of Amish: Out of Order is its exploration of the Shunning system in the Amish world, where community members who leave are completely ostracized. The shunning often results in painful isolations, sometimes cutting off ex-Amish individuals from their families and closest friends indefinitely. The docuseries delves into the psychological ramifications of shunning on these individuals and effects on the communal fabric of Amish society.

Despite the struggle, the characters of the show continue to strive to reshape their identities in the world they've chosen to mold their lives into. The cutting-edge series serves as an authentic and empathetic chronicle of change, adaptation, resilience, courage, and the human instinct for self-determination. The show is relatable to anyone who's ever felt like an outsider or who's had to grapple with leaving their home or a part of themselves behind in search of new beginnings, making it resonate far beyond the specific situation of the Amish world.

Throughout the show, Gingerich's wisdom and understanding manage to anchor viewers as they navigate through these unique stories. His experiences as someone who successfully transitioned into the mainstream culture from a closed, rural Amish background offer an intriguing insight into the complexities of this journey.

Amish: Out of Order offers a rare glimpse into a side of America many are unaware of, turning a spotlight on a group of people caught between old customs and new elements. Distinctively poignant and warmly human, this show is a sterling chronicle of personal transformation, culture shock, and perseverance that explores what happens when people break free from the world they've always known, taking charge of their destinies on their own terms. This compelling exploration of faith, tradition, modernity, and identity makes the show a must-see.