The Hidden Face of Amishland

I had seen a picture of this seasonal holiday display in the newspaper. Someone in the community had expressed dismay over it. The newspaper went out and photographed it and published a small photo with the letter to the editor. I had forgotten all about it. Today I happened to be working in that area and I drove past it. I had a quick job just up the road. I had to stop and take some pictures for myself.

You can click on the images to read the tombstones. Clearly, a message of hate. The saddest part is the display is directly across the street from the community elementary school. I am sure the home owners are gun-toting church going folk, ya know? Seems to me, Mr. Obama hit-the-nail-on the head last year during the primaries. These are exactly the people he referred to in his recorded remarks. They live here. Here in the 'bizarro' world of Lancaster County; they are 'proud patriots,' too.

To me the display represents the hidden face of 'the County' laid-bare. The locals like to pride themselves on their sense of community, their families and their Christian faith. To me the display represents what I have often told my friends about the intolerance of the local culture. There are people here that 'scare' me. The joke goes, 'not only don't they know what's over the next ridge; they don't care, either.' As long as their 'clan' has all that they need materially; there is no need for any consideration of anything else. I'm from a different backround. I believe in a wider collective 'sense.'

There is some irony, too. I would think if you would have the audacity to put such a public display outside your home you would be sure that everything was spelled correctly. These people did not; hence, their ignorance clearly shows through. Arlen Spector? Saddam Husayn? Enough said.

When I saw the photo a few weeks ago and read the accompanying letter I was happy to see that at least someone in the community called it out. Good example of why I stress to those that know me that I live here; I am NOT 'from' here. The holier-than-thou hypocrisies in this local culture are beyond my moral compass. The community presents itself as 'pure' and 'simple.' Seems that only applies if your horizons are limited, too.

As a transplant, out-sider from a very different cultural backround and critic of the locals after years of observation; I can't think of a finer example of the hidden face of Lancaster County than the pictures you see above.

People will tell you what a 'nice' place it is.

There you can see for yourselves the hidden face of Amishland.

The display is directly across the street from an elementary school.

In my culture they would be teaching it is a display of ignorance.

I'm very sorry to say, here?
Who knows?

It is very sad, indeed.