Should admiration for Amish culture include a closer look at its harms?

The Ethical Life

Episode 196: The Amish are often portrayed as paragons of simplicity, faith and hard work — living peacefully in the countryside, growing food without chemicals and raising barns as a community. In an era of rapid change and digital burnout, their lifestyle can seem idyllic, even enviable.

But are we overlooking serious ethical concerns in favor of nostalgia?

Hosts Scott Rada and Rick Kyte explore why Americans tend to romanticize the Amish while ignoring the costs experienced by many within those communities. The conversation begins with a moment of contrast: a social media post condemning a retailer’s retreat from diversity initiatives followed immediately by another celebrating Amish businesses as wholesome alternatives. That tension — between modern values and traditional practices — drives the discussion forward.

Together, the hosts dive into issues often absent from mainstream depictions of Amish life: restricted educational access, lack of medical care, gender inequality and the practice of shunning those who choose to leave. At the same time, they acknowledge the benefits that come with strong social ties and belonging — qualities that many modern communities struggle to maintain.

Throughout the discussion, Rada challenges whether we give the Amish a pass simply because their lifestyle appears peaceful or quaint, while Kyte urges listeners to consider what broader society might learn from their sense of purpose and interdependence. It’s a back-and-forth that wrestles with fairness, freedom and the limits of tolerance.