Alter Ego - Amish Woman
I like to play dress up. Wear wigs, occasionally put on a lot of make-up, and completely transform my identity. The beauty of being a woman! You can modify your appearance in ways that men simply can't. Sure, men can get a haircut or dress in a different manner, but their looks don't drastically change in the same way as a woman. Every time I go to an Amish community, I'm amazed by the women walking around in their drab dresses and bonnets. Absolutely no make-up, jewelry, or ornamentation to show personal style or fashion. Fascinating and intriguing lifestyle, where you are bred from birth to understand the poisons of vanity and self-obsession. Some extreme value in that. A world without selfies!! Would it be such a bad thing? I think not.
For me, it's always essential to experience life as a local to the fullest extent possible, to try to walk in the shoes of others so you can formulate some comprehension of their mentality and life experience. So, here I am after my last trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in full Amish attire. What do you think? Do I look like a fair and innocent maiden? :) The photo isn't a true depiction because an Amish woman would never wear earrings or have her hair outside the bonnet, but you get the idea.
I'll return to Amish land next week, though I'm not sure whether it will be Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or the community in Ohio. It's very difficult to photograph them because they're opposed to any object which reflects a self-image. No photos or mirrors allowed, both considered signs of vanity. Imagine having no photos from childhood, or any representation of your appearance or significant life moments throughout the years. Seems sad from a memory standpoint.
What do you want to know about the Amish? Tell me and I will try to put my investigative skills to work during the journey.
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Amish Land: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
