A COMPLICATED KINDNESS

Background

 

The Mennonite Culture

 

The Mennonite community was founded in the sixteenth century and is named after Dutch priest who converted to the Anabaptist faith named Menno Simons. The Mennonite community is divided into many different branches, which all have different beliefs and rules. Mennonite's are seen as simple, conservative, not violent and are known for their strict regulations against modern technology. Some of the set traditions are that they do not discuss about politics, they use horse and tractors for farming, children are put into church-operated schools, and more. 

 

There are several misconceptions of the Mennonite lifestyle. To start off, Mennonite women are stereotyped to wear long dresses and a bonnet. Many Mennonite women actually dress modernly and it is not likely to be shunned for wearing modern clothing. Mennonites transport with vehicles such as cars or vans, not only the traditional buggy. Another misconception would include that there is no electricity in the Mennonite towns. This is not true due to the fact that the Mennonites support the use of electricity, as long as it is used responsibly and not excessively. With all of these misconceptions of the Mennonite culture, it is natural to stereotype their everyday way of life.