Leaving the Farm

by Priscilla Burgers

Title

Leaving the Farm

Artist

Priscilla Burgers

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

"Leaving the Farm" is a photograph of a Pennsylvania Dutch family leaving their farm in their horse-drawn buggy. Vintage effects and a border were used to make this image look like a photograph from an old photo album.

On the surface, the Pennsylvania Amish lifestyle might appear to be staid and inflexible. However, it reflects a way of life that is based on a literal interpretation of the Bible, as well as unwritten rules from the Amish Ordnung that prescribes behavior, appearance and other aspects of the Amish culture. The resulting community of Amish in Pennsylvania is one of humility, modesty, obedience, equality and simplicity.

When the modern car became a common fixture in American life, it also became the American symbol of freedom, independence and mobility - transforming the slower pace of horses and trolleys. In all of these ways, the motorized vehicle clashed with the traditional values of Amish culture. The very concept and progression of the automobile breeds pride and inequality in the eyes of the Amish in PA. Travel by horse and buggy is the prominent mode of transportation, naturally limiting travel, and therefore, interaction with the non-Amish world. This also prevents the erosion of geographically-organized local church districts, because members cannot simply drive to the congregation of their choice. While owning a car is not permitted, being a passenger is no compromise to the beliefs of the PA Amish. Accepting rides from neighbors or hiring a driver is a way for the Amish to use cars as a means of transportation to social functions on the outskirts of the settlement, but not disrupt the Amish culture or social structure. Amish businessmen often have agreements with non-Amish persons to haul materials as needed, or hire a non-Amish employee who provides a vehicle.


FAA Featured Photo:
Creators Guild Group-12/13/2013

FAA Featured Photo:
Excellent Self-Taught Artists Group-12/13/2013

FAA Featured Photo:
Our 4-Legged Friends Group-12/14/2013

FAA Featured Photo:
Beauty Group-12/14/2013

FAA Featured Photo:
Todays Best Art Group-12/14/2013

FAA Featured Photo:
1-2-3-4-5 Group-12/22/2013

FAA Featured Photo:
Forgotten by Time Group-01/10/2014

Uploaded

December 13th, 2013

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