The Amish Cook from Oasis Newsfeatures

Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Amish entrepreneurs stand ready to make a buck off the trend of "cage free" eggs sweeping the nation.  I think this is a good trend and with their large farms many Amish are well-positioned to supply eggs that aren't "factory farmed."  Perhaps the notion of a free-fluttering hen pecking around in the dirt is overromanticized, but I like the idea.  I don't think we need to torture animals so we can have our eggs, so it seems like this is at least a step in the right direction.  Click here to read.

 

CAPTION: Polygamist women walk out of court in West Texas.

The Amish have long been known for their plain dress.  The polygamists who's compounded was raided in west Texas also dress "plainly."  It's been interesting to watch and sort of compare the dress which is similar in style - at least at first glance - to the Amish.  I could start pointing out all sorts of differences in dress once you get past first glance, but I'll save my observations.  The reaons, the ideology, behind why they've adopted this dress shares some sameness, but not much.  Amish women dress plainly as part of the whole lifestyle of modesty, plainness, and simplicity....While the Amish are definitely a patriarchal society, the polygamist group seems to be patriarchy run amok.  Click here to read more about their plain dress.

In my opinion

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Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

The dresses they are wearing is the same as a Laura Ashley pattern that was for sale in 1988.  I know because I made it!  I think the hairstyle makes the ladies look almost creepy.  I'm in a plain church and wonder "Is this what we look like to the rest of the world?"

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Joyce - No, I don't think the rest of the world views Anabaptist plain churches in this way....The images from west Texas show vacant eyes and a "creepiness" (your word was a good one)....most Anabaptists use their plainness to exhibit a sort of vibrancy and richness of life that makes most of us envious - Kevin

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

I thought they  look like they lack emotions.  Everything that has been on that I've watch, the women speaking lacked emotions.  Even the pictures of one crying looked 'fake' even staged. 

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesnt work if it's not open."- Frank Zappa

One of the former members said on tv that these women had been coached on what to say/how to act.

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Luv-good luck with the hair cutting issues.  Our 9 year old still absolutely freaks when the hair cutting scissors come out! I just had to "trim" a bit recently, since here hair isn't that thick, I grabbed a ponytail in back scissors in one hand, my husband had her in his arms and I gave it a quick, snip!  Now if our 7 year old was the oen with the issue, that would be tough she has a lot more thickness, thank goodness she is OK with a trim now and then.

I do have to say though that this same 9 year old is amazing a hairdo's! She has learned some by playing with her own hair and some with her American Girl dolls. She can french braid too, I can't.

I am all for modest dressing, for the right reasons.  I think that having the word "Fundamentalist" in the title of their cult sums it all up.  (You will not ever read words from me, calling this group a church, their is no Jesus or God the Father in this group at all) These women all need help, the children need help too, to break the cycle of brainwashing that they have experienced.  I feel sad for these ladies and their children, they are in my prayers just as any non believer would be.    

Suzannah's picture

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Suzannah

 

Is no one in this country concerned about the wholesale snatching of children by the government.  Does it even make you squirm a little? 

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Suzannah, Good post....I am NOT pro polygamy....well, actually polygamy between consenting adults...whatever...but I am certainly not pro "let's marry off underage girls to older men"......this is a tough issue where two wrongs may not make right.  IF this religious group is doing what is alleged than the government is probably right to have stepped in...HOWEVER, this gets to be a very slippery slope.....what is next? Let's seize all the Amish kids because parents are taking them out of school at Grade 8?  I think there was probably a better way of handling this, a way that didn't involve separating the children from their Moms.....I agree, with you....this leaves a bad taste in my mouth....

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesnt work if it's not open."- Frank Zappa

I am not sure actual "perfect polygomy" is even really possible.  I once saw a show on Discovery Health called something like "The Man with Three Wives."  Whoa!  They were normal, everyday people it seemed... but the wives were so jealous of each other!  (The first wife was the only one he was legally married to, obviously).  They had all of these kids, and separate bedrooms, and each of the wives were assigned nights were he would stay with them.  I cannot imagine competing for my husbands attention with other women, watching other women carry his children, etc.  It was heartbreaking to watch.... but the women chose to stay.

 

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

I watch that show too and was amazed that the women stayed in that relationship.  Their argument was that if they wanted a relationship with him, then they had to accept the other two women. I love my husband dearly, but I wouldn't stay with him if this is the way it had to be.  I am thankful that my marriage is the way it is and won't have to worry about this.

There are several things that gets me with the FLDS women.  CNN had a special where one of the women gave a tour of their 'house.'  The woman went outside and said 'they have grass to play' Don't know why but it hit me 'funny' but noticed there wasn't anything that made the house look like kids live there (i.e. toys).  The other thing is that because the wives who are not first are not conceder legally married in the eyes of the government, they get aide for dependent children for their children.  They see it as 'fleecing the beast' which is us tax payers.  CNN reported that the FLDS is setting up a fund where we can donate to help with their legal expenses but have trouble with that too.  They see us as evil, they take our tax money and now they want us to help them with their legal expenses?  Too many secrets/unknow questions there to make me want to help them.

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Funny that you mention the Gov. $$ thing.  Last night after having read information and opinions from here, I was thinking about it all, and asked my husband if this group of people would be or would have received the tax rebate checks, going out next month.  X 416 children alot of $$ from the Gov. would be headed their way. Willing to take from Caesar, but put up a fuss when "Caesar" comes rolling in, they put up a fuss.  

Interesting Bible contraditions going on here too.  No. 1, the OT speaks clearly of adultry, the NT eliminates polygamy directing Believers that marriage is one man/one woman.  The book of 1 Timothy is the modest, plain dress part of the Bible. Verse 10 speaks of the corralation of plain dressing and good works, something that the LDS base their beliefs on, the more good works, the higher up in the celestial kingdom a soul can go.  Also, marriage is considered a good work, married people have more rights and have extra "blessings" in the temple than do singles. This would justify (in their minds the need for more wives).

The hair = glory ideas come from 1 Corinthians 11:15; "But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is her for a covering." Instead of an actual head covering, they are using their hair in submission to the Word.  However, in 1 Peter  3:3-4, the Bible states, in regards to women, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and wearing of gold, or of putting on apparel;  (vs. 4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."  So, the braided hair do is contradictive to the Word, but long hair is following the Word as a good work, which gets a soul higher up in the celestial kingdom. Lots of out of context Bible is thrown around in these cults, that is what makes them cults. 

dcharrison's picture

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

I agree - I don't share - not when it comes to a spouse.  I told my dh many years ago that I don't believe in wasting my time & energy by being jealous.  So if he ever decided he wanted another woman, that was fine, but he best just keep on trucking, because he wouldn't be coming back with me.

My son feels the same way and that creates a small problem with him & his gf.  She is the jealous type and he is a very friendly person & a lot of people feel like they know him because of his boxing & such.  So she tends to get jealous if other women talk to him.  But I tell her, it is her that he is with, that he goes home to - so she needs to learn to trust in that.  That being jealous will only turn him away.

And I have a problem with the welfare aspect.  I don't mind people using the system to support their children, if they are honestly doing all they personally can to support them themselves.  But if not, they should be before turning to the system.

Like I told my daughter, when I was actually trying to convince her to turn to the state - her ex was nearly $6,000 behind on child support within the 1st year after their divorce and she was working 60-80 hours a week as a server while I kept the kids when I wasn't working & she paid daycare the rest of the time.  She was doing everything she could to support the 3 kids, so there was nothing wrong with her asking for help.  But if she had been sitting home & not working, then I wouldn't have felt that way.  Ironic thing is - now that the ex has died - the kids qualify for over 3 times the amount of Social Security benefits as what he was supposed to pay in child support and wasn't paying.  So now, she has cut back the hours at work and is getting an accounting degree online - something the ex was doing everything he could to prevent her from getting for the entire time they were married.

Cindy/KS

dcharrison's picture

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

In some ways, the same thing could happen to anyone.  All it really takes is someone to not agree with the way you are raising your children - report you for it & then you have to prove you aren't the wrong doer.  So, it isn't just plain people or people who are different.

I know my daughter right now is dealing with an issue after her 9 year old, who is prone to lying or at the very least, exaggerating things greatly, went to school after having a fight with his younger sister & told the teacher he was afraid to go home that night.  I ended up with him for the weekend since she wasn't allowed to be alone with him and you know what amazed me in the whole thing was that the social worker never called me, never came by to see me, etc.  So if she was so concerned about my grandson's safety - why didn't she?  And at the same time - the 2 girls were allowed to stay & even he could stay for the 2 hours it took me to get off work to go pick him up.  A lot of concern for child safety there, right?

My personal opinion is that a lot of what happens now days in the child welfare department needs looked at better and maybe we shouldn't discourage real discipline and confuse it with true abuse.

Cindy/KS

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesnt work if it's not open."- Frank Zappa

I didn't really know too much about all of this stuff (just what I overhear on the news, etc.), but after watching Dr. Phil yesterday.... wow....

I just heard on tv that the reason that they wear their hair like that is to make them look unattractive so that their husband doesn't have to compete with the other men for their wives.  Double wow...

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Wow is right, it is almost like they (the men) are not giving the women free will because it might attract another man?  What about the woman saying 'no' to the other man?  Just sounds like the men having more controll over their wives.  I can remember when their hair style was the fashion (when we all grew long hair to put into a 'French' braid' Think it was in the late 80's early 90's)I found it interesting in the articule that it said that the pairie dress was coming back into style but may not now due to all this, guess we'll have to wait and see. 

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesnt work if it's not open."- Frank Zappa

Come teach me to French braid!!!  It might keep my 3-year olds hair in better order.  Hers is past her butt and VERY thick and she does NOT want it cut!

paulaayn's picture

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

    French braiding is easy to do, but hard to describe.  Try this site:                                                                                                      

 http://www.dressytresses.com/hair/gallery/instruct/french-braid/default.asp 

It has lots of great hair ideas.

 

Paula                                                                                                                                            

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

It really isn't hard except to do it on your own hair.  As a LOL story about long hair, had a student who had hair down pass her butt.  When she came in with it cut to her shoulders I was shocked! I asked her about it and she said that she was tired of it falling into the toliet every time she went to the bathroom Tongue out

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Ah, you two are making me melt with memories of an old high school crush...she always wore her hair in a french braid...sitting behind that french braid was about the only think that made Algebra II bearable....

dcharrison's picture

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

My hair is very thick and when I was younger (before getting headaches all the time from the weight), I used to have it long enough to sit on.  I would braid it a lot of the time and sometimes even tried sleeping with it in a braid - a somewhat french braid usually.  But I always had to wake my dh up several times during the night to have him get off my hair so that I could turn over in bed.

On a side note - my oldest dd & oldest dgd both donated their hair yesterday to Lock of Love.  The 8 year old gd was asked how short she wanted it to go and she told my son's gf to her shoulder blades - to which Erica had to tell her that wasn't quite short enough to donate.  Now the almost 6 year old gd wants to donate hers too - but she is going to have to stop playing barber to do it!

Cindy/KS

ps...

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesnt work if it's not open."- Frank Zappa

The woman in the photo in the middle is Warren Jeff's first wife.  Saw her yesterday on the Dr. Phil special.

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

Fixed it...thanks! The link was to a story on CNN, I just found another website carrying the same CNN/AP story and linked to that.

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

I' also getting the message that the page is not available.  There was an article, yesterday in the Tacoma News Tribune.

dcharrison's picture

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

I think I read the article on the plain dress yesterday, but I am getting a message that the page isn't available.

Cindy/KS

Re: Amish Eggs in Chicago; Plain Polygamist Fashion

The hairstyle was popular among stylish women in the late 30's/early 40's------& worn during WWII.  Woman would put a sort of roll, called a 'rat' inside, so that the roll would appear fuller, as tho a woman had much longer fuller hair encounced in her pompador[s] or bun.   The Andrews Sisters, among others, wore their hair this way.  If you find old pix of 'Rosie the Riveter,'  you will also see either this or the bandana/turban with curly bangs, done with pin curls.  Fashionable men of the time would wear their hair in an exagerated  'pompador' combed into place with lots of strong smelling hair tonic.  Not our fathers-----theirs was just combed back flat or in a bit of a wave-----with much less hair tonic. 

 These hairstyles were worn with short large-shouldered suits & platform shoes.  In summer, tailored dresses were worn with spectator pumps.  The dresses required serious ironing, as permanent press didn't start to appear until the middle 50's.  If a woman couldn't purchase nylon stockings during the war, the outfit might be completed with lines drawn down the back of her legs to   simulate 'full-fashioned' hosiery [well-shaped stockings], which always had a seam up the back.  Stretch panty hose knit in tubular fashion didn't exist until decades later.  I haven't mentioned the hat & gloves, which were used for downtown shopping [by bus], as well as church & meetings. 

Those were some of my thoughts upon first seeing the hairstyles.  Of course, various rolls do keep long hair corralled & out of the way when a woman is working around the home----or elsewhere.  CS