Rumspringa

The Amish have created a civilization within a civilization. It’s not an easy feat, as the larger civilization surrounding them is always in danger of absorbing them. One way they deal with this is throught the rumpsringa.

For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Amish life, Rumspringa is a period in mid-adolescence when Amish teens are permitted to sample — for the very first time — all those amenities that their American peers long ago learned to take for granted. Stuff like television and cell phones and poor fashion choices.

The rationale is that after being exposed to the modern world in this way, the kids, who take part in this period at age 16, are in a better position to decide whether or not they want to truly commit to the Amish way of life.

As it happens, mainstream American kids are also part of a larger civilization, a global mix of many civilizations. I believe all Americans should go live in another culture for a while, perform a rumpringa of their own, to truly decide what kind of life they wish to build.

Is is possible, though? Certain cultures accept converts, newcomers and foreigners. Others — don’t. An Amish teen could desire to make a new life in mainstream America, and though it would be challenging, it would be possible. But how many mainstream American teenagers even if they wanted to would be welcomed into an Amish community? (Cavaet: I’ve never tried. Perhaps it’s possible.)

What do you think? Is it possible for non-Amish to do a rumspringa or is the analogy flawed? Did you ever perform a rumspringa, metaphorically or literally?