A Simpler Life?

I watched all 6 of these programmes and I’ve waited a while to decide what I really thought about this series. If you didn’t see it, here’s the background;
"24 people [couples, families, singles] opt to spend the summer on a farm in Devon. All of them are seeking for a ‘better’ life than they currently have. They will aim to live following the Amish principles of a simple life, without modern technology, with emphasis on putting the community first rather than self. A real Amish family, the Millers from Ohio [parents in their 50s, plus three children in their 20s] will be there to help and advise. The makers say it is "a scientific experiment to determine if such a lifestyle can bring happiness" It is a reality show. It purports to show how it really is, warts and all, and will include participants talking to camera about their feelings."  I had reservations from the start

• Amish Principles – the first principle for the Amish is following God’s law [helpful BBC link here] The Amish way is dependent on the faith-lifestyle. You cannot cherry-pick the activities you want and expect it to work properly if you leave Him out.
• Scientific Experiment - no, science was not involved. It was entertainment, and proved nothing. They were not truly following the Amish way [see above]
• Reality show – stilted conversations, and clumsy editing displayed the fact that things were said and done for the camera. It wasn't 'real'. And all their crops were planted and growing well, before they arrived. [I did covet their kale, mine is pathetic]

Were these people who signed up so really so naïve? Frankie and Keely, who left with their children by the start of programme 2, because they didn’t realise that ‘no electricity’ meant they'd have to wash their clothes by hand. Darren and Hazel, who struggled with the Amish ‘no alcohol’ rule, and fought to spend some of the community budget on booze. Victoria [oh don’t get me started…] who “had her hands full doing laundry for herself and her husband, didn't do early mornings, and wouldn’t share in the communal laundry, and or work in the fields.” And Penny, who kept telling everyone her children came first. [except when she decided to leave, but they wanted to stay on]

But dear little Kevin [who’d been very ill – and really thrived when given outdoor farming tasks and good homegrown, home-cooked food] won everybody’s hearts. Fran the project manager worked so hard to keep relationships sweet, and deserved a good outcome inho. Everyone over 35 [except Harry] left the show, taking partners and children with them. I thought Harry [40] was the most sensible, and honest. By the end only 9 of the original 24 were left [the Millers left for the final 3 weeks, letting the ‘community’ fend for itself]

The American academic who set it up concluded that “giving up technology and material possessions” was really peripheral to achieving happiness – what you need is “a sense of belonging to a community that cares about you, and having a sense of purpose.” I could have told him that years ago. 

For a better understanding of the Amish community, go and watch Harrison Ford in Witness!