There are people I love who were born and raised Mennonite. I know what fresh bread made by my older sister tastes like, or Borsht on a wet fall day. I don’t object to a quiet, low-tech rural existence focused on spirituality. But it’s a matter of choice. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
When the choice involves burning books, I'd be hesitant to shrug it off as well, gee, just other people with different opinions. Because folks of that mindset invariably decide that their "choice" is so righteous that they ultimately take a swing at controlling yours.
I actually loved the piece because it’s like normal, normal, cool… what the ever loving fuck?? Like the baby yelling that he liked seeing people blooded. Or the woman who casually mentions she likes burning books. There are some real moments.
Yep, interesting author's premise no doubt. BTW I was really happy to see the rural woman who commented here and described the difference between her genuine pioneer-ish lifestyle and the hoary old right-wing con about The Way Things Used To Be™ ("better". Supposedly the pioneers burned books LOL)
Me too. That’s at the crux of all of this, right? The right to determine your future. She personifies that freedom by exercising a choice versus the people in the article who would impose an (outwardly similar) lifestyle where you lose agency.
The Mennonites I know also made a specific choice to leave the community. Their values are indicative of the very best of Mennonite culture but it was no longer hospitable.
Gotta admit I know nothing about the Mennonites. (Wow! Something *I* know nothing about?? Mygod even I am getting sick of being Misstra Know-It-ALL!🤣😎)
And why would you need to burn books for a quiet, tech-free life?
That was a disturbing little tidbit
And yeah that’s the really jarring part of the piece, right? You’re like okay okay okay … and then…. What the fuck just happened? Really well done.
I’ll read this with interest. I find any mention of banning or destroying books so strange and sad. Language, stories, passing down knowledge and history is what makes us human, unique. Why on earth would you want to destroy our greatest talent? Don’t read, fine, but don’t deprive others.
low tech rural existence ✅️ focused on spirituality ❌️ 💜borsht
The couple highlighted in the article are mentioned as devoutly Catholic. They are not at all. They're trad. And also brainwashed. Wanting others to die is a telltale sign. The Mennonites I know are pretty good people. Some bend to conservatism mostly however it's a more insular group.
Mennonites are not the problem obviously I use my connection to the culture to make clear the issue I have isn’t religious. It’s about freedom of religion. When you post that liberals and journalists should be dropped off a helicopter, the gloves come off regardless of what belief you hold.
I'm pioneer-style trad wife which means fiercely independent, growing and canning most of our veggies, hunting and butchering by myself since hubby's away working, baking sourdough bread, reading books because I don't watch TV or stream, and I'm an atheist because I'm fiercely independent.
Right there, your social and political sensibilities don't match the strict modern definition of "trad wife"; e.g. you can't be an atheist. And as for "independent", ixnay on not following what's been decided for you thought-wise by the men. You're just a rural gal and your life sounds nice. Enjoy!
A rural woman who embraces real traditions, and not the 1950s myth.
A powerful declaration 👍
I respect your choice to live how you want. The difference between you, and these folks is, I assume, is that you don’t want to drop people into the ocean from a helicopter. I mean… correct me if I’m wrong but you don’t see like the murder liberals type.
I'm a democratic socialist feminist, not a RW neo-fascist.
And that’s why I like you.
Backatcha.
Lost me at “Mike has a ‘day job’ as a manager at a construction company”.
It’s not my choice.