For: Mrs. Hunter
A1 English
Comparison Essay the Differences and Similarities between Amish and North American Society
We can compare Amish society as seen in the movie Witness to North American society to decide which is more ideal. An ideal society is one where there is a strong sense of community among all the members. Education prepares children for life; therefore the type of education a child receives will change the society in the next generation. Although education is valued in both societies, its focus is much different. The Laws of a society reflect the values of a community, and it shows what they consider to be right and wrong. Each society has laws that reflect its values; however the way the laws are expressed is much different. Family life in a society is important, because families bring the community together. Though children are valued in both the societies, family life is different between the two when comparing the roles of the husband and the wife. The Amish lifestyle is more ideal because there is a better sense of community within the society.
Education in both societies is recognized as important. We see this in both societies because of the mandatory education laws. However, the focus of the education in each society is different. In North American society the focus of education is quite broad; to graduate highschool a person must have language, physical education, science, english and arts credits. Also, it is mandatory to attend school until grade 10. In Amish society however, school is only required up to grade 8. The education is much more focused on the practical side of things. For boys, it is important to learn how to work on the farm, not paint pictures. This is also why they are let out of school earlier; so that at the age that they are strong enough to work on the farm, they are free to do so. Thus Amish lifestyle is more ideal, because their education prepares the children for what they will do later in