Abstract
In a way, this book takes on a rather banal and straightforward task: a scholarly account of the very curious phenomenon known as “Amish Reality Television.” This genre is an easy mark for critique by the serious-minded scholar or observer of contemporary religion. These programs, including Amish in the City, Breaking Amish, Return to Amish, and Amish Mafia (there are others) are far from authentic representations of their subject matter, and for anyone who knows much about Amish or Pennsylvania German culture, the poetic license of these productions is obvious. Amish culture and life have always been open to this kind of speculative interpretation, of course, but these programs promise more than the story long consumed by tourists along the Route 30 and 340 corridors in Lancaster. [First paragraph.]
Recommended Citation
Hoover, Stewart M. 2024. "Review of: Fooling with the Amish: Amish Mafia, Entertaining Fakery, and the Evolution of Reality TV—Dirk Eitzen." Journal of Amish and Plain Anabaptist Studies 12(1-2):116-117.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
ISSN
2471-6383
