Hutterite Women
by Lynn Kading
Their footsteps have marked hundreds of years of controversy and security. In holding steadfast to their beliefs and way of life, have they succeeded? Succeeded by what measure? From a colony's point of view, well only the "insiders" could answer that. From a public persona, they may just have succeeded beyond their expectations. It is now not unexpected to hear of their business dealings, or see them in general stores or farmers' markets. Considerable time has passed since people routinely expressed surprise, or any opinion, when running into them in any situation.
Security for Hutterites has been adhering to a common set of beliefs, values and customs. In spite of often fierce opposition, they have managed to impact society. They have secured their place in our space of time. Few are unaware of hutterites, and most have at least a general concept of what they stand for. Seldom, if ever, do I hear serious invective re hutterites. Yes. Yes, I have heard some less flattering comments from time to time, but, I have heard much worse against almost any group which could be named: youth, aged, immigrants, employers, employees.............well you get the idea. It is merely the nature of life that people will shoot off their mouths in embarrassing shows (displays) of their own ignorance. There is often a mean and venal aspect to peoples' natures, and when they open their mouths before their thoughts it can be embarrassing to themselves and others. Still and all, much of such cruelty is not deliberate, but thoughtless actions. Hurt is just as serious, but there is more room for eventual understanding and acceptance.
How much influence have Hutterites on society? Maybe more than you think. Walk through our crowded downtown streets and alleys, or check out some public schools, or crowded late night clubs. Uniqueness is seriously evident. Like flocks to like, and if diverse groups come close there might be cautious appraisal and interaction. Or there might not. They could, too, "stand off". It does seem to me that there are more and more diverse groups in society, greater acceptance of difference, and less fear of same.
At any rate, the dress, lives, beliefs and actions of hutterites hardly seems markedly noticeable in light of the above. Have Hutterites widened our perspectives? Have other groups smoothed our tolerances? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? It hardly seems definable or answerable. Results indicate though, individuals in society may now be mature enough, and have sufficient inner strength to no longer be in fear of differences.
Throughout history their have been small changes to dress, ways and actions (of hutterites). I say "small", but who am I to use this adjective? Perhaps for the groups involved they are huge? What has been the glue which held the ways and values and religious "being" together? What has been the value of the colony to the persons inside? It, they (the colonies) could not survive without the life, love, commitment and perseverance of the insiders. There has to have been more benefit or value to it than three square meals a day? Likely it has been more than a place to hang your hat? Surely it is more than warm clothes?
Some of the first teachers,educators of children have usually been women. It generally is women who first care for young, and certainly so on hutterite colonies. From their mothers' first soothing words, songs and care, the young are inculcated with their "roots", "foundations" and "expectations"
There is no small wonder involved in each act of daily living for a hutterite. Each breath they take is a reaffirmation of their belief and dedication to commitment of faith. Faith is how they live, and not something reserved for one day a week. Uniformity of dress and actions serves to remind and reinforce general expectations and commitments. This manner of dress honors their beginnings and signifys their intent.
Is there uniqueness amongst the Hutterites? Do they “all look alike”? The diversity amongst Hutterites is likely as apparent to them who live it, as the diversity amongst the outside population is to us.
I believe, that most Hutterites are entirely secure in what they are, how they live, what they believe, and coping with "outsiders" opinions.
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