Posted by Dennis D Broadbooks on 1/15/07 6:12pm
Msg #170910

OT - Ahmish Joke

An Amish boy and his father were visiting a nearby mall. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny silver walls that moved apart and back together again by themselves.

The lad asked, "What is this, father?"

The father responded, "I have no idea what it is."

While the boy and his father were watching wide-eyed, an older lady in a wheelchair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened with a "ding" and the senior citizen rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed with a "ding" and the boy and his father watched as small circles lit up one at a time above the walls.

A few moments later the walls opened up again with a "ding" and a beautiful twenty-four-year-old woman stepped out.

The father looked directly at his son and said, "Son, go get your mother!"

Reply by bestcal on 1/15/07 8:28pm
Msg #170942

Re: OT - Ahmish Joke n/m

Reply by bestcal on 1/15/07 8:31pm
Msg #170943

Re: OT - Ahmish Joke -I'm sorry-Good joke! n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/15/07 9:02pm
Msg #170947

Bad joke. Not funny on so many levels. n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/15/07 9:34pm
Msg #170960

Yes, on SO many levels. Agree, totally. n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/15/07 10:14pm
Msg #170989

And, it's Amish! n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/15/07 11:20pm
Msg #171005

Re: Bad joke. Why?

Now I am really confused at how this is a bad joke, and bad on so many levels.

Could someone explain why it's not just a cute little joke that says "Men like pretty young women; Amish people don't get out much to see tall buildings with elevators so they might not understand them."

Neither one of those messages are surprising. I don't understand why you and TitleGal took offense to it.

This cold snap must be freezing up my brain lube.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/15/07 11:39pm
Msg #171008

Dear Brenda

I love you to death, you know that.

It wasn't nice toward women. And to write that a culture (Amish) and their Men (Amish) who were so beholden to God's Principles as to fall off the path (of the strict Amish lifestyle) which is completely and totally ingrained into them (reference those children who died, and the responses of their Fathers) and their oh-so-special lifestyles that honor God first, Family second, and their own interests last?

To be completely thrown off course by the stuff of the 'World'? C'mon Brenda.

Of course men like pretty young women. Of course Amish don't get out much. But, the joke said, in so many words, that even they (of the highest standards) can be swayed.

That means anyone of great standards can be swayed from them - those standards. So if those Amish can be swayed? Whats the point of integrity? If it's only about what you want, where you want it and when you want it, then okay. But if it's steadfast, then please, no Amish jokes. They are about the only solid thing left now-adays.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/16/07 12:23am
Msg #171013

Dear TitleGal

Okay. I appreciate you taking the time to explain. It's hard to say this in writing without sounding like a smart @ss, but I guess that since it was marked OT and "joke" I was expecting it to have some kind of hidden double meaning other than what you have objected to for it to bring out two negative replies. It's just not that offensive to me in the context you mention, but I can empathize with your position.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/16/07 12:27am
Msg #171016

Re: Dear TitleGal

You know me, my friend. I do love ideology, and more than that? Religion. To me, these people are above what we call "religious" and to make fun of them? Just sends me into the ........you fill in the blank.

Luv ya.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/16/07 12:05am
Msg #171010

Well, for one thing, it's Amish. And for another thing,

it presumes the Amish are stupid/backward for not being familiar with the 'outside world.' The quote outside world unquote presumes to be a more valid reality. It's demeaning. The Amish *know* there is an *outside world.* They just choose to avert their energies, and rely on the tried and true.

Then there is the conclusion that "pretty young women" are preferable to Amish men's wives. Saying that their wives aren't pretty, and that some city-slicken Madison Avenue cutie is somehow superior? How sick is that?

Then there is the issue of the [intentional?] misspelling of Ahmish. Kinda like 'foreign.' Kinda like Al - something.

Plus, the entire premise is degrading to women, pre-supposing that pretty young women are more valuable than regular, normal, women.

"Son, go get your mother." Let her be transformed...into what??

Old women were once young. That's how you got here.

Old men who wish for young women, apparently haven't fathered daughters.

And - to single out a devout Amish community of men - who place no importance on the shallow cosmetics of 'beauty,' and who believe that the beauty of we women lies within, all of these and more speak out against this 'joke.'

I'm not into a scholarly discourse right now, but that's a start.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/16/07 12:25am
Msg #171015

Re: Well, for one thing, it's Amish. And for another thing,

And for another thing...

***Kinda like 'foreign.' Kinda like Al - something.***

that is so not called for, or accurate. The fact that you didn't approve of the original has no bearing on another poster. Be specific, or don't bother.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/16/07 12:40am
Msg #171018

What? My offense is not for your approval. n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/16/07 12:45am
Msg #171019

Re: What? My offense is not for your approval.

My comment has nothing to do with 'my approval'. It was directed toward your lack thereof.

It's beyond me how you can go from original agreement on the topic to splitting hairs on other posters.

Sorry, I don't get it.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/16/07 12:48am
Msg #171020

Bad joke. On so many levels. The point. n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/16/07 12:51am
Msg #171021

Re: Well, for one thing, it's Amish. And for another thing,

Susan, My reply to TitleGal's explanation applies here as well. Thanks for your thoughts.

It's my belief that Dennis made a typo with the Ahmish.

We can only be degraded as women if we personalize a perceived slight, IMHO. That we age is a fact. That some/many men are interested in youthful appearance is a fact. It's hard-coded into the DNA.

Hmmm...I guess what I am saying is I refuse to be offended by a natural truth in joke form when there are real live @ssh0les out there offending me on purpose just for sport.

Reply by ZeeCA on 1/16/07 12:58am
Msg #171023

I am offended by any joke that denigrates women, men, ethn

ic, racial, gender, religion etc. this joke would have had the same result if it was a made up culture but still been anti wonderful middle aged women......

jmho

Reply by christiSocal on 1/16/07 1:15am
Msg #171026

How about this way


An redneck girl and her mother were visiting a nearby mall. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially by two shiny silver walls that moved apart and back together again by themselves.

The girl asked, "What is this, ma?"

The mother responded, "I have no idea what it is."

While the girl and her mother were watching wide-eyed, an older man in a wheelchair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened with a "ding" and the senior citizen rolled between them into a small room. The walls closed with a "ding" and the girl and her mom watched as small circles lit up one at a time above the walls.

A few moments later the walls opened up again with a "ding" and a handsome twenty-four-year-old man stepped out.

The mother looked directly at her daughter and said, "girl, go get yer pa!"

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/16/07 1:37am
Msg #171029

Nope. Same argument. Not funny. n/m

Reply by hcampersFL on 1/16/07 6:24am
Msg #171034

I think both jokes are extremely funny! Wish I had one of

those sliding gray doors at my house in the morning. I'm not saying if it would be for me or my husband.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/16/07 7:38am
Msg #171036

Re: How about this way-Thanks Christi...I have heard this

joke before thanks to my fun-loving mom and her vintage boy toy...and I have heard it again and again...and (sigh) again.

Recycling joke material is one of the benefits they enjoy while being an amateur senior citizen "comedy duo."

They're either forgetful and can't remember telling me that joke last week, or they just-by-gosh enjoy telling the joke multiple times and they figure the least I owe them is to listen politely and laugh like I have never heard it before.

Oh well...they get a lot of mileage out of their favorite jokes and it teaches me patience. On the other hand, it works well in their social circle because most of their cronies forget the joke in between tellings and laugh when they repeat it.

Heh, heh, heh...you ought to hear this pair complain about the "old" people repeting themselves when they get together with friends to play dominoes.

BTW, this is me poking fun at seniors' intermittent memory problems. Problem is I can't remember if I have said all this here before...if I have, please indulge me. And, that was me laughing at myself.

Reply by Poppy on 1/16/07 12:33pm
Msg #171081

That was a sweet post Brenda... You have a kind spirit! n/m

Reply by christiSocal on 1/16/07 1:46pm
Msg #171109

I have to laugh at myself for the same reason!

I have to laugh at myself for the same reason! hmmm did I say that already? My kids tell me I repeat myself often. I figure they don't listen half the time anyway, Soo it all works out in the end, LOL

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/16/07 3:49pm
Msg #171144

Re: I have to laugh at myself for the same reason!

Yep, Christi...when I start it my son will say, "Okay, Mimaw." (That's what he calls Mother.)

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/16/07 1:53am
Msg #171032

No, he didn't. No typo. Don't believe that. n/m

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 1/16/07 9:08am
Msg #171044

Yes, "Ahmish" Was a Typo...

...& I'm amazed (not surprised) at the reaction to this. This wasn't meant to be a slap at the Amish people at all, although it's apparent some on this board WANT to interpret it that way. There wasn't anything "dirty" or "profane" about the joke nor was it intended to be gender oriented. It's a fact the Amish desire to live a simple lifestyle devoid of the modern electronic entrapments & yes, it's probably a stretch to say they wouldn't recognize an elevator if they saw one. But for a joke to be truly funny it should contain an element of truth to it & it's true the Amish are technologically challenged by choice. It's not a bad choice either. Those of you who know me also know my faith & it's very closely aligned to the Amish. While our family doesn't eschew modern technology, we hold dearly the tenets of the Christian faith. I do not hold the Amish in a inferior light simply because of the lifestyle choice they've made. On the contrary, I admire them for it.

Reply by MichiganAl on 1/16/07 1:50am
Msg #171031

Kind of like Al? How'd I get dragged into this childishness?

I like the Amish. I eat their chicken all the time.

Reply by cassiewi on 1/16/07 7:40am
Msg #171037

Dennis-it had me chuckling and I was not offended n/m

Reply by MistarellaFL on 1/16/07 7:42am
Msg #171038

Re: Dennis-it had me chuckling and I was not offended-DITTO n/m

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 1/16/07 9:22am
Msg #171046

I was offended on any number of levels. I do not......

know any Fundamentalist jokes, but I would be curious as
to the reaction if one were posted here, especially if I
posted it. (I would never consider doing this as to any religious, ethinic,
gender, etc group . )
Harry, rightly, banned posts advocating a religious position.
I assume that believed that , it went witout saying, that
jokes denigrating a religious group were also not welcome.
.

Reply by Loretta Reed on 1/16/07 9:36am
Msg #171048

I liked the joke.....especailly the redneck version....

Wow....I can't believe poeple have time to debate this. I want one of those elevators.
I was raised with rednecks that still drive with the confederate flag draped on the back window of their truck. We are hard working people and I can take a joke. jmho

Reply by Poppy on 1/16/07 12:05pm
Msg #171076

Too funny Loretta... I didn't know I was a redneck until

that song came out. I was listening to it and all of a sudden I found myself trying to figure out what the heck was wrong with standing on the lawn barefoot with a baby on your hip. Shoot, I do that all the time. Heck, half the time I'm standing on the neighbors lawn barefoot with a naked baby on my hip!

Reply by christiSocal on 1/16/07 1:24pm
Msg #171102

I'm a redneck woman, and proud of it!

Even though I'm in So Cal! Love that song too. I think the Amish are awesome people. They way they treated that sick,sick mans family truly showed them living their faith and is something I aspire to be able to do. That being said, they are human too and I'm sure they also have a sense of humor.... So I'd bet they have a few Englisher jokes out there!

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/16/07 4:58pm
Msg #171150

Re: I'm a redneck woman, and proud of it! Christi

**I'm sure they also have a sense of humor.... So I'd bet they have a few Englisher jokes out there! **

Finally a little voice of reason here.

When you are a Texan, and an "Aggie" you either learn to laugh with those laughing and making joke about you, or you'll be sour all the time.

Just one of the many Aggie joke pages:
http://halife.com/files/aggie.html

Reply by Dennis D Broadbooks on 1/16/07 9:41am
Msg #171049

While I Don't Believe for a "Chicago Minute"...

...you were truly offended by this joke, Bob, I'll be more than glad to state for the record my intent to refrain from "religious" jokes in the future. You & I both know what you've really taken "offense" to & it has absolutely nothing to do with the joke.

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 1/16/07 9:50am
Msg #171051

Huh?????? And, no, you do not need to reply.. n/m

Reply by cassiewi on 1/16/07 9:42am
Msg #171050

Not me, it was a joke

I reserve the right to laugh at jokes, I can laugh at myself, at my religion, at any number of things and not get offended. Is there a line? Yes, and this did not cross it, IMO. Have you ever gotten a politically incorrect email that amused you? If not, I'd be amazed. But, different strokes for different folks. Bottom line is, you have the right to be offended just as I choose to not be offended.

Reply by CaliNotary on 1/16/07 3:40pm
Msg #171142

Just read this thread

and all I can say is wow. Political correctness run amok.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/16/07 4:51pm
Msg #171148

Re: Just read this thread

**all I can say is wow. Political correctness run amok.**

This gives me an idea. I think I am going to go down to Wal-mart and stand out in front with a pencil and a steno pad and make a few notes on certain insensitive people who are not thinking of the feelings of others.

I'll be watching for those drivers who seem to be indifferent to the feelings of the pedestrians...you know the type...they are the insensitive ones who have to slam on their brakes when little children are not supervised as they bolt from the doors and into the traffic. Sometimes they grimace because it scares the crap out of them that they nearly hit someone. That grimace might just give someone a feeling of low self-esteem.

The more I think about it, the more it ticks me off. I am in no mood for grimacing drivers today. It's icy, below freezing and miserable out...our office had to close at noon, but what the heck...they need to be labeled as the inconsiderate sort they are...I might even take my ruler and some post-it notes. I'll look for inconsiderate parking etiquette infractions. If they are parked too close to the yellow line, that's it...I am putting a post-it note on their car.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 1/16/07 9:48pm
Msg #171225

Re: Just read this thread - Cali

do you really think it's PC...this thread? I think its far more how easily we can all be offended, as people.

I get offended when what I perceive as a sterling religious group who ACTUALLY practices what they preach, are made fun of. That was 'my offense'. The original post did offend me. Yes, it was a joke.

Have no clue where Ms. Fischer was going...or not.

Jokes are made all day long about:

Rednecks. I like them, they are real, and generally true to their beliefs...toilet in the front yard and all; and beer at 10am. They love their families, admirable.
Amish. I like them, they are real. Putting up the House of Worship in a day. That's admirable.
Jews. I like them they are real, and stay the course over history, primarly, then secondarily? Thrive in business. that's also admirable
Gays. I like them (but claim no special understanding). I think part of being gay is education (admirable) and part of it is anger (maybe not so admirable). A growing and evolving understanding over time. Also admirable.

This is a people thing...not a PC thing. PC run amok is hideous. I hate PC, it's my special pet hate.

This thread to me? It's all about how (even now) we are NOT one big melting pot...not when you get down to the nitty gritty issues, and where you stand on them.

With that said, Why the heck don't you people care about what's going on in Austrailia??? Hm?

Reply by christi ausherman on 1/16/07 11:12pm
Msg #171243

I care about Austrailia!

My son even went over there for 5 months to help those poor people out. He loved it and the people. When I say I'm redneck I should admit we keep our toilet in the house and I think beer is just nasty. BUT, if you check our backyard there are more car and motorcycle parts than grass and the best thing about being redneck is we laugh at almost everything especially ourselves. My daughter is blonde so she gets every blonde joke there is and my sons middle and ring fingers are a bit shorter than the rest, (lawnmower accident) so he gets the stumpy jokes (we loved the last fellowship of the rings movie, frodo is stumpy too!). With all that said, people are always going to be different- men, women, old, young, redneck, cosmopolitan, not to mention race and religion! But if we can laugh together at each other's idiosyncrasies life could be easier... Maybe... Jmho