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After 'Amish Mafia's' premiere, local residents debate how real it is

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First it was ‘Breaking Amish’ and now cable television has a new Amish-based reality show that is making headlines.

There is yet another “reality” show on the Amish culture. Sources tell me it’s done by the same production company that did ‘Breaking Amish’.

This one is called ‘The Amish Mafia’ and while many say it’s entertaining, most seem to dismiss the “reality” part.

“My gut says this one’s staged,” commented Lance Baird.

“It’s got to be staged,” agreed Mike Wilt. “100 percent, it has to be.”

The first episode of The Discovery Channel’s hit new ‘reality’ show ‘Amish Mafia’ seems to have many wondering how real it really is. The show, which was filmed in Lancaster, is allegedly based on the secret culture of Amish law enforcement.

It features Amish enforcers who keep the peace in the community via guns, violence and cash. But ‘Amish Mafia’, unlike ‘Breaking Amish’ for example, does admit that scenes are recreated.

“I’m sure there’s probably elements of truth to it, culturally and what not,” Wilt stated. “But the actually premise I think that’s mostly staged.”

Professor Don Kraybill, of Elizabethtown College, is a renowned author, lecturer and educator about the Amish. This is what he thinks about the recent explosion of shows about that culture.

“I think Amish out of Order, Breaking Amish, Amish Mafia are mostly trash,” Kraybill told us. “They are concocted and fabricated programs to create large audience and to raise viewership and raise funds in terms of advertising dollars.”

“I thought it was kind of ridiculous. It’s kind of obviously fairly fake,” Mark Schroetel. “I think if I were Amish and actually watching TV, I would be offended by it, too.”

‘Amish Mafia’ airs Wednesday night at 9:00 on The Discovery Channel


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