When our ancestors were forming our new nation in 1776, they wrote the First Amendment so that any religion, regardless of the principles upon which it was based, would have equal rights in America . However, opinions make the First Amendment very difficult to follow. People generally have a mindset: follow what they believe and stereotype everyone. “These stereotypes are the sworn enemies of learning” (Wagner 6). Learning is the basis of life. However, due to stereotypes, less common religions, such as the Amish, are less noticed. Likewise, because people do not know the truth, the Amish are misunderstood and judged for their religion. To truly understand a culture, “it is necessary to strip the mind of the common notions we have about groups of people” (Wagner 6). Ideas that do not fit our own point of view or the models we create are rejected. Only by really trying and getting to know something or someone can we truly learn and begin to accept. People's lives are revealed in the details, and only by knowing them can we understand cultures and what they represent. The United States broke down these barriers created by stereotypes and allowed the Amish to pass certain laws and regulations to help them respect their religion. This is most evident in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. The Amish follow their religion unwaveringly with a life of discipline and hard work and they have the same equal rights as any American, but because of the stereotypes in our area, their ways are scrutinized and misunderstood to this day. Daily life in the Amish community is repetitive. They work hard and are very determined to accomplish everything they do. Besides work, community is a top priority....... middle of paper ....... "The Amish Lifestyle." Ohio Amish Furniture-Amish Quilts-Amish Country Tourism. Shop online craft stores and services. Internet. October 18, 2010. "BBC - Religions - Christianity: The Amish." BBC - Homepage. June 23, 2009. the web. October 18, 2010. .Mail, Par. Amish Country. 2008. Internet. October 18, 2010. Robinson, BA “THE AMISH: history, beliefs, practices, etc. » ReligiousTolerance.org by Ontario Religious Tolerance Consultants. August 8, 2004. The web. October 18, 2010. Wagner, Katherine. Life in an Amish community. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2001. Print. “Who are the Amish and what are their beliefs? Answers to Bible Questions. Internet. October 18. 2010. .