As a southern Baptist, I see this series and wonder how in the name of God your community can condone such a portrayal. Now I understand just a bit better! Since King Colony has chosen to go national with allowing drinking, cell phones, makeup, bar-visiting, and outright defiance, I am really wondering how, if at all, you are addressing this? It CAN-NOT be a realistic portrayal of your lives….?! Obviously you have internet, and access to the series; some of us are wondring how you can allow this degridation of your most honest and pure way of life to continue! I confess I watched it for the first few episodes….. and then cried for your community. If these people are what was presented to the American public as an accurate portrayal of Hutterite life, you were cheated! These people HONESTLY represent you as a VERY strict community which allows your young to do as they please with no reprecussions and adult men who CAN NOT be recognised as anything but another ordinary redneck, while your women’s claim to faith is simply being subserviant to these wild bucks, wearing dresses while the men dress as any redneck man in the general populace! The biggest thing we have seen as of yet……… Women can DRINK, PARTY and get as loud as any man, just DO NOT LET ANYONE SEE THEIR HAIR!!!! I believe that you have higher values than this…….. if not, you are no more pious than we are, you just cover your womens hair. I’m just saying….!

I came across NGC American Colony: Meet the Hutterites for the first time tonight. Not knowing anything of this group of people I was interested, but didn’t think the show portrayed the true essence of your culture. Thank you to the Hutterite community for expressing your opinions about the show and maintaining this website. As an elementary teacher, I want my knowledge base to be accurate. While I applaud NGC for showcasing people and experiences with which I am not familiar, I understand the concept of creative editing and the contrived activities of reality t.v. So thank you for this forum to learn more about the Hutterite way of life.

I find it sickening and very backwards that the women are treated less then equal to the men. How is that what God wants? Ironic that it’s ok to use computers but not to treat women equally, its sooo wrong on so many levels!! Not allowed to wear dress slacks, drive a 4 wheeler and so on….So grateful to God that he placed me where I am. I am truly blessed!

As an American Muslim, I can understand just how inaccurate “reality TV” can be, when a cultural or religious community is being represented/depicted (the failed TLC series, All American Muslim was anything but accurate). It is sad, though, that this will be the only exposure that many will ever have, and so they will believe the series to be both accurate and faithful in its depiction of Hutterite life. One can only hope that more people will remember to refer to Google. 🙂

Mark, first, I’d like to say that I thought your blog was well written. I attended college in Billings Montana and occasionally had the opportunity to interact with Hutterites in the community though only briefly . I can personally say that I never had a bad experience or felt anything but awe at the way the Hutterites conducted themselves in public.

My husband and I have watched the series on NatGeo since it first aired and one of the first things we felt was that the series was definitely scripted and edited to keep the public interested. Though I don’t believe the intentions of NatGeo was to do harm, drama sells and so that’s what’s shown.

Where the younger adults and teenagers are concerned, I honestly believe in my heart that they are merely testing their boundaries as any growing personality will do. Though they live in a community who live and are governed by religious beliefs, they are still individuals and as such, need to find their own individuality prior to being baptized. After all, ist’t that the point of waiting until they are old enough to decide for themselves if this way of life is what they want to commit themselves to? It seems to me that while some of these behaviors are frowned upon by the Hutterite community, one would think that the “influences from the outside world” wouldn’t be such a big deal if the community itself felt secure in their way of life. It’s a choice every Hutterite makes, to conform and be part of the community or to move out and on with their worldly lives.

For what it’s worth, that’s my two cents.

Lastly… I have to say, I love watching Bertha experience new things. She’s just the cutest thing and watching her glow and giggle when she does something non-traditional just makes my heart happy. Go Bertha!

I am concerned, curious about Bertha and her children….in regard to her husband’s suicide. Is this common amongst the Hutterites? Is it something “swept under the rug”?
Has the Colony given this family any emotional support, counseling, etc? Do you see the anger in the children, evidenced in their acting out? Am I the only one wondering about this? I like Bertha and admire her, but I worry that she has been sent adrift. The children don’t seem to have any adult male role model to follow after their father’s death.

Everyone has the right and free will to worship as they wish. I have my own opinions on what I have read here on this site and what I have witnessed on the show. No one needs to hear them. ~Take Care Hutterites

I thought it was interesting. I hadn’t ever seen Hutterites before. I knew from history or something that you were anabaptist. I think one of the most distinctive things is your communal living. It is good to see people who are concerned with living by what their scripture says. Most Christians that I see, pick and choose what to follow, and most of what is in the Bible they skip over. As a Muslim we differ, theologically. We follow a strict form of monotheism and believe that God alone, without any partner or associate is worthy of being worshiped. However we also stand out due to our lifestyle and adherence to our religion. I have often been mistaken for amish.

As an “English” person, I find the show to be interesting and have valuable lessons. To us outsiders, my family loves the show. It is clear to us that they’re likeable, relateable people .

They have the opportunity to leave by having experience in the “outside world” yet they choose to stay in their traditions. Yes, the younger ones show to sometimes be a little bit more defiant and question what is right and wrong, but that is often times how one truly comes to understand their destiny– and I don’t see anyone running out of the colony 🙂

I come from a very Catholic family, and I grew up resisting some beliefs, most of which I now accept, but some I never will. However, I never neglect my religion, nor do I look at others as doing something “right” or “wrong”.. different doesn’t mean bad.

Truth be told, I think King Colony is a great crew and makes the Hutterite people seem lively yet devout. They seem to reason and try to allow their younger generation to think for themselves, but still instill their values and traditions. I think they’re the perfect people to help everyone in the “English world” understand what they stand for, and that people have things in common with each other.

Good for them. I hope this brings GREAT things for them. Everyone should be more supportive. I think they’re really wonderful.

I just saw a few episodes and I have to say I find the men and woman enduring. I would assume that after the airing of the shows each person will have to account for their “good” or “bad” behavior or language. For me I guess you could say I live in and of the world. But I use to belong to a very involved and dedicated group of Christians, that I do not want to mention. Because of my teaching of God’s word I understand the need to keep the outsiders away from your children and young adults. The world has temptations everywhere and as we all know children and young adults do not understand the possible pitfalls of life. Not only that, the survival of the colony depends upon the younger generations. This may sound strange to some, but the colony in my opinion is not just a group of folks that eat, work and commune together, but the way of God’s will. So, if their is no colony then Hutterite colony will be failing God’s will. This is something that I would think would be a heartbreaking event for these people. My advise to the young people of these colonies is to do as you are told, live as God wishes and trust that nothing Good can come from a world that in my opinion is not of God. There are many, many children that do not have male or female role models in their lives. They come home after school everyday to a parent free home. In the world we are so isolated as a people that our children cannot go outside for fear awful things happening to them. There are hoards of children that go to preschools from 6am to 6pm daily. They cry for their family. You have a strong traditional base that you have been blessed with, do not think there is more, there really is not. God and Family that is God’s will. So, although this show does not stress the spiritual side of colony life it does make my heart glad that their are young men that still work selflessly, women that work selflessly. It does my heart glad to see women and men laugh at the simple joys of life.

I was glad to read this thoughtful blog post about the TV series. I “stumbled” across the series a couple of weeks ago and was surprised – first, by the “reality show” quality of the series, since I expected something less “flashy” and sensational from NG – and second, by some of the aspects of the community life that were presented; all in all, it seemed a very unpalatable way of life, IMO – swearing, young people back-talking parents and other older people, flavored with a fear of outside education/intellectual development. The show seemed to present a very strange and, to me at least, confusing mix of beliefs and practice … especially after having read more scholarly articles about the Hutterites that seemed to emphasize modesty and humility – neither of which seemed to be present in the show. Perhaps the presentation has much to do with NG’s desire to make a “reality” series imbued with drama, and maybe something to do with a few heads being turned by the presence of a camera. I’m glad I also “stumbled” on this blog entry, because the show certainly left my family and I with a less than favorable opinion of the Hutterites. Regardless, I don’t think we’ll be watching the series again – especially after seeing the promo for this week’s episode, where one of the young women’s smiling faces is spattered in duck blood. Lovely.

Are Hutterites good about proselytizing?

At what point does the gene pool become an issue? If not many outsiders choose to become a part of the Hutterite community, isn’t there a potential for massive inbreeding? How is this addressed and/or prevented?

I am a public school teacher and teach at a Hutterite colony. At this colony, the kids do not go to school in town. The colony I teach at:
– is far stricter than King Colony
-kids only go to the 8th grade
-internet is not allowed at the colony school
-people have jobs at the colony, they do not work outside the colony
All colonies are different, so the public needs to keep an open mind about what they see on this program about colony life.

I too find the information of the American colony by National Geographic, to be a sad picture of all colonies. Surely love the greatest commandment should prevail. This colony shows itself as disrespectful and undisciplined. I have expected a body of elders to show up and question their values. Although no one seems to want to take responsibility to teach these folks how they are harming their spiritual path, and the reputation of their colony. One can only hope this is fake, staged and that makes me question their motives for doing so.
At one time I considered wanting to join the Huteritte faith. It is a good thing there was nothing like this back then. Please show your love and counsel this colony before it is too late.

As someone who had never heard of Hutterites prior to this series, I’ve appreciated the glimpse into their colony and life. All walks of life have moments of change and transition, and what I learned from watching this show is that (at least this colony of) Hutterites seem to be grappling with that. Some of their traditions seem lame and horribly outdated to someone from the outside. But I also respect that they have the right to live how they want. If the elders from Canada don’t like it, then this colony can exist on their own, absent any labels. Everyone should be allowed to choose their own destiny. Lastly, I don’t have any reason to believe the colony was exploited. They knew what they would be getting themselves into, and while a show cannot broadcast all the hours of footage they shot, I believe they showed an honest representation. Good, bad, ugly, funny, and sad.

Our family has been hooked on the TV show from day one. At first, I will admit I had no idea about the Hutterites….never even heard of them. Probably the closest thing I can compare with would be the Mennonites back in Ammons, KY. I will gladly say that Bertha Hofer is truly an inspiration because of her faith in Jesus Christ has carried her through some really difficult times. In fact, I couldn’t imagine raising a family on my own….whether it be in a Hutterite colony or English community. All in all, I believe the good outweigh the bad on the TV show. Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

I watched only one episode of the show American Colony.
I have to say as a christian who has studied several religion I had never heard of the Hutterites and I found it very facinating to watch. As with most reality shows the producers are looking for ratings… so it is wise for anyone to keep in mind that it mostlikely does not represent the entire group. And I would even venture to assume that even some of the King’s group is not in agreeance with this show.
Thank you for the blog and helping to educate myself and others about this group.
I am looking forward to learning more!! Blessings!

All I can say after watching the show and learning more about the Hutterites is that I truly envy your way of life. You are a blessed people. All my life I’ve yearned for the sort of simple life of quiet devotion and faith the Hutterites lead.

I am hoping that the show did not depict the correct meaning of what it is the be an Hutterite, as it was my first impression of the community, and it shocked and saddened me. I have been a strong and independent woman of my 45 years, and was saddened with how the woman of the community are treated!

One camera catches some bad behavior; dozens capture thousands of hours of film that can be stewed into a currently trendy soup of “reality TV” and the biggest story in my mind is that the leadership was either embarrased by the spotlight, or maybe jealous.
I, as an outsider to your world, have seen the media trash groups. My take is that by stripping you of the only thing the outside world knows about you, your religion, they opened the door to some actual Christianity. I saw beautiful family and loving communication that doesn’t exist in modern America. Gender expectations among males and females, while totally foreign to us, made some sort of “sense”; I, for sure, don’t think you odd. I witnessed hard work and fair play. I saw no genuine anger. I didn’t see pious people babbling about old stories, I saw that their children had embraced the morals and lived by them. It is the artistic staff at National Geographic that stole your cane to show that you can walk.
I’ll be honest, had your show been filled with religious judgement, I wouldn’t have watched one complete episode. Fear not, we aren’t as stupid as you may assume and we realize there was plenty of church between plot twists. I’d prefer to watch the actual human walking the walk, as your brothers and sisters clearly do. Furthermore, who doesn’t have disrespectful children? It’s should be comforting to see that some of them have brains of their own as history has shown a eternal need for leadership.
Just thought I’d throw that out there as I was bummed out to hear y’all were bummed out about a clearly beautiful bunch of people on a rather interesting show.

I found the television show very interesting and refreshing, while you may not want the show to be viewed as an accurate portrayel of hutterire lifestyle, I think the series shows depiction of family, togetherness is wonderful. I think the people at King’s Colony are warm caring good Christian people. If nothing else it proivides the people who had no eposure to the lifestyle at all some insight, and given the history of this country i promise that you are better off in this ever changing and challenging world with understanding, especially if you are a religious minority that has been from Germany, Austria, Russia, the Ukraine, and half way accross the United States partly because there was a lack of that understanding.

It seems quite a few have remarked that the children and young adults shown on the show are disrespectful to their elders. I see the fact that the children speak to their parents and elders about their conflicts to be an encouraging sign. I have noticed many think the only way to be respectful is to be totally obedient to elders. Christ was not completely obedient to those who would have been considered his elders or betters. Questioning can lead to understanding, and a mind that questions is less easily led than one taught to mute acceptance.

I have been watching the series and have been disappointed to see so little information about the religious beliefs which led the Hutterites to live in the colonies as they do. The positive is that I then sought more information on the Internet. The one thing that I think I would have difficulty with if I had grown up in such a community, is that the roles and expectations are so clearly defined as to what will be the work of an adult. What happens if a child is found to have artistic, literary, or musical talents, for instance? Tending cattle, farming, cooking and cleaning would not give the outlet that a creative person would need as much as air.

I have been searching for meaning in my shallow life for some time now. I was raised as a Roman Catholic but I have fallen away from the church. I’m interested in finding
out a little more about Anabaptist traditions and what you believe in.

I agree the colony in the series should not be seen as the average Hutterite colony. But I have much respect for them and other Hutterites ever since I was young I have often wonderd why we do not live this way through Sunday school and church I’ve learned that the communal way of life is the right way. So I have a question is it possible for a Christian outside the colony to join a colony? I very much wish to live my life closer to god and live a much more traditional life I would very much appreciate a honest answer thank you

I think that most people actually understand that NatGeo omitted the spiritual part of the Colony for entertainment purposes. All in all, I LOVE the show, I love the people in it and I for one, understand that it is scripted– but at least we get to learn some things about this nice group of people. You can also tell that everyone cares for everyone else and that it is a very caring and giving society in which they live. I will be very bored the day it’s not aired any longer as I look very forward to watching the show every week! Thank you for sharing with us your lives and customs.

Bertha is such a great person I would love to be her email friend and let her know that she is a fantastic person. Is that possible?

I really love the show, as I have never even heard of Hutterites before. Now saying that, I believe the elders have put too much emphasis on the negative instead of relishing the postives of this show. I watch to see and learn how they do things in nonconventional ways. Anyone can see the stuggles of everyday life they are put through. I love the warmth of the meal making scenes, seeing how they harvest their gardens, what is done with the produce, the cattle, how to men their fences, I could go on and on…. Let them be proud of reaching beyond their colony by doing this show, to make someone smile or trigger a memory about a lost loved one who maybe taught a few of those things in their lives at some point. The colony is a beautiful show with amazing people who the Hutterites should be very proud of and not feel shame in any way. They represent ALL Gods people, in every struggle in some form. As human beings on this planet we learn from the good with the bad. They are good people with the love of God on their faces. They NOTHING to be ahamed for! They have shown me alot from watching this show and I will continue to watch it. If the Hutterite Elders are ahamed of this show, then that is the same as saying they are ashamed of their religion as well. And SHAME on THEM!

Hi! I just stumbled upon this show! I have never even heard of the Hutterites! I find the show interesting! I personally am a city girl from Chicago,but crave a lifestyle like this! Maybe not as extreme but similar! And I must say the one guy on the show, Can’t remember his name…he is so good looking!!

I was happy to see the subject of cursing, drinking, and defiance addressed. I have been following this program and questioned the fact that the parents and elders appeared to have been accepting of this behavior. I understand the fact that the colony frowns on sports though I don’t agree w/this belief but the program states it is because of the dress code which can easily be resolve.d. I did not see alot of respect for each other on this show nor did the true religion be addressed. King Colony does not address the daily devotions. I felt that the defiance depicted obscene. Outsiders would not tolerate this from their children. On the whole, ever prior to reading the previous blog I felt this series does not truly show the religious, communal life of the true Colony

I was shocked at the level of disrespect the teens show toward their elders on the show. We live in a large city in middle America. My kids (14,13, 6, 5, 3 and 1) will never be allowed to behave like that! Shameful.

I just watched the first two episodes last night and was glad to read your blog on the show this morning. I grew up in rural South Dakota near two Hutterite colonies. I did not spend any time on a colony, but the local Hutterites came to town from time to time and I had friends who spent a significant amount of time at the colonies. When I watched the show, I was quite taken aback. The colony life portrayed was much different than what I understood growing up in S.D. I’m a little more educated now that I’ve read your blog. My experiences come from different colonies (and different sects as I understand) and from a different time (~ 30 years ago). Thanks for giving me that perspective and I’ll remember that when I watch the show in the future.

Agree that the religious part/beliefs of this group is missing but everything I have read is that this was an agreement that the colony had with the group doing the filming – not sure why except maybe they thought it would get them into trouble with the elders or give viewers another reason to criticize their way of living – do feel it would add to the realism of the series and give viewers a better idea of what colony life is all about.

If I wanted to visit one of the colonies, would I be welcomed? How would I arrange it and what should I expect?

Mr. Waldner, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Anyone who watches television knows of this genre and anyone with more than 2 neurons knows:
to take it with a grain of salt;
to use it as an entertainment spring board to learn more about the true realities by personal research; and,
that those represented in these episodes do not represent the whole for if they did, we’d all be in trouble because the world would think we were all Snookies, Lindsays and Paris’……..then, we can say God help us all…..

Courage!

I find the title misleading from the content of the show. Acting out scenes, reinacting, whatever they want to call it, isn’t “real”.
I’m wondering if this particular Colony has strayed from the flock. I really don’t think this show is representative of the general Hutterite people.
In fact, they all act just like the general non-Hutterite population! In fact, the only difference between them and us is the clothing and living as a group!
They just aren’t that special, if this show is what it says it is.

Question:

Does the King Ranch Hutterite Colony really grow the best dope out west?

Does the King Ranch Hutterite Colony really grow the best dope out west?

Thank you for your heartfelt comments. As an outsider early in my nursing career I was impressed by the kindness and generosity of the Hutterite colony near Estelline, SD where I lived. There is a true spiritual heritage which the show ignores. Please know it is apparent in the lives of the brethren I have observed!

Thanks for publishing this web page about the Hutterites. I watched the show on National Geographic and was horrified by some of the language, attitudes and other issues. To me, they showed this group of people as “English” in conservative clothing. They missed a lot to me, and felt like when I was watching it, it was a scam. I am not a Hutterite, but attend a Baptist church. My family dresses somewhat conservatively. Glad there is a balanced view out there. Thanks!

Having seen a well done documentary about a Hutterite colony years ago, I was disappointed with the shallowness and scripting of this series. I doubt that it portrays the colony as it really is, and is a disservice to Hutterites and Anabaptists of any denomination.
Unfortunately, many “reality” TV series are not very realistic – I saw that this was the case with this show from the first few minutes.

Thank you for writing this. As a “outsider” I have varying opinions, one of them though is the obvious- everything is scripted and i almost wonder if some of the offenses would even occur if not for the cameras present. I would hope that the colony will receive ample compensation monetarily in order to help the community as a whole. I especially enjoyed learning how they harvest trees and make beds as well as hatch quail from eggs that arrived by mail.
As a woman who sews for my children daily I found the sewing bit humorous since it seems to suggest the girls could sew dresses for all of them in one night (with no mention of patterns!) claudia’s dress appeared to be made by another seamstress, as the cut suggests accurate sewing. I might suggest they invest in some new machines- and rather than burning the dresses they would have been better selling the good on etsy (claudia’s dress should have brought at least $60-$80) the other’s dresses could have been cut up and turned into cloth diapers or rags. What a foolish way to spend money- fabric averages about $8-9 pr yard from a quilt shop- All I saw was waste in that section- never mind the suggestion that they are new sewers.
I find many of the scenes to be too unrealistic. If my daughter came out dressed in a way that was unacceptable in my community i would not stand next to her- i would march her back in and make her change regardless of if she’s 6yrs old or 16.
I prefer the show “Amish Out of Order” as it seems at least slightly more realistic.
I wish they would stop trying to make it “reality tv” and change it more to a “documentary on a weekly basis”.
I can so appreciate that money balancing is a fine art and admire the money bosses attempts to always search for resources to make with their hands and sell. May all Hutterites be richly blessed in their lives and continue this way of life. I wish my life could dip more closely to yours. Already i am the only mom I knew who sews for my girls in my area of New England.

i am not a hutterite but the more i learn the i agree with jacob hutter. our outsiders welcome in colony to live or do u gotta be born into a colony

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Hello, Kenny my name is Craig Brennan and I am from Texas and my family loves the outdoors. My family loves this show and we cant wait till the next week to see what will happen next. We never laugh at these families we laugh with them they seem to be great people and well grounded and I wish I knew them personelly. We realize that some of the things taking place on the show are not representive of Hutterites but thats what makes it so real. HEY AMERICA HUTTERITES ARE REAL PEOPLE TOO AND HAVE SOME OF THE SAME ISSUE AS BOTH YOU AND I BAD AND GOOD.. Kenny this a very good group of people with sound strong ideals you should be very proud of these people they are trying to hold on to somthing that has lasted since the 1500’s in a world that now tecknology for the first time in the history of man kind is ahead of the human race and it is causing problems world wide. Somtimes you have to let it swing both ways and even then sit back and learn from it that is to say figure out what will help the Hutterites endore maybe some change is good I dont know but I do know and so does the whole watching comunity of this show that there is alot more to your life style then what is seen we all have already been to the pupet show and rodeo we live this crazy world outside the box. Any way we liked the hunting show my family are hunters we hunt all the time we were pulling for the young man whose dad had passed to get a buck I take children hunting just like him all the time there is few better feelings then watching a young man get a buck.I love it in fact that young man and others would be welcome to hunt deer on my ranch in Texas any time. Kenny dont take this show off the air this is a good thing just maybe construct some constraints but not to much that it kills the aliveness of all these people its a good thing Kenny you did good.

If it wasn’t for the series I would have never found this website, which serves to educate. From this perspective, I believe the show may be a blessing in disguise for the Hutterites. It’s unfortunate that organized religion tends to put people at odds with one another. I personally believe none of us will know the “truth” until after we’ve drawn our last breath. Until then, Peace to all.

I don’t understand how you guys can get drunk and then go to church the next day? You make the women wear ugly dresses with bonnets yet they can cuss and get drunk at bar’s? Watching this on TV I am very confused… and now a few are going to a concert? Basically, you live EXACTLY like the rest of us, you just dress funny and call yourselves saved. You can’t write your own religion and expect to make it to heaven. I never read about Jesus cussing and downing shots by the fire. Please!!

I truely enjoy the show and am glad to see it on every week. I wish it was on more frequently. Today, there are many shows and movies that show violence and other things that just don’t impress me much. I like to watch the Hutterite show with its traditions and family values. If you understand how the show influences others, then maybe you can also understand, in more ways than one, the show does have an impact. I truely hope to see it in the future, struggles and all.

While I respect the rural and agrarian lifestyle, I also feel strongly that no “faith focus” would justify the oppression that is placed upon children raised in Hutterite or other colonial Anabaptist sects. Your post, while attempting to point out the inconsistencies between most colonies and the king ranch, has done nothing more than to prove that conditions elsewhere are likely worse than those portrayed on the show. “High school, where available”? Really? The state should work to pursue truancy charges and fines against the colonies that don’t offer what has become a minimum standard of education for the rest of America. It doesn’t matter if these injustices are rooted in faith or not. Adults may choose to volunteer freedoms and education for the sake of faith, but we as citizens have a duty to protect kids until that point is reached.

Afterall, this is a reality show. I personally found it interesting. At least these people are aware of their heritage. I wish that I would have been blessed to have known my heritage. So, who cares about all of the bad behavior displayed. As followers of God, we all fall short of His glory. This world would be a better place to live in if we all were part of a community interested in each others well being.