Asia's Hill People

Unfortunately, globalization and western idea of "modernity" forces many groups to adpot new knowledges. This many times forces them to give up traditional practices or knowledges which might otherwise be useful. The fact they were weary of the future of their people was distressing but very much a reality all over rural parts of "developing" countries. I agree with Emilio, give me hills before bleached teeth and imposed religion.

Really lovely. Reminds me of the Hmong, too. It would benefit "progressive states" to have an exchange of ideas and culture with tribes such as the Akha. The way the world's resources and consumer tendencies are headed, I'd rather be in the hills with my own food source, spirituality, and self governing, than in Bangkok or L.A. with all the teeth bleaching fools of the world.

I thought this was a beautifully done piece: you manage to weave the sadness of the loss of Akha culture with the promise this young girl evidently feels at having more options. I wanted this to be longer, so that it could delve into the dress and customs of the tribe which I found myself fascinated with... Loved it....

it's sad, but i mean in the end probably hundreds of thousands if not millions of cultures have died in human history.. we're still doing alright.. right??? OMG WE'VE LOST OUR WAY ALL HOPE IS GONE!!

FANTASTIC piece, insightful look at some of the cultures of the hill tribes. Not too long and preachy too, do more~

INTERESTING

just like my people (the hmong). Me most of my siblings can speak it professionally. My niece and nephew cant speak a word. Theres alot of my culture i still don't know about. its sad i say.

the cultural damage done in the name of spreading christianity is a shame as far as i'm concerned..
i wonder how long before people like these are convinced to give offering to the mission .. to further destroy non christian culture

your royal family is also harboring terrorists and extremists............. and no one has a gun to their head, its their choice...tourist guides yes missionaries what!? your a fool for saying something like that. if you think christians are doing the exploiting take a deeper look into your royal family.

The royal family of Thailand has been thoughtful and generous in providing land, health care and education to the Akha and other hill tribes and even refugees from Burma. The Christian missionaries (and often the local tourist guides) exploit them and profit by it. Romanticizing ignorance isn't helpful, but neither is agenda driven exploitation.

well, there is a lot of shit people in the cities have to deal with that very close families in tribes don't experience. These people have less needs which means less stress and are their own government pretty much.

HMM, no electricity, no schools, rotten teeth, hard life. why the hell would their daughter want to end up like her parents. ancestors haha, they should of passed on the knowledge of brushing your teeth.