In the last 90 years, since the British embarked on their first expedition to Everest, the Sherpa culture has transformed dramatically

In the last 90 years, since the British embarked on their first expedition to Everest, the Sherpa culture has transformed dramatically. Once, a rugged, unindustrialized devout group of Buddhists who believed climbing Everest was blasphemy, today’s Sherpas are modernized, climbing professionals whose help is indispensable to climbing expeditions. Jon Krakauer paints a picture of some of the ways in which the cultural customs have changed rapidly, showcasing some of the pros and cons. What do you think about these changes?  Considering the implications of the changes to the Sherpa culture, make an argument for whether or not you feel this culture stands to gain more or lose more by profiting from Everest.

Book: Into thin air

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