Rating: ****
When considering an adventure such as climbing Mount Everest, the idea of not making it back down the mountain is always a lingering factor. A Sherpa -- a "guide" for the groups climbing -- must face this reality each day. On April 18, an avalanche plowed down the west side of Everest, killing 16 Sherpas. The controversy over this situation is that the industry can not be shut down, due to the above-average revenue brought to the country by this industry. The article goes on to discuss how the lives of the Sherpas are not as valued as they should be, which is reflected in their pay, and how the government deals with such tragedies.
This article proves how many people put their lives in danger to be able to feed themselves and their families everyday. I am privileged to not have to worry about if my parents will be home at the end of the work day and know that we will still have enough money to afford luxury items. It also allows me to understand the precautions of such a dangerous adventure. Before starting an adventure or journey, you should always pay extra attention to any warnings put out by the communities, locals, and companies/guides. The problem with this is the amount of locals who will lose their jobs if paying clientele decide not to go because of these warning. Of course, allocentric travellers will take the risks and go on these journeys anyways, but let this article be a warning that even the most familiar with these exotic places can't control the wondrous powers of the mountain's natural forces.
Schaffer, Grayson. "The Value of a Sherpa Life." Outside Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. <http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/mountaineering/The-Value-of-A-Sherpa-Life.html>.
Many connections can be established between the Sherpas and Everest -- it can be primarily attributed to the commercialism of Everest. There is much competition between Sherpas to get hired by the guiding companies and risk their lives in return for small pay.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about paying attention to warnings - however the warnings do not even have to be explicit. For example, before or during their ascension of Everest, many climbers decided to turn around due to a gut feeling. In some cases, they managed avoid major catastrophes that they would have been a part of had they not turned around, hence saving their own lives.