Since High School

I've complained about this particular form of hypocrisy: the locals aren't allowed to have the things thaty we take for granted because we know what is right for them, culturally. Maybe an argument can be made for saving this place as is. Hell, sounds pretty nice there.

But this attitude comes close to the Harvard belief that Western lifestyles are the leading edge of the colonial sword. We have to protect them from our way of life....or else they might cease to be authentic.

What?

Is authenticity only authentic when paired with suffering?

If I seem to be overly agitated about this subject, blame it on memories of the commies, like the Charlies of old, coming at me in all their righteousness...

The New York Times > International > Asia Pacific > Luang Prabang Journal: Where Pagodas Draw Tourists, Concrete Is Unwelcome