Were it not for capitalism, they'd be living in extreme poverty, scratching out a marginal existence on the borders of the world. Because of capitalism, they are far better off than they would be.
Assuming the Sherpas aren't forced into this line of work, then you're right - they're choosing it over the alternatives because it's a better option for them.
That doesn't mean that it's ethical for visitors to a country to enjoy a sport wherein they pay to transfer risk of death away from themselves and onto less advantaged local people. I'm not against this type of deal in principle - it's vital to the existence of institutions like EMS and the military - but when the whole thing exists so that megalomaniacs can tick off another box on the "hard things I've achieved" list, there is a real question of justice.
Most people who love capitalism might still draw the line at some types of transactions -- maybe your line is at selling organs or child prostitution, but it probably exists somewhere.
> Assuming the Sherpas aren't forced into this line of work, then you're right - they're choosing it over the alternatives because it's a better option for them
> That doesn't mean that it's ethical for visitors to a country to enjoy a sport wherein they pay to transfer risk of death away from themselves and onto less advantaged local people.
I have trouble seeing how it's more ethical to remove the choice from their hands and force them to do things that they demonstrably would rather not do.
That's hardly the only alternative. A visitor could instead pay them to be a guide, even a mountaineering guide on another thrilling but less suicidal trek.
Don't we often transfer risk of death while buying certain products?
Doesn't my enjoyment of king crab rely on transferring the risk of death while fishing in the arctic from myself to poor fishermen in Alaska?
Doesn't any diamond I buy rely on conflict or slavery?
I'm a Nepalese and I agree with you. Downvotes are by ignorant people... who don't want to "exploit" these people but don't understand that they would not have a job if it was not for mountaineers and would have to revert to the alternatives which are much worse.
How is it exploitative? It's a risky job and they get paid a lot compared to what they would make elsewhere which is why they do it. Nobody is forcing them.
The guy come with his values, has money, changes people life, and think it is okay because by his own standards he did good.
That's it. The one who got the power makes the rules, and who cares about the weak?
Why cannot they be born in another place? The deserved it. Not your fault. You were lucky at the lottery of life and why feel bad about it?
And then add a cynical layer of "look at all the improvement our culture/money is bringing the locals". How these ungrateful dare spit on money? Bringing the superiority of your culture while connecting with the nature unspoiled by the masses.
Why people don't understand that it is better dying having a job, than maybe be poor with but sharing your life with your beloved one? Surprising no?
Yes, why would people dare want to live in dignity when they are not born lucky?
Some people never amazed me at being so naively arrogant.
I really wonder why some people don't like this kind of attitude.
Btw, I would also like to live in dignity from a work that is reasonable without killing me. I have the right to not like to work especially when the sharing is far from being fair and I cannot see my wife.
So I think it is far from only Nepalese that may be angry in the world right now.
Capitalism at its finest.