and back, the additional amenities that must be built to cater to Western expectations, the pollution and garbage associated with a Western lifestyle, the disturbance of flora and fauna and a bevy of other concerns expressed by environmentalist voices. While ecotourism agencies claim to help in exposing the plight of indigenous people, many Akha feel that they are being put on display for ecotourist groups, as they are encouraged or forced to wear their most elaborate ethnic clothing and perform ceremonies and rituals that have no meaning for them out of context. The Akha also participate in the regular tourist industry through the sale of their handicrafts and goods to local tourists, which they must often do under financial duress. Many of the Akha people do not see the tourism as halting the Westernizing and globalizing pressures but, rather, as a coercive commercialization and commodification of their culture. According to a 2008 documentary, there have also been complaints about Christian missionary activity, which allegedly has tended to "paganize" the Akha traditional belief system. Some of the claims made against missionaries include the kidnapping of Akha children into orphanages and forced labor, the sterilization of Akha women and the forced or underpaid labor of Akha on farms. See also Akha language Matthew McDaniel Prisoners of a White God Clement Vismara References Further reading External links Ethnic groups in Thailand Akha Ethnic groups in Myanmar Ethnic groups in Laos Ethnic groups in China Ethnic groups in Vietnam