As I was searching for the true Asia, the one Asia untouched and unspoiled by Western influences, whether they are in the form of fashion, pop icons or materialism, I finally found what I had been seeking. It is often the case that most first-time travellers to Asia would expect to find the essence of these expectations in China. But, because of the Cultural Revolution led by Peng Pai arid Mao Tse-tung, a whole generation of today's Chinese demonstrates little regard for its cultural heritage. This is reflected in their commitment to destroying anything that was built more than 50 years ago, even though areas, such as the Fujian region, for example, are exceptions. Instead, the Chinese continue to worship Chairman Mao, in spite of the fact that this man was responsible for the death of millions of their ancestors and for destroying most of the jewels of the Tibetan culture. Nevertheless, when one speaks negatively of the Revolution, most Chinese feel offended. They exhibit a kind of cultural and historic amnesia, as well as a resulting nationalistic tendency thanks to the Communist Party. As a result, China has become an exaggerated and somewhat grotesque replica of the excesses of Western society, a misdirected Western mannequin, if you will.

My experiences, often viewed through the lens of my camera, have led me to the conclusion that this China will fail, that this country will see the downfall of Communism unless reform occurs. Those who are willing to listen can hear the complaints coming from the factory workers who process goods for Western markets and, more often, for our corporations. The workers have already begun to challenge the system.

These concerns are not only apparent in China, in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, or even in India. It is in Burma, a country recently renamed Myanmar due to the overthrow of a military junta, that I came closest to understanding the truth of what is happening in that part of the world. Sadly, it is due to a totalitarian regime, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), that the Burmese owe what little remains of its cultural heritage. For example, if Myanmar had become a democracy or if it had been open to foreign influence, such as Thailand is today, I have no doubt that they would closely resemble the Thai culture, a decadent one, that is. Though I have no wish to see them remain under the rule of such ruthless leaders, I know that Buddhists will also soon begin to believe in the same dogma that dictates Western civilization :
"I consume, therefore I am."

If globalization is to blame for the homogeneous blending of our cultures, then why would one continue to travel the world if the purpose were to find diversity or cultural differences? Why continue the journey if the result merely offers the same soft drink that might be poured into our glasses at home, or if everyone listened to the same music, or wore the same clothes, and were encouraged to speak English exclusively? This global, homogeneous population is developing at an incredible speed. Nevertheless, during my travels, I have tried to capture those cultural elements that may soon be impossible for other visitors to witness. These photos are more than mere images; they are memories of a lost world. Un monde, which in our obsession with materialism we no longer feel compelled to preserve, will produce a population that will curse ourselves and future generations with the absence of those diversities and differences that my photos attempt to preserve, a salute to our unique and diverse cultures.

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