In Reply to: Reply posted by 123_guy on Wednesday, 3. August 2005 at 19:54 Bali Time:
It's clear that you are concerned about the consequences to yourself, which is why the original post asked "Would anything bad likely happen to US".
What I'm talking about is your lack of understanding of the consequences to other people, both in your own society and in others.
Larrikin Aussies are loved by other larrikin Aussies, and (with few exceptions) despised by the rest of the world. This is not so much because of individual fun-loving blokes who like a bit of a raunchy joke, but because when they get together in groups they have a tendency to think they own the joint and are invulnerable and don't have to answer to anyone. And your group of eight sounds exactly like every other group the world has grown to despise. I'm not saying that you are like that, but you're not providing much evidence to the contrary. The larrikins who are revered are loved for their individuality, and always have something positive to offer other people. No flight attendant ever said, "Oh, great! There's a footy team flying today!"
As for your attitude towards women... maybe you don't beat them up, but you do show mysogenist tendencies. For starters, by trying to insult me by asking if I were a woman, there is an implicit suggestion that women are somehow less than men. Secondly, you said that if a woman was offended by a bunch of naked men, she had "hairy armpits", implying that "real" women would think the whole thing is as harmless and funny as you seem to think it is. Basically, you are saying that unless women think on your level, they are somehow damaged. I'm saying that women are better than that. Much better. You should be trying to raise yourself to their level, rather than trying to drag them down to yours.
I know that probably wasn't your intention, but like just about everything else you seem to think is funny, you have offended by neglecting to think before you speak or act. You're still young, so the omission is forgiveable... for a while. Just make sure you get out of the habit before you turn into Alabama Man (from that South Park episode).
And believe me... I am no killjoy. I have heaps of fun with people I meet in Indonesia, and they have fun with me. But we include each other in our jokes and fun. A bunch of guys streaking is in-your-face we-don't-care-what-you-think exclusory kind of fun for only you and people like you. It's posing macho bullcrap, and it's weakness is exposed by the fact you only do it in a group. Brave, intelligent people make their own decisions. Creative people find new ways to have fun. The people who will always be welcomed back are those who entertain others, rather than themselves.
And yes, even in Kuta, loud arrogant behaviour is annoying. The Balinese and other Indonesians are tolerating you, not delighting in your antics. They certainly would never emulate your behaviour.
You have a priceless opportunity to learn new things in Bali. Please don't waste it.