In Reply to: WHY ---WHY ---WHY----????? posted by balibellyboy on Wednesday, 28. March 2007 at 08:34 Bali Time:
each other over this I think that its an interesting discussion point. Its true that sympathetic travellers seem to be more likely to assume that people's poverty and circumstances are due to natural disasters or hard times if the underprivileged person is Balinese. It is unusual that there is suspicion that that person in any way contributed to their own poverty. Gambling by the dominant male in the family often contributes to the family poverty and drinking and general waywardness contribute also. Drug addiction is also prevalent. Some Banjars are contributing to poverty by demanding large tithes and contributions from people who can not afford it.
And all these reasons dont reduce the worthiness of a family in terms of help and charity and yet if we were considering an Australian family in the same situation we perhaps wouldnt be so generous or compassionate. I've already read a post dismissing poverty in Australia because of our welfare system. Dont kid yourself that welfare in Australia is an easy and accessible option for people who are struggling at the lowest level.