In Reply to: clarification reply posted by soco_chan on Friday, 24. October 2008 at 20:47 Bali Time:
In my opinion - as little or as much value as you wish to place on it - It tourism has impacted - but the balinese seem to cope well - the Balinese, and must be specific I mean Balinese, not those from java etc who have migrated seem to have embraced the tourism.
You can walk through the lane ways and streets of bali every morning to see the offerings and ceremonies for the gods been made, they maintain strict rules on visiting their temples and religous sites etc.
Employment is obviously easier in times of higher tourism - this is obvious - but also hard to guage at times because many in bali attempt to work for themselves.
I think "indonesian" issues have more of a cultural effect on the Balinese - such as migration from Java etc this local migration provides more issues for locals to gain employment.
Like all cultures - the types of trade have changed and modernised over the years - Bali is no different however I dont think it is any worse off.......
My final word is however, and I have seen this happen first hand and as with all of us, at times have been guilty of it, is taking advantage of the Balinese when times are not so good for them - bartering for T-Shirts and Singlets over a matter of a few cents to us sometimes.