In Reply to: What really happens in Bali? - long posted by Charliebalibear on Monday, 7. July 2014 at 13:23 Bali Time:
is a given and it would be nice if this was better understood by some.
However, this is very much influenced by the area and circumstances.
Most tourists rarely go much beyond the well trodden paths of the "normal" tourist habitats, especially in the Kuta, Legian, Seminyak etc areas.
It is hard to generate any feelings of cultural sensitivities when one has to walk down Poppies Lanes and be confronted with the grossly obscene stickers there, in full view of all including young children and others who are offended by such things.
Signage such as F'ing cold beer etc also does nothing to engender any sorts of cultural sentiments.
The local Banjars could take these things in hand and encourage locals to be a little more circumspect with regard to the way that vendors and others present.
It could be argued that there is also little cultural awareness demonstrated by those who target younger tourists with offers of drugs and other "services" that hardly fit into the recognised basket of appropriate goods and services that should be offered by Balinese (and others)
Naturally, it is recognised that this is Indonesia and more particularly Bali, and Balinese, but some of the behaviours of local Balinese people in tourist areas does leave itself open to some criticism in any discussion where cultural sensitivities are on the agenda.
Have we as tourists/visitors/ex pats contributed to this??
Undoubtedly.
But it does take two to tango.