Like what was described in the previous text, Bali is a country whose primary economic industry is tourism. Your dollars as a visitor are central to the local economy, but this economic power is also a responsibility.
For example, where you will be serving in Bali, the levels of educational attainment and average income are low, especially relative to the U.S. dollar. For example, $100 might be a dinner for four, a haircut, or even the cost of gas; but it is an entire month’s salary for many parents of the students you will be working with. Likewise, the 10,000 rupiah ($0.60) you may be bargaining for a at a shopping stall is an entire meal for that salesperson.
Be modest and aware of how your clothes and behavior will reflect monetary power and affect how others treat you. As a visitor, you want to discourage the creation of additional hierarchies. As such, you should always treat everyone around you with respect and engage with them as equals.
Reflection 7: Bargaining offers an interesting case study around economic power and privilege; Read this article and respond to the following prompt:
- How do you feel about bargaining? Do you agree or disagree with what the article says?