In Reply to: Appropriate clothing posted by Louis on Wednesday, 12. January 2005 at 04:12 Bali Time:
You've had a few opinions Louis. Practicle observation indicates that G-strings are acceptable [for both men and women] on the beach or at the hotel pool. And of course men and women can wear shorts and tank tops in the street and in various other public places. For religious places or occasions, just as elsewhere in the world, visitors respect the situation. My experience with religious ceremonies on the beach is that the Balinese are remarkably tolerant and accepting of tourists. On one occasion my wife and I were made very welcome at a beach ceremony up past Seminyak and we certainly weren't wearing much!
Those who feel that age and/or looks should determine what a person should be "allowed" to wear are practising discrimination based on age and appearance. Naturally, some of us "look better" than others, but by whose standards? If only those who "look good" are fit to be seen, then some of us wouldn't be allowed out in the street. The fashion industry is about making money, nothing more, nothing less. Do we allow ourselves to be dictated to by some business person in London, New York, Rome or Paris, or do we decide for ourselves what suits our appearance, activity or the perception we have of ourselves?
Two of my pet hates are passive smoke and excessive noise. These cannot be avoided by looking away or ignoring them. Sight is a directional sense. If we are not comfortable with what we see, we can just look away. For those who would bring morality into this discussion, I will finish with a quote from English author H. G. Wells, "Moral indignation is jealousy with a halo".