In Reply to: in my experience.... posted by kristal on Saturday, 31. March 2007 at 14:57 Bali Time:
but I understand it can be hard to say no to someone when we are well aware that in a Monetary sense we are relatively wealthy- I often feel in myself it is a guilt that by virtue of being born in NZ I live a privileged life of education and opportunity.
In saying that it is not to be taken lightly to be giving money that can potentially disrupt a beautiful culture (I'm thinking along the lines of welfare dependency but more a case of tourist welfare dependency)
We have a friend in Bali who we think of often. He is a good guy and a hard worker when he can find work. He is a very humble man and after the second bombings he became very desperate to the point where he asked us for money to pay for his Car loan (he is a driver). I gave some towards it but it will be the first and last time I give money as I don't think it is a good thing to be handing out money rather than offering a hand up... although it was borderline at the time. I trust him implicitly and gave with an open heart. He has offered each time to repay me from his earnings but I have asked him that instead he repays the favor to someone else one day.
I think if you have to question the motives or sincerity of the person asking then you shouldn't be considering giving them money.
thank you for your post Kristal it is very insightful :-)