With all the outrage surrounding the "New Moscow" prank on Google maps (click here if you don't know what I'm talking about) I thought this is a good opportunity to discuss a very controversial topic on the island.
Bule are often given the "neo-colonizer" tag for coming over here, buying property, starting businesses and pricing out the locals. But why is it when Indonesians - or other citizens form developing countries - move to a new country, it is called "immigration?"
In many American cities, they have "Little Italy" or "Chinatown" but there is no outrage about it like there is with the New Moscow thing. In fact, those American cities are even proud to promote such cultural diversity. Yet here, if people want to move to Bali and start a community, much like immigrants do all over the world, then it's considered some sort of invasive colonialism.
In my opinion, colonialism is an invasion against the will of the country being occupied. Indonesia is welcoming this type of behavior and can stop it anytime if they want. Yet, they don't. They see it as beneficial.
I'm curious to hear BaliPod's comments on this topic.
Bule are often given the "neo-colonizer" tag for coming over here, buying property, starting businesses and pricing out the locals. But why is it when Indonesians - or other citizens form developing countries - move to a new country, it is called "immigration?"
In many American cities, they have "Little Italy" or "Chinatown" but there is no outrage about it like there is with the New Moscow thing. In fact, those American cities are even proud to promote such cultural diversity. Yet here, if people want to move to Bali and start a community, much like immigrants do all over the world, then it's considered some sort of invasive colonialism.
In my opinion, colonialism is an invasion against the will of the country being occupied. Indonesia is welcoming this type of behavior and can stop it anytime if they want. Yet, they don't. They see it as beneficial.
I'm curious to hear BaliPod's comments on this topic.