I was born and raised in Hong Kong. Yes, that densely populated city packed with uncountable high-rise buildings and suffocating crowds which recently got popular (or notorious— I no longer know) on the international news. I study in the US, so whenever people ask me if I’m from China, I politely smile to them and say, “No, I’m from Hong Kong. Hong Kong is not China.”
For more than 150 years, Hong Kong had been a British colony. It was returned to the People’s Republic of China in 1997. The Chinese and the British government signed an agreement at that time, which guaranteed Hong Kong could retain its autonomy according to the constitutional principle of “One Country, Two Systems” under the protection of the Basic Law.
Long story short, we have a completely different set of law and style of living from that of the People’s Republic of China (a.k.a. mainland China). Our official language is Cantonese; mainland China’s is Mandarin. We use traditional Chinese for writing; mainland China uses simplified Chinese. We have our currency, our passport, a free trading system, an independent legal system, and education system. The list goes on and on, but most importantly, we have a lot more freedom than the citizens of mainland China. Freedom is almost a taboo in mainland China. Growing up, I particularly treasured the freedom of speech on this land.
My friends and I used to joke that if we say something against the Chinese government, we would be repatriated to mainland China. We joked because we thought it wouldn’t happen. However, with Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her administration proposing the Extradition Law, we are aware that our freedom would fade if the law passes.
I always thought of Hongkongers as more civilized. I always thought of ourselves as more educated. I always thought that we had more freedom over the other side of the boundary.
I always took that freedom for granted.
Hong Kong has long been known as the “Pearl of the Orient”. It has been the world’s freest economy since 1995 and has one of the best metro systems. It is also called Asia’s “Food Paradise” for its numerous restaurants serving you food from all around the world. If you have ever lived in a foreign country like me, you will know how convenient and safe Hong Kong is. In Hong Kong, I wouldn’t have to worry about going out late at night or hopping on a bus at midnight. I wouldn’t have to fret over running out of grocery at the beginning of the week because the nearest supermarket is just a 5-minute walk from home. Plus, you’ll find a lot of affordable and decent restaurants nearby. I wouldn’t have to carry a pepper spray around me just like all my friends in the US do because no lunatic would punch you in your face for no reason. Sounds good? This is not the case anymore.
After 10 months of studying overseas, when I came back to Hong Kong for summer in June, many things have changed. It is no longer that Hong Kong I used to know. It is sick and filled with police violence, conflicts in society, and protests. It has gotten so insane that you cannot even wear clothes of a certain color because it might put yourself in danger. Just a few days ago, a college student was arrested because he carried a laser pen for star-watching and was wearing a black t-shirt.
As I’m writing this, that feeling of helplessness rushes through me again, just like what I’ve been feeling these two months. Seeing my home turn into a battlefield isn’t pleasing at all. Regardless, I still love this place so much because it is where my roots lie. I never knew I would start my first blog with such a heavy topic, but here I am, so just bear with me!
P.S. Allow me to say this: I am a proud Hongkonger.
Bonnie's Blog 