My exchange and the Umbrella Revolution

The university turned into a storage room and attendance was no longer taken: Pascale Bourquin reports how her exchange in Hong Kong is determined by the Umbrella Revolution.

Hong Kong, due to its international community and economic openness, is rather seen as being a «gateway to China» than truly belonging to China itself. Nonetheless, on paper Hong Kong has been part of China since 1997. But the «one country» aspect of the «one country – two systems» principle is often forgotten.

Few citizens see the recent decision of the National People’s Congress’ Standing Committee regarding the election of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong as a major step forward towards democracy and the development of the Hong Kong society. Most, however, view it as universal suffrage «with Chinese characteristics», presenting the citizens merely with the pathetic choice between rotten apples and rotten oranges.

Attendance no longer taken

Upon hearing the decision a wave of demonstrations began – thousands set up camp in the financial district, paralyzing the city’s vital organs. At university, student protesters swarmed the campus, encouraging fellow students as well as professors to join. Attendance of tutorials (which usually count 10 per cent of final grades) was no longer taken and professors filmed their lectures – all to ensure that no student protestor would fall behind in class. Unsurprisingly, the everstudious Hong Kong students managed to set up communal study areas amidst the throngs of protests.

University as storage room

Exchange students were encouraged to spread the news to the international community and were invited to various discussion panels. Donated supplies, such as masks, goggles, food and water, were stored at the university and carried down to the protests when needed; a whole community impressively getting together to contribute as much as possible. I was incredibly inspired by the widespread solidarity: businessmen grilling sausages, elderly people being assisted in crossing the street, collecting and recycling trash and singing cell phone-lit songs together, reminiscent of a sold out Coldplay concert – in Cantonese that is.

Whilst at the start most citizens sympathised with the protestors, many are increasingly becoming agitated by the repercussions of the demonstrations. Numerous shop owners are losing business, certain public transport is restricted – many are no longer willing to indulge the protests, arguing that the protesters have gone too far. The government, which is currently taking a timid approach, still feeling the guilt of the lamentable usage of tear gas, is being pressured to act.

The recent protests prove that Hong Kong is a divided society, individuals being stigmatized as either pro-Beijing or pro-Democrat, when really if you dig down to the roots, they are all pro-Hong Kong.

On a lighter note, Hong Kong is a most remarkable city: whether you are having a drink at a roof top party with an exhilarating view, swimming in the highly polluted water by the pier after a night out, eating dim sum at 4 am, sunbathing at a beach on one of Hong Kong’s beautiful islands, or cruising the island on the upper-deck of a tram – Hong Kong will never cease to amaze.

Pascale_Bourquin


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