Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution
With all the craziness that has taken over the United States with Ebola, few have been paying attention to the upheaval occurring in Hong Kong at the moment. Since last Friday, thousands of citizens have been protesting in the streets of Hong Kong for massive pro-democracy rallies. While the majority of the protesters are young, college students, the scenes of police brutality have inspired many people from all walks of life to join in on the demonstrations.
The main issue behind the protests is the citizens’ desire for autonomy from the Chinese government on direct elections for the city’s leadership. Since Hong Kong’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1997, a Chief Executive (CE) has been running the city, appointed by a committee that largely consists of Communist Party loyalists. The city has been promised direct, free elections in 2017 but the details of the new national committee that have been outlined by the Beijing authorities seem to point otherwise. The new rules guarantee candidates would need to be vetted by China’s leadership. Essentially, Hong Kong will remain under the jurisdiction of Chinese leadership. These changes have angered many of younger citizens of Hong Kong, as they had been hoping to finally elect a CE of their own choosing.
Student groups blew into the scene, taking charge with massive demonstrations. Earlier this week, they staged a sit-in at the Hong Kong government headquarters and blocked roads in the Admiralty District the following day. The retaliation from the government has not been kind, as riot police and security have been using aggression against the protestors. This violence has only perpetuated the situation, as images of peaceful demonstrators being doused with tear gas and pepper spray have instigated thousands more to come in support.
I can think of no greater example of civic engagement at the moment than the fight for democracy by the people of Hong Kong. Politics are dirty, and avarice has a way of victimizing the average person. However, when a massive number of people unite in order to stand up for a cause, politics can change in their favor. The citizens of the city of Hong Kong are justified in their fight for fair elections and true independence from the Chinese government; they are exercising their civic duty.
Examining the rhetoric of this demonstration, I cannot also help but be impressed by the symbolism of the protestor’s umbrellas. Initially, the umbrellas were used by many demonstrators as protection from the tear gas, but they have quickly become a symbol of the pro-democracy fight. An umbrella is a practical, universal commodity, used by citizens of both the Eastern and Western worlds. In the same sense, democracy is something that should be universal and inherent for all humans. The bright collection of colored umbrellas that have taken the streets of the city, in a way, represent the variegated beauty of democracy.
What implications do these demonstrations have on both the governments of Hong Kong and China? Well, it is tough to say considering the power that comes with 65 years of The People’s Republic ruling Communist Party. However, the protests are not what the Chinese government wants to project right now with its own people questioning their leaders. Whatever does result from these events, it will have substantial consequences on the civic life of the region.
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3 Responses to “Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution”
Wow this is really fascinating. It’s always nice to see when people have had enough of their government’s unjustness, and will no longer take it sitting down. I agree that this protest is most certainly a civic act. I also find the symbolism of the umbrellas really interesting. What started as a simple form of protection from tear gas has turned into a uniting factor of the protest as a whole. Great post, Pragya!
My mom was born in Hong Kong and grew up there before coming to America. Three summers ago, I visited and it was an amazing experience. Having experienced the rich, vibrant, capitalistic ways of the city, I cannot imagine what that city would be like if its laws and legislature shifted in another direction. Under British colonization, the port city, thrived and grew, but the city evolved on its own, and became an eminent figure in world economy separate from either China nor Britain. Therefore, I believe strongly in the city’s democratic perseverance. What the city has become on its own is more than what China and Britain had ever done for it, and it’s continuation will surely benefit China’s trade as the two economies are still linked. It is a mistake on China’s part to hinder Hong Kong’s unique governing system which has allowed it to flourish and become a global city. Your analysis on the protest was very effective, relating the global view of umbrellas. The pertinence of young people actively engaging in their government policies is also a good point in you blog post. Overall well done. Sorry for the long comment!
I have heard a lot about this issue recently but did not know what it was actually all about, so this was very interesting to read. I did not know that it was primarily Hong Kong youth involved in the protests, which is encouraging to see, as culture today seems to point a finger to youths as lazy and uninterested in politics or civil engagement. I think this is an utterly false accusation, as evidenced by this very event.