October 9, 2014 - Written by: Natasha Hotung

Dialogue for Democracy: Why Hong Kong’s Protestors Stand for Freedom

In the past couple of weeks, Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protestors have appeared everywhere on the internet and as front-page news – and they have succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of the world.

This is the largest scale protest Hong Kong and China have seen in years and it has been a surprise to those who are used to regarding Hong Kong as an orderly place to live in and visit.

Most importantly, it has placed a spotlight on the reasons behind why the protestors are fighting for universal suffrage and a democratic government.

My happiest childhood memories stem from my time growing up in Hong Kong.

My sister and I always felt very lucky to be able to receive an excellent education in a cosmopolitan city rife with history, culture and people of diverse backgrounds.

I was five years old when the handover of Hong Kong between Britain and China took place in 1997 whereby China promised Hong Kong a special degree of independence as long as we were to remain geographically affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) adopting the policy One Country, Two Systems with a fully democratic election to take place in 2017.

The protests broke out last week when Beijing chose to select candidates for the 2017 elections themselves, leaving the Hong Kong people no say in the matter and taking away their right to a fair vote.

This act of Chinese authoritarianism over the Hong Kong people sparked outrage and fear of what was to become the political fate of Hong Kong’s special administrative region.

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These protests are directly relevant to me and also to my family.

My grandmother grew up during the time the Communists were rapidly gaining power in China. When she was little, my great-grandfather brought her to Hong Kong to escape the wars in Shanghai – World War Two and then the civil war, which the Communists eventually won.

Hong Kong in that day was the land of opportunity and also a place to escape to from the authoritarianism and control of the Chinese regime. Since the handover, the futures of Hong Kong and China have been inextricably linked and China has opened up its economy to a level where business has been able to take place successfully and families have been reunited.

A large majority of articles and stories in the news have focused on history and politics as the centre of the protests. Hong Kong people have certainly been protesting for democracy, but what should also be emphasised more than politics is the passion and courage these protestors have shown, earning them the respect they deserve from countries around the world.

I am proud to say that many world cities have shown their support for democracy in Hong Kong including Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and London to name a few.

My sister recently started college in NYC this year and last week posted the photograph below of her and fellow Hong Kong students in the US holding up banners, handing out yellow ribbons and encouraging the use of umbrellas (all symbols of the democracy movement in Hong Kong) to show solidarity.

What has been most inspiring is that the protests have mainly been led by a younger generation of local Hong Kong students fighting for their right to gain a good education and to secure gainful employment.

These students exist to provide hope for the future. They are brimming with fresh ideas and intellect. They are fighting for freedom of education when a large majority of us in the West are handed our education on a plate without having to earn it.

We should realise that these protests are not so much about democracy as they are about providing each person with a fair chance to achieve in life regardless of his or her financial or social status.

It’s about giving a Hong Kong citizen – be it a student, budding entrepreneur, or mother and father – a fair shot at future success in going to excellent schools, starting their own businesses or paying for a child’s education.

Although Hong Kong’s political fate remains uncertain, I feel inspired by the sheer determination, discipline, and bravery of the people who are protesting for this fascinating city.

I can only hope that China will keep their lines of communication open and respond to the needs of the Hong Kong people. This can only be resolved if there is empathy, understanding, and most importantly dialogue.