Sex discrimination should not be viewed in isolation

I am sure I am not the only person who wholeheartedly agrees with Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee's point that women in Hong Kong must not be judged by the way they look ('Victimised by gender', South China Morning Post, August 7).

Yes, '[we] should remember that our city aspires to be a 'World City', 'City of Life', a tolerant, pluralistic and civilised society'.

Indeed, may I make one addition to Mrs Ip's eloquent prose? Hong Kong does not stand much chance of being such a city if there is 'no genuine willingness to treat' all people respectfully as equals, regardless of their skin colour.

We must not perpetuate the 'double standards and hypocrisy' that Mrs Ip mentioned. So everyone, including the Government, needs to do more to eliminate the blatant racial discrimination that exists in Hong Kong.

Again quoting Mrs Ip's words: 'It is easy for men . . . to laugh at such attacks and dismiss any resentment as over-sensitivity.'

Substituting the word 'men' with the words 'the ethnic majority' would make her statement just as valid.

And, by the way, shouldn't the Government of this tolerant and pluralistic society protect religious freedom by not trying to draw a line between acceptable religion and unacceptable superstition?

YIP TEEM-WING

Tai Tam

Our Secretary for Security, Regina Ip (Post, August 7), should not see the pot shots taken at her in the comic Broom-head as a sexist attack.

The popularity of the comic book is a reflection of opinion and feelings among residents on some tough positions Mrs Ip has taken as security chief.

That this is allowed in Hong Kong shows that freedom of expression is respected in the SAR, and it will not hinder our attempts to be regarded as a world city.

I grew up in a country ruled by a very strict dictatorship and, as a teenager, emigrated to the United States. What impressed me most about the US was the freedom with which nightly talk show hosts on national television made fun of presidents and other government officials.

I do not sympathise with Mrs Ip's anger. To act tough, you've got to be tough.

Please, Mrs Ip, lighten up. And by the way, ease off on that red lipstick.

MARIAN SCHNEPS

Repulse Bay