letters

Give teen 'pseudo models' a break

During the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, many people waited outside the venue for several nights. Some wanted to buy limited models of Japanese game characters. Some were waiting for their favourite teen models.

In the past, teen models were allowed to promote themselves anywhere in the venue. But now they are labelled as 'famous people' and can only do promotions in assigned areas and on the main stage. The term 'famous people' is not clearly defined, but the restrictions on where they can promote themselves would seem to be due to all the negative press they have received.

In my opinion, this is a kind of discrimination. Most Hongkongers seem to think that teen models somehow corrupt social values by wearing sexy clothing wherever they go. I think this is unfair.

In addition, not everyone sees them in a negative light, as people are buying their books and other merchandise.

If nobody bought their products, then I don't see how there could be any teen models.

I don't see what's wrong with attractive young women showing everybody they are attractive. Teen models have slim figures so why not flaunt their bodies? If people want to criticise someone, how about the people who make and appear in pornography?

Teen models are a unique part of Hong Kong culture.

Parents may worry that their children will be affected adversely by them, but I can think of much worse influences. There are many things on the internet, for example, that could be a bad influence on young people.

It is up to parents and teachers to help and teach children to choose suitable materials to read. In the meantime, I think we should be less judgmental and accept so-called 'pseudo models' as a harmless social phenomenon.

Lau Man-man

Let's make Hong Kong a cultural city

Hong Kong is an international city. But the downside is a loss of traditional culture. I think we need to encourage cultural development.

One way we can do this is through education. Teachers can encourage students to join in more cultural activities, for example. This would help students learn more about our traditional culture.

The government can also play a role by promoting traditional culture in magazines, newspapers and the internet. Employing stars to promote cultural development would also be a good idea, as it would grab teenagers' attention.

Fung Ping-wai

Sometimes we need to take action

The majority of politically active post-80s are tertiary students. They voice their protests peacefully. They have reasons for their opinions, which may not be perfectly right but are not completely wrong either. I think this is moving for a lot of people because they do not do it for private interests such as money, but are fighting for what they believe.

The government refuses to talk directly with the post-80s activists. But this has not stopped them. These young people still choose to stand up and speak out peacefully about the wrongs in Hong Kong. Supporters stand up voluntarily. They are not organised by anyone, but are united inspirit.

The government should serve the best interest of the people, but that's not always the case. That is why young people have to take to the streets sometimes.

Ronald Lau Wing-ho

There's more to life than pocket money

Pocket money does not equal status, but a lot of teenagers these days seem to think it does.

My mother gives me pocket money once a week, but not very much. Whenever I ask her for more, she will say: 'You don't have any need for so much money; it is useless.'

I've come to realise she is right. We are only teenagers and do not need so much money. We only want more pocket money to show off. Some students seem to think that money to buy gadgets and accessories will win them friends. I don't agree with this at all.

Perhaps, instead, we should remember pocket money comes from our parents' hard work.

Janice Wong, True Light Middle School of Hong Kong