Respect can't be won with a handbag
It is not uncommon to see young girls carrying brand-name handbags on the streets of Hong Kong. Some may spend half a month's or even a whole month's salary on one luxury bag. What causes this obsession?
Some people, especially young girls, mistakenly think owning such a handbag can enhance their status. The handbag helps boost their self-esteem and confidence in front of their colleagues and friends. They believe it will bring them respect from others.
Our society should stop being so materialistic and superficial. Our teachers tell us not to judge a book by its cover. Self-confidence that is built on appearance is unreal and short-lived. Inner beauty is more important. If we want to win people's respect, we should show our inner beauty through our actions - by helping the needy and by being considerate to people around us.
We should lead a simple life and work hard to be wealthy in terms of virtues and knowledge.
Tsang Wing-lam, STFA Yung Yau College
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Wing-lam. It is sad to say that many people in Hong Kong put their self-worth on a par with their bank balance. One way to show everyone how big your bank balance is, is to display your wealth in terms of wearing brand-name products.
But there is another side to this. It also shows that you don't care about other people in the world, the environment or yourself. If you stop to look around you, you will see a city filled with ideas to make you spend money. Hong Kong seems to thrive on consumerism.
But no matter how much you have, where you have been or what you own, you will always be you. And what kind of 'you' you are is what really matters.
Susan, Editor
