Just Saying | A tribute to the gweilo localists who make Hong Kong a better place
Yonden Lhatoo recognises the unsung heroes among the expatriates here who, in their own way, contribute much to society for the love of Hong Kong
Now that localism is no longer a dirty word to the Beijing and Hong Kong governments, there’s a sense of revived, open pride in this city’s unique identity these days.
There’s nothing wrong with showing a preference for your own hometown and culture. I say it’s a good thing, as long as it doesn’t develop chauvinistic overtones or, worse, degenerate into a justification for racism.
Let’s not forget that a gweilo can be as local as they come, by adopting this city as home. I use the word not as a xenophobic epithet for white people, but as the affectionate term that now enjoys wide acceptance among foreigners themselves here.
I know quite a few expatriates who, like me, have fallen in love with this place and become its adopted children. They have embraced and absorbed everything good this city has to offer, and they’re just as protective and territorial about it as the next local. But, at the same time, they bring an outsider’s perspective on things that are unacceptable, or could be better.
