The independence and self-reliance of its people are qualities which helped to create Hong Kong. They are also the attributes which will get it back on its feet when the worst of the economic crisis is over. But one lesson which has yet to be learned is that, when times are hard, people may become victims of circumstances beyond their control. Many of the old certainties that held sway during good times begin to look a little moth-eaten when held up to the light of the present day. This is especially true of employees who lose their jobs because of the crisis.
Social attitudes need to change. In particular, it should be recognised that no shame attaches to those who are forced to accept welfare assistance when they have no other source of income, and while they are seeking work elsewhere. As psychologists and social workers point out, it is difficult enough to come to terms with redundancy without its victims believing that they are demeaned or shamed.
There are times when Hong Kong's instinctive revulsion of 'welfarism' seems a little skewed. This is a city where more than half the population is perfectly happy to live in public housing subsidised by the taxpayer, yet takes a lofty and often unsympathetic view of the plight of the less fortunate who accept what is, in essence, no more than another form of financial assistance from the Government. Unavoidably, more people will be unemployed in the coming year. They need, and deserve, the support of their families, and the understanding and sympathy of the whole community if they are not to feel like social pariahs.
