Hong Kong’s youth must stop demonising China to have a brighter future

Nixie Lam says prejudice towards mainland China and turning a blind eye to its phenomenal growth are self-defeating for the younger generation in Hong Kong, when they can gain so much from the special connection

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Young Hong Kong soccer fans turn their backs on the pitch, with some holding up an independence banner, as the national anthem plays before a 2019 Asian Cup qualification match with Malaysia, on October 10. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 2:01pm, 17 Nov 2017Updated: 7:10pm, 17 Nov 2017

It’s fair to say the “Hong Kong identity crisis” arises from its youth finding themselves in a rather tough situation. Many have lost direction, their life goals seemingly too far away to reach. Fear of losing control over their future has caused them to panic, and seek a solution in self-determination or even independence.

The world has witnessed the rapid development of China in the past decades, and many claim they do not understand why Hong Kong youngsters are choosing to simply turn a blind eye to these achievements.

I’ve spoken to many youngsters in the city, and a lot of them say the challenges they face do not relate simply to issues such as housing prices or which university they get into, but to the overwhelming pressure of expectations.

Being in Hong Kong, you are naturally signed up to live with two sets of very different – even polarised – expectations.

Take working holidays, for instance. These are similar to a gap year, where young people can take a break from studies to gain experience, learn to be more independent, and increase their international exposure.

Graduating students are expected to start earning for the family right away

However, many complain of facing unexpected challenges from parents, and even recruiters, upon their return, as this outward move is often interpreted as irresponsible, with society expecting graduating students to start earning for the family right away.

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