LettersHong Kong teens may not agree with the government, but liberal studies isn’t why this is so

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Secondary school students take part in a protest rally near the Hong Kong Museum of Art, in Tsim Sha Tsui on December 13. Photo: AP

Published: 8:00am, 14 May 2020Updated: 8:00am, 14 May 2020

I am writing in response to Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s claim that there are now problems with the education system and the government will announce plans on how to handle the liberal studies subject soon (“Lam’s warning to schools on ‘fallacious arguments’ sparks anger”, May 12).

As a secondary student, I can say that I learn only facts in liberal studies, and they never affect my beliefs. My own opinions and thoughts are generated by my own thinking process. Therefore, my beliefs were definitely not imposed on me by my teachers or the subject.

During the past few months, there have been teenagers taking part in anti-government protests. They believe that the current government or its policies are unsatisfactory, and are therefore fighting for their future. The government should listen to what they have to say, instead of blaming liberal studies for giving rise to opposing opinions.

The young protesters were not created by the education system. It is undeniable that some teachers have proved unequal to the task, but most are doing their job professionally. We should not claim there are problems with the whole education system because of some individual teachers. Their job is to guide us through the advantages and disadvantages of policies, but they do not affect our opinions. The government should not ignore public opinion.

The opinions of the city’s teenagers are plain to see. Although most of these are opposing opinions, the government has the responsibility to listen and respond. Shifting the responsibility to education will not help the government escape its duty.

Ngai Tung Lam, Sai Kung

Sense of belonging to country is not affected