Letters | 2020 nightmare is past, and Hong Kong will endure with faith in the Lion Rock Spirit
While the troubles of the year gone by might have seemed insurmountable, Hongkongers should look to previous generations to learn how to survive and thrive
In the eyes of many people, 2020 was a nightmare – full of unpleasantness and changes that were hard to accept. Some of them have been seared into our memories, some of them altered the way we used to live, and some of them outraged us. We may find it extremely difficult to cope with all of these, but when we look back at how our older generations came through a much worse history, we may gain some insights.
It is true that in an ever-changing world, the only constant is the spirit. What carried Hongkongers through ups and downs without loss of hope and solidarity is called the “Lion Rock spirit”, something beyond a core value, but rather a common attitude towards adversity.
In fact, Hongkongers are inherently implanted with the genes of refugees. It is interesting to note that, even at times in the past when the world around us descended into chaos, Hong Kong’s population grew.
Whether it was in the aftermath of Chinese civil war or during the Cold War, refugees chose Hong Kong as their final destination, at least in Asia. Not only did they believe this city was a safe harbour, but also an inclusive hub that accommodated anyone from anywhere, irrespective of cultural and religious background.
That is why they greatly cherished their identity as “Hongkongers”, a group of people who, while practising different traditions and lifestyles, were able to coexist in one place out of mutual respect and trust.
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Lion Rock spirit: the inspiring tale of paraplegic climber Lai Chi-wai
Lion Rock spirit: the inspiring tale of paraplegic climber Lai Chi-wai
For half a century, the older generation went through numerous challenges and worked miracles time and again. At one time, it was inconceivable that Chinese would be added as an official language in Hong Kong alongside English under the colonial government, as it was in the 1970s.
Who dared to dream that corruption in the civil service would be crushed and a government with integrity could be built? Who initiated the localisation of the constitution and democratic development in Hong Kong? All of that was achieved by Hongkongers, who often underestimated how far they could go.
Today, standing at the epicentre of a political and public health crisis, I believe Hongkongers are still eager to take control of our own destiny no matter how tough tomorrow gets. After all, this is how we have got through a century of chaos.
Jacky T.K. Tam, accountancy student, City University of Hong Kong
