LettersA world city like Hong Kong should be more sensitive to subtle racism
- Readers discuss how Hongkongers need to be more conscious of the ethnic minorities in their midst, and why treading carefully around the status quo is unhealthy in society
Hong Kong is a global city and once the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic fade, I am sure it will once again attract talent from all over the world.
People from different backgrounds have made Hong Kong their home, as have I. After a decade here, I have integrated myself into society. I personally have never found it difficult or felt like an alien, apart from a few incidents, but I have heard from friends that many feel discriminated against in “Asia’s World City” because of their skin colour.
The discrimination here, unlike elsewhere, is subtle. There is a tendency among some Hongkongers to prefer Caucasians and show dislike for people with darker skin. I have heard from friends that the seat beside them on public transport usually remains empty. They are well-dressed as they usually work for multinationals, and yet their skin tone seems to take precedence over their contribution to society. Locals have no problem speaking to a gweilo in broken English but with a South Asian, they appear impatient. I was once rejected for a rental because South Asians cook “curry”.
I wouldn’t say this discrimination is targeted at a specific group. Anybody who looks different and doesn’t have fairer skin might have faced some sort of discrimination in this city. Sometimes I feel people don’t even realise they are being mean to others. Is it an innate dislike or just lack of information and awareness of other ethnicities?