Letters | Racism is endemic in Hong Kong, not just the doing of a few bad apples
- Readers discuss the systemic problems unveiled by the Cathay Pacific discrimination scandal, the city’s international outlook, and what airlines must do to beat the competition
We must acknowledge that these are systemic issues rather than isolated, and that we need to develop more robust solutions rather than just brushing aside these events as the “misbehaviour of the ignorant few”. Dismissing the Cathay discrimination scandal as a one-off event and the aftermath as an “overreaction” harms Hong Kong’s outlook as a truly open and welcoming place.
I say this as an “ethnic minority” who has had to deal with veiled racism from time to time since moving to Hong Kong – from conversations with property agents getting cold right after they learn of my ethnicity (why do they ask for ethnicity, anyway?), to landlords refusing outright to let me rent their flat as they “do not want to rent to foreigners due to communication issues”.
As a PhD candidate who moved here from a developing country, I am deeply appreciative of everything Hong Kong has offered me. From the world-class infrastructure to the stunning natural landscapes, I have nothing but love and appreciation for Hong Kong, and I have every intention of paying it back.
However, these disturbing events, rare as they may be, leave emotional scars on the person being discriminated against. They make the individual (and the group of people who can relate to the individual being discriminated against) rethink their future.
“Do I want to travel to a country where I might be ridiculed for my language skills? Do I want to live in a country where I am made to feel like a lesser human being?” These and many other questions spring to mind.
While Cathay Pacific has apologised after the incident was publicised, many other individuals and organisations, such as property agents and landlords, keep treading the fine line between abject racism and veiled discrimination without facing much public scrutiny and operating under the shadow of plausible deniability and false pretence. Apologies from a single entity will only go so far towards solving the broader systemic issues surrounding racism and discrimination.
Afzal Ahmad, Clear Water Bay
Is Hong Kong airport really international?
I was at the airport in Hong Kong a few days and was so excited to be boarding a plane. I went to buy some alcohol as gifts for friends and the shop staff at CDF were friendly. They asked me to join their loyalty programme. I tried for 15 minutes, but it was all in Chinese so I could not join.
They were embarrassed that there was no English version. I was, too. Is my business not important to CDF? Does Hong Kong not want English speakers?
I then went to three HSBC ATMs to try to withdraw US dollars. They only offered Hong Kong dollars or renminbi. Again, I was disappointed. Does Hong Kong not want international travellers?
I boarded a Cathay Pacific flight where the service was brilliant but again was disappointed when the in-flight entertainment came on and the ad by the Hong Kong Tourism Board did not have a single darker-skinned person. Does Hong Kong really not want people from the darker-skinned world to come?
I’m saddened that Hong Kong is not more inclusive. The government has a role to play. Equal opportunity is not a tagline, it makes commercial sense. If Hong Kong wants to prosper, it must be open to people of all races and must continue to promote English in addition to the Chinese language.
It’s time to prove that Hong Kong is inclusive. All adverts should include people of all ethnic backgrounds, and the private sector must be encouraged to use English, too.
Shalini Mahtani, The Zubin Foundation
Airline is right to focus on serving customers well
I feel strongly that Cathay Pacific management has done the right thing by sacking the three flight attendants involved in a discrimination scandal.
The airline industry is highly competitive. The operators invest billions in aircraft, buildings and staff training. The flight attendants should consider themselves fortunate to work in this service industry where many want to join but only a few can get in. They are the frontline staff who represent their company.
Airlines depend on their passengers to grow their business and reward their stakeholders. Serving their customers well is the heart of the airline business. Knowing customers’ needs and fulfilling them is the core of a flight attendant’s duty. Ridiculing customers and denying them their needs cannot be condoned.
Seng Ah Teck, Singapore
