Asian deference towards westerners is endemic in Hong Kong. The attitude tinges the spectrum of relations between the two groups, from the legal to the romantic, and is a habit so ingrained that both givers and receivers may not even notice it. Those who are aware may choose to fight it, considering it a form of racism, partly imposed and partly self-inflicted. They may believe that this sort of relationship reflects badly on both parties and undermines the value of role models to which young people are exposed. Alternatively, they may see it as an inevitable dynamic in any social interaction between two culturally distinct or unequal parties.

Surprisingly, it is the westerner who is at the wrong end of the transaction in many respects. Why? Because giving 'face' puts the receiver at ease - an invaluable and advantageous social skill on the part of the giver. The subtle ego boost the westerner enjoys is fraudulent, at least on any level significant to the sort of relations we are talking about. Deference is attributable to personal qualities, yes, but only in so much as they associate a person with the power and wealth of the west.