Violent Hong Kong protests on a loop taking a mental toll on daily commute

The now-shelved Hong Kong extradition bill has stirred deep emotions and provoked clashes over the past month. As a foreigner who knows no Chinese, my window on the situation is provided by the English-language media. Then there’s the news that is on television displays in public transport. One doesn’t have to understand the text to be disturbed by the scenes, especially when they are played on a loop.

With all the shouting and visuals of clashes, one ends up being glued to the screen. Inadvertently, this brings attention back to the crisis and stirs up negative emotions within the narrow confines of vehicles.

Experts have warned of a looming mental health crisis in Hong Kong, and surely continuous exposure to scenes of violence or negative emotions has a debilitating effect on well-being. One way to curb the negativity is to consciously increase our exposure to positive information.

During stressful times, public spaces can be used to spread a message of peace and calm – be it through relaxing music or a video that makes people laugh. While it is important to be aware of what is happening around us, we should be free to switch off for a bit, and take the time to restore calmness and health.

I am aware that this proposal may inconvenience some people. In particular, this might disrupt the business model of transport companies, that is, broadcasting news with advertisements. My sincere hope is that, even if this proposal is accepted, it will be for a very, very short time and it will not affect the transport companies that much.

Divya Padmanabhan, teaching assistant, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong

Why did police leave Legco to be vandalised?

First, I want to make it very clear the July 1 storming and destruction of the Legislative Council should not be condoned. But when we assess history, we don’t just isolate one incident and condemn it. Many have already commented on what made the protesters turn to violence, although they knew from experience, since Occupy Central in 2014, that they could be imprisoned and their lives ruined.

What puzzled many people was the police withdrawal from Legco. Saying it was for the safety of policemen and protesters is no excuse. What if some protesters had decided to storm the Bank of China? Would the police have let them charge in and do as they like? The police clearance after the storming demonstrated that they had the manpower and capacity.

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We don’t leave an open jar of candy in front of a toddler and expect nothing to happen. When police withdrew from Legco, they must have known very well the protesters would not just enter, take some photos for Instagram and leave. With the mood of the protesters what it was, the subsequent damage to the building was guaranteed.

Thus the police decision to withdraw can be seen as entrapment, of the protesters who went inside and vandalised Legco. In many jurisdictions, entrapment is a defence against criminal liability.

C.W. Chan, North Point