Hong Kong teens may not agree with the government, but liberal studies isn’t why this is so

I am writing in response to Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s claim that there are now problems with the education system and the government will announce plans on how to handle the liberal studies subject soon (“Lam’s warning to schools on ‘fallacious arguments’ sparks anger”, May 12).

As a secondary student, I can say that I learn only facts in liberal studies, and they never affect my beliefs. My own opinions and thoughts are generated by my own thinking process. Therefore, my beliefs were definitely not imposed on me by my teachers or the subject.

During the past few months, there have been teenagers taking part in anti-government protests. They believe that the current government or its policies are unsatisfactory, and are therefore fighting for their future. The government should listen to what they have to say, instead of blaming liberal studies for giving rise to opposing opinions.

The young protesters were not created by the education system. It is undeniable that some teachers have proved unequal to the task, but most are doing their job professionally. We should not claim there are problems with the whole education system because of some individual teachers. Their job is to guide us through the advantages and disadvantages of policies, but they do not affect our opinions. The government should not ignore public opinion.

The opinions of the city’s teenagers are plain to see. Although most of these are opposing opinions, the government has the responsibility to listen and respond. Shifting the responsibility to education will not help the government escape its duty. 

Ngai Tung Lam, Sai Kung

Sense of belonging to country is not affected

I don’t agree that liberal studies is pushing students to join the anti-government protests. Firstly, the marking scheme for the subject just focuses on the rationality of an essay. Students must have the ability to analyse sources and write arguments for or against a proposition. But actually, no matter which side a student picks, it is just a game of words and not that serious.

Even if a student can express an argument that appeals to the marker, the marking scheme emphasises rationality, and whether the argumentation process is multidimensional and includes positive and negative elements. This shows that liberal studies is about helping students develop inferential thinking, not misleading them or spreading hatred. Not only can students increase their social awareness this way, but they can also develop nuanced thinking and thus the ability to distinguish right from wrong. These skills do not encourage protests among youngsters.

Secondly, this subject won’t negatively impact students’ sense of belonging to the country. Students learn about the Basic Law under liberal studies, they understand that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. Liberal studies just tells them the truth, it does not encourage them to join anti-government protests. However, there is nothing wrong with joining protests as such – Hong Kong residents shall have freedom of assembly until 2047.

Yoyo Tsoi, Tseung Kwan O