Is Discussion about Hong Kong Long Overdue at St. John’s College?

Summary: There is insufficient awareness towards local affairs in St. John's College. This editorial aims to explore and rally people to think about events within Hong Kong.

St. John’s College is unique in its frequent and multi-faceted discussions about topics around the world. These discussions often encapsulate a degree of maturity which I believe attests to the capacity to listen (and present) to various stakeholders that are involved in the relevant situation. For example, the MAKE Talks have brought us with talks ranging from entrepreneurship, student success stories, to environmental awareness. The Vagina Monologues is a fresh attempt to portray and discuss gender rights whilst raising funds for NGOs. These are good examples of well-informed, substantive discussions which should be promoted.

However, I believe that there is a lack of discussion (or even simply awareness) at St. John’s about Hong Kong and the current events which will, in retrospect, be a vital juncture in Hong Kong’s history. When I refer to “discussion”, I do not refer to the domineering approach adopted by some of our JMs during the 82F Party last year. These acts only constrict our ability to freely and openly debate against each other in order to raise awareness about current affairs. As the famous philosopher Hume stated1, human reasoning is often distracted by the kneejerk emotive response. Hence, it is important to create an environment which is open and effective in order to derive meaningful exchanges.

Hong Kong has so much more to it than its political system and unique history as a British Colony. Nevertheless, we are not doing Hong Kong justice by not introducing its issues to our fellow JMs. Our “awareness" encapsulates the environment, business, capitalism, personal growth stories, but glaringly lacks a spotlight on local politics and social affairs.

I dare not say that I have played an active role nor do I know the best way to enhance awareness about Hong Kong and the current state it is in. Yet to remain blissfully ignorant is to succumb to the current state of affairs where discussion is suffocated and acquiescence is creeping in.

I do not wish to make this an overly solemn discussion where we point fingers at what has gone wrong. In fact, I hope this is a conversation-starter for kickstarting occasions to present issues within Hong Kong, for example, during M.A.K.E. talks, both local and non-local JMs could express their views openly and without judgement. Or, simply setting up a board for JMs to document their feelings or updates on everything about Hong Kong, from the homeless, to housing, to wildlife2. Ultimately, I envision a St. John’s where JMs are exposed to different sides of Hong Kong, where initiatives such as volunteerism can be promoted. Imagine JMs playing a role in aiding those in need in Hong Kong

These suggestions may not be the best way forward. But, I do know that something has to be done, and I hope this call to arms near the end of the year sparks some thought (and public discussion) on how to do so next year.

(1) Hume: “And reasoning is not the source, whence either dispute derives his tenets; it is in vain to expect, that by logic, which speaks not to the affections, will ever engage him to embrace sounder principles.”

(2) For example, “Drifting” is a local film chronicling the lives of homeless people in Sham Shui Po, the lowest-income district in Hong Kong. It was the only local film nominated at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and will be in theatres in June. Perhaps a good watch to see the other sides to Hong Kong?

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