Shut up or Shut away

Hong Kong has long been described as a hub for freedom and peace in Asia, while with those recent political incidents, many have started doubted its status. With the announcement of the plan of amending the extradition law in Hong Kong, the scenes of protests, confrontations and occupations have become part of the daily life of HongKongers. The latest one happened on 1/7 has embarked on a series of controversies. Not only the pro-government camp, some pan-democrats that advocate ‘peace’ also feel that it is too ‘violent’ for the protesters to break into the Legislative Council, destroy some items and try to occupy. Obviously, there is another batch of people that regard it as unavoidable and it is the only way out. For me, I belong to one of the later group.

With all those millions of people protesting on the streets peacefully, yet encountering the violent confrontation by the police and the unresponsiveness of the government, I don’t see there are other ways out indeed to help raise the awareness of the society, as well as the international community. Only through a rise in action level, the government might actually respond to people (though it is proved as ineffective as well in this extent). 

It is undeniable that people were destroying the door and the other items in Legislative Council, but they are not destroying everything like riotiats. They put up signs to stop others from destroying the important files, historical constructions….. They put down money for the soft drinks in canteens, as they are not and never riotiats – They are just a group of courageous youngsters that are highly attached to Hong Kong, and do not want to witness the fall of their beautiful city.

It is ridiculous that some are judging the youngsters as aggressive, but neglecting the most ferocious image of the city- our dear Chief Executive, Carrie Lam. After 3 suicide protests, she remained her usual state of turning a deaf ear towards such tragedies. Indeed, it is no longer simply a matter of politics, it is a matter of humanity. Especially being at the position of Chief Executive, she ought to have the sense to care about her citizens and to at least try to avoid similar incidents from happening. Instead, she keeps blaming the youngsters and describing them as vicious. It turns out that a broken glass door is way more important than 3 precious lives of HongKongers.

In my opinion, it is absolutely acceptable for you to uphold your own values of being peaceful and only engage in legitimate protests, or just do nothing and live your life as usual. Nonetheless, it is outrageous if you try to criticize those who help defend Hong Kong for you. Under such political circumstances, it is difficult to know what is a ‘good’ way to continue, not to mention what is the ‘best’ way. Undoubtedly, breaking into the Legislative Council might not be the best option. However, it seems that there’s no other way out under the (in)visible control of the one-party dictatorship. Therefore, if you do not know and cannot determine what is the best way to confront and to defend against the Communist China, while you do not have the bravery to act practically, just please keep your mouth shut and pay respect or our magnificent city will be shut away from freedom.