A snapshot of political rifts and cultural shifts in Hong Kong here and now
People holding opposing views, and that includes young radicals, are a healthy sign and necessary to any vibrant society
People here have the right to express opinions without fear of government retaliation, provided, of course, such expression is within the common legal limitations.
Thanks to this freedom of speech, which is also a social barometer to measure change, we are able to see things as they really are.
Take last month’s New Territories East by-election, for example.
They look elegant and speak eloquent Cantonese with heroic overtones
Judging from the candidates running in the by-election, we know society is changing, even as we take a snapshot of the political rifts and cultural shifts that exist today.
These candidates are not only younger than their predecessors but are also more open about their political propensity.
They look elegant and speak eloquent Cantonese with heroic overtones. Together, they present a picture of a new generation of politicians, epitomising at once the wide spectrum of political leanings, ranging from conservatism, to those who hug the middle ground, and to radicalism, which includes a call for autonomy or independence, “without a bottom line”.
Sociologists tell us that our attitudes, convictions and identities are often influenced, if not shaped, by other individuals with similar experiences from a shared history and background.
Many young politicians, born and bred here, have shared history and experiences in the post-colonial years.
