I think people in my country don't really understand how important Hongkongers’ fight is. As Switzerland is one of the most democratic countries in the world, freedom to us is like ‘air’, we are born with it - it is taken for granted. So I was wondering what I could do in an artistic way to help them understand.
Read MoreSince I became aware of social movements, I have only been a participant, and have never stepped up to the frontline of the movement, because I am afraid of trouble and easily discouraged. One might even say I lack the courage to make a difference. My newly acquainted ‘schoolmates’ changed me. They are really helpful and truly tireless, and taught me how to be free from fear via action, letting me know that breakthroughs lie only in persistence.
Read MoreRegardless of my position as a PRE, part of a road-blocking team, or as a driver shuttling protestors around, I truly believe that each role has its own impact… You can never foresee how your actions today will spur the actions of other people in the future… We must turn our grief into action, so that we can bring about changes for Hong Kong, for our next generations, and for the sake of democracy and freedom.
Read MoreI was really worried, and my heart was burning in anxiousness. I wanted to cry. But I kept reminding myself that I was working, I had to hold back my tears. What was really happening down there? What took the paramedics so long?
Read MoreIn nursing, we embrace moral principles that guide our professional medical practice. We value equality, honesty, and integrity. Most of all, we learn to do no harm.
Read MoreAs for the ideal Hong Kong, I think it would be similar to how it was pre-1997, when there was the Independent Commission Against Corruption and a fair legal system, when the civil service system was sound and citizens had housing... Twenty years after the handover, we are shocked to discover how much we have lost. The prosperity has faded and the glory days of this resplendent metropolis are over.
Read MoreWe realised we couldn’t rely on anyone - not the police - because they’d arrest us, and definitely not the white shirts who would chase us down.
Read MoreHongkongers are doing whatever they can, regardless of where and who they are, with the same goal in mind. They’ve got it all covered. There’s even a group that collects recyclables at every protest, and another that cleans up the site after protests. It never ceases to amaze me how they can bond together so quickly and efficiently, fuelled by the anger towards injustice and the love for freedom.
Read MoreI went to school with the local kids and I always thought, you know, they keep their heads down and follow the rules. I never thought they’d be able to protest like this (with lots of art creations). It’s awesome.
Read MoreI realised a lot of people around me are really angry. There’s a guy who sits next to me at work who gets really upset, but that’s all... There’s no point in being angry by yourself. You’re not helping anyone; you’re just making yourself unhappy. When I realised that, I started becoming more active.
Read MoreA lot of people in mainland China hold the opinion that Hongkongers are spoiled. But I would say that Hongkongers have tasted freedom, and to take that away from us is just ruthless.
Read MoreWe take to the streets in solidarity not only for the extradition bill to be withdrawn but more importantly, also for a democratic, free, and fair society for our next generation. Some people may think it’s impossible, but how would they know if they won’t give it a try?
Read MoreI am an introvert. I don’t like to stand out, never wanted to be the first to speak and was not very sociable. However, after staying behind the scenes for many years, I feel like I’m at a bottleneck and need to break my own limits. Having witnessed our representatives’ candidacies disqualified, I understand that no one can represent myself.
Read MoreGrowing up under the English-medium education in Hong Kong where freedom of speech and independent thinking are celebrated, I have come to realise my generation (post-90s) is very different from my parents’ (60s). We are literally 'two kinds' of people – to me, the sense of belonging becomes a burden.
Read MoreIt was scary being out on the street, but can you imagine being the protestors on the frontline? They were probably a thousand times more afraid than I was. Besides, many of my neighbours came down to the street to help too. I felt so connected - I felt a sense of community.
Read MoreWhen we pay the price for something which has no value, it is effectively a forced or even wasteful act, and definitely does not constitute the kind of sacrifice mentioned by the women at the airport. Who hasn't heard the verdict that boycotting at school is just a waste of time and will simply let down your parents? But if they believe they are fighting for something valuable, then they are not sacrificing anything, but rather it is a means to strive for what they want.
Read MoreI used to think that Hong Kong people were so selfish. They would never budge and make space for you on the MTR, and couldn't care less about you. I think that’s why Hong Kong people have been so affected by this movement: it has united people from all walks of life.
Read MoreIn the end, the only “weapon” a protestor truly has is their voice. They have tried chanting slogans, using both gentle and aggressive languages to point out the faults of those standing in front of them, while simultaneously expressing their dissatisfaction. However, [the police force] is equipped with various weapons and protective equipment, while using all sorts of methods to oppress the protestors.
Read MoreAt that time, I constantly reminded myself that if I can choose my own personality, I wanted my personality to resemble theirs. If Hong Kong is a place that encourages this form of personalities and attitudes, one day I would want to stay and live in Hong Kong.
Read MoreI’ve never thought a driver from mainland China, an ordinary citizen, would have such an in-depth view of what’s happening in society. He was very bold to talk about this, which surprised me. His thoughts and mentality are far more thorough than some Hong Kong people and high-ranking government officials. Or perhaps everyone knows, but they kneel before power and fortune, thus refuse to speak up.
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