Income inequality and generational inequality in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's unprecedented student-led democracy rallies have highlighted
a stark divide between a disenfranchised younger generation who say
they have little to lose, and an older guard who favour pragmatism over
protest.
It makes sense that Hong Kong’s elderly oppose the protests of the younger generation because it risks the efforts that they went through with mainland China in order to create a better life. However, I feel like the older generation should be more understanding of the protests because, in an essence, the younger generation is fighting for the same thing as they did: a better future. Although more educated than the older generation, the younger generation is currently struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living and economic inequality. Personally, I believe the younger generation has the right intention for protesting. It’s crazy to think that at 30, a person’s future is bleak as they still live with their parents and make an income that can barely cover the costs of a 300 square foot flat. Without some sort of pressure on the government, there would be little reason for economic improvement for all Hong Kong citizens. Therefore, I support the democratic protests as an agent to stimulate change in Hong Kong.
It seems to me that many protests begin with university unrest. Take the protests in Iran leading up to the Iranian Revolution; much of the animosity stemmed from Tehran University. From there, the protests spread. I was wondering if the younger generation has the right idea in dragging out the protests. It reminds me a bit of the "occupy" movement, where there was a lot of media attention for a short period of time that then petered out slowly. If the protesters in Hong Kong do the same, they risk degrading the image of the whole movement. Would it be better if they relinquish their protest, but then promise that they will be coming out in stronger forces at a later date? This could keep the government of Hong Kong focused on the youths' demands.
I do feel that the younger generation would benefit from democracy. Especially because Hong Kong is limited geographically, the policies of the government that originally enriched the "older" generation weren't extended to the current younger generation. It's impossible to keep everyone happy in any political system, but especially a pseudo-authoritarian regime. The demands of those from Hong Kong would be respected better were they to have more representation in their own government.
It makes sense that Hong Kong’s elderly oppose the protests of the younger generation because it risks the efforts that they went through with mainland China in order to create a better life. However, I feel like the older generation should be more understanding of the protests because, in an essence, the younger generation is fighting for the same thing as they did: a better future. Although more educated than the older generation, the younger generation is currently struggling with the ever-increasing cost of living and economic inequality. Personally, I believe the younger generation has the right intention for protesting. It’s crazy to think that at 30, a person’s future is bleak as they still live with their parents and make an income that can barely cover the costs of a 300 square foot flat. Without some sort of pressure on the government, there would be little reason for economic improvement for all Hong Kong citizens. Therefore, I support the democratic protests as an agent to stimulate change in Hong Kong.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that many protests begin with university unrest. Take the protests in Iran leading up to the Iranian Revolution; much of the animosity stemmed from Tehran University. From there, the protests spread. I was wondering if the younger generation has the right idea in dragging out the protests. It reminds me a bit of the "occupy" movement, where there was a lot of media attention for a short period of time that then petered out slowly. If the protesters in Hong Kong do the same, they risk degrading the image of the whole movement. Would it be better if they relinquish their protest, but then promise that they will be coming out in stronger forces at a later date? This could keep the government of Hong Kong focused on the youths' demands.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that the younger generation would benefit from democracy. Especially because Hong Kong is limited geographically, the policies of the government that originally enriched the "older" generation weren't extended to the current younger generation. It's impossible to keep everyone happy in any political system, but especially a pseudo-authoritarian regime. The demands of those from Hong Kong would be respected better were they to have more representation in their own government.