Recent protests for democracy in Hong Kong spearheaded mostly by university students and the younger generations have spurred attention globally. One would say fighting for democracy seems righteous and justified but what about the not-so-political effects this revolution has created? At what costs are we willing to give up for democracy and change?
Protesters fill one of Hong Kong’s busiest streets for democracy.
Having many relatives and immediate family members in Hong Kong has given me quite a perspective regarding these protests. Our family of 50+ (including aunts, great-aunts, uncles, cousins etc.) has a WhatsApp groupchat, and instead of the usual videos of my baby cousin dancing to Barney, the chat has been bombarded by posts supporting the movement, against the movement, and posts supporting the police. With the different views, I have decided for myself that many people outside of Hong Kong are not getting the full picture.
A few of my uncles are local business owners and are currently reaping the wrath of the movement: having to close down due to congestion on the streets and the increasing violent nature of some citizens. Other aunts are worried because the banks are closed and they need to wire money to my cousins to help pay rent. These seemingly small effects are in reality devastating and frightening to those that aren’t necessarily looking to vote for their government but are looking to put food on the table and stay in their apartment for one more month.
On the bigger scale, the Hang Seng Index dropped to a low of 22.932 as the tension between protesters and police escalated. The tourism industry isn’t fairing much better either, with up to 30% drop in travels since the protests started. With all the economic effects, one would still say fighting for democracy is righteous, but at what costs is this righteousness justified?
Researched links:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hong-kongs-umbrella-revolution-carries-economic-threat-2014-09-29
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/protesters-to-lift-hong-kong-government-blockade/article20937150/