To leave or to stay (Joint HKPASS online forum)
The
Identity Crisis of Overseas Hongkongers
Immigration has always been something to be discussed among Hong Kongers wary of the city’s future. However, recent political crackdowns have intensified the conversation as immigration has become a matter of urgency. As such, it is more important to address the challenges of settling outside our home, especially what it means for the Hong Kong identity and the obligations attached to it. With that in mind, we organised a joint-University panel discussion hosted on Facebook Live alongside the PASS societies of KCL, University of York, McGill University and University of Toronto in June this year. We are also honoured to have well-known scholar Professor Simon Shen and columnist Mr Lewis Loud as guest speakers to provide their insights on the topic.
A false dichotomy According to Professor Shen, the “leave or stay” debate is a false dichotomy. While to leave or to stay may be a matter of individual choice, these choices do not
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Simon Shen
oppose each other. During the 1997 immigration wave, people believed that they would not see their friends and family in Hong Kong again once they leave. This is not the case now. On the other hand, we see that many people have gotten closer to Hong Kong after they have left. Secondly, on the question of contributing to Hong Kong, Professor Shen said that we are all individuals, no rule can apply to everyone within the Hong Kong collective. When it comes to leaving or staying, it ultimately depends on one’s strengths and abilities. Some may benefit more from staying and some otherwise. During the Cold War, Czech and Polish activists may find it easier to mobilize the populace by staying in their local communities, while scholars may find it safer to express their views abroad. Thirdly, he said that during the early days of localist thinking, there was a question of trying to combine the belief that Hong Kong and its people are inseparable and the fact that many proponents of such thinking are outside of Hong Kong. It turns out that, with the help of the internet, it is possible to do so. Furthermore, the internet has helped overseas Hong Kongers grow closer to and develop a sense of belonging to their local communities.
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