Civilized Resistance in Hong Kong's Protests
Amidst the chaos of tear gas, pepper spray, and baton-wielding officers, Hong Kong protesters during political demonstrations maintain an extraordinary level of composure. They lift barricades, recycle police water bottles, provide refreshments, and never forget to utter "please" and "thank you."
It's challenging to quantify, yet democratic demonstrators during the "Umbrella Revolution" might have garnered the title of the world's most friendly protestors. Across the city, protesters establish recycling systems, sort waste on each protest site, and even assign teenagers to help garbage collectors load trash onto trucks.
Beyond offering food and beverages, some protesters share masks to shield from tear gas and offer umbrellas to elderly protesters. Journalists admit being wished a "wonderful day" at least four times an hour.
So why are they so thoughtful? Hong Kong has a rich tradition of peaceful protests, and many current protesters and young workers likely grew up joining the annual July 1 marches, which frequently criticize Beijing's rule.
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Why I Protest in Hong Kong
Just as before, some protesters hand out water and food, while others pass out masks to shield against tear gas and additional umbrellas for elderly protesters. During their marches, they persistently walk on pavements, avoiding trampling the grass.
The protesters display remarkable efficiency and kindness, warmly greeting reporters multiple times an hour.
Their tranquility was apparent when a recent police intervention ensued. After declaring the protest illegal, officers unleashed tear gas towards the demonstrators, but their attempts to disperse the crowd proved ineffective.
Many Hong Kong residents were taken aback by the police's actions, prompting a pause in tensions. Later, stories emerged of protesters sharing umbrellas with the police during rainy weather.
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Guiding Principles
Despite the calm demeanor of the protests, the situation in Hong Kong remains intricate and volatile. Protests have witnessed significant challenges and confrontations between protesters and the police.
The demonstrations were inspired by a contentious extradition bill but eventually expanded to incorporate broader grievances, such as sky-high property prices, a widening wealth disparity, and the outsized political influence of property tycoons.
The protests also exerted a considerable impact on the economy, as internationally renowned businesses managed by the Kwok family experienced a dip in stock values and retail sales due to the turmoil.
The government's response to the protests has caused controversy, raising concerns about civil liberties and the closure of essential institutions, like the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (Pori). This could mark a significant deterrent for public discourse and civil society in Hong Kong.
**Enrichment Data:**
The remarkable calmness and politeness of Hong Kong protesters during political demonstrations can be attributed to various factors:
- Strategic Planning: Hong Kong protesters have implemented clever organizational strategies, such as utilizing black umbrellas and shields to safeguard themselves against police violence, and implementing roving occupations to make it more challenging for authorities to disperse them[1].
- Influence of Tradition: The cultural context of Hong Kong, which values harmony and respect for authority, may contribute to the protesters' demeanor. This cultural background emphasizes maintaining a tranquil and polite attitude, even when confronted with adversity[5].
- Effective Communication: Protesters have also innovated in their communication tactics, leveraging coded messages and counter-surveillance techniques to evade police scrutiny and maintain solidarity[1].
- Historical Context: The Hong Kong protests have been part of a broader traditional context of anti-authoritarian movements in East and Southeast Asia, which have typically emphasized non-violent resistance and civic engagement[1].
- Media Perspective: While the media coverage of the Hong Kong protests has been extensive, the framing of these events has influenced public perception and protesters' behavior. Protests were often portrayed in terms of human rights abuses, potentially contributing to their calmness and perceived legitimacy[4].
These factors collectively have contributed to the calm and polite behavior observed among Hong Kong protesters during political demonstrations.
