In Hong Kong protests, hope for change endures
HONG KONG – After six days of pro-democracy protests, the number of demonstrators dwindled, some residents clashed with protesters still occupying streets, and the communist government in Beijing refused to bow to the wishes of what it called an "illegal assembly" in this southern China financial hub.
Yet many participants said their movement, which attracted tens of thousands of people, had already achieved one significant goal: raising the political consciousness of Hong Hong's materialistic society so it would value the personal freedoms behind the protests.
The protests come against the backdrop of Beijing's edict that it would have the final say on candidates running for Hong Kong's top leadership post when the city holds its first democratic election in 2017.
"Cantonese are notorious for one thing: They don't care about national politics or nationalism. They are obsessed with making money," said Nene Leung, 53, a sports consultant, referring to the Chinese residents of Hong Kong. "No one, including the organizers, expected this event would turn out in this fashion. It's stunned the world. The mentality has changed, and it's a legacy that will last."
In a key protest zone, beside the Hong Kong government headquarters, Edward Lim, 17, maintained road barricades Friday.
"I wasn't very interested in politics before, but I cannot accept the police using tear gas," he said. "We need a new system, not a new CY Leung," he said of the city's leader who has resisted calls to resign.
"We will never give up and people power will never lose," said Lim, who expects a smaller occupied area will persist for weeks, as street protests and politics become more frequent in Hong Kong.
Most of the protesters are young, with no memory of life under British rule before London returned its super-capitalist colony to Communist China in 1997.
"The new generation is getting more concerned about freedom and the future of Hong Kong," said Kids Wan, 24, a freelancer in the entertainment industry.
"The students are fighting for real elections, and I want to support them," said Wan outside the office Friday of the embattled Leung, Hong Kong's chief executive.
While the tear gas Sunday stirred most protesters, Wan said growing pressure from China also influenced many.
"Beijing said there would be no change in Hong Kong for 50 years, but we feel there are changes, step-by-step, and the Chinese government decides too much in our society," he said.
"At least we are trying our best," said Wan, who has volunteered for days cleaning roads, moving supplies and helping people cross road barriers. "We don't just want to die like this," without political reforms.
The peaceful, orderly campaign has impressed an older generation of activists.
"They are very disciplined, and I am very touched," said Joseph Lai, 65, a district councilor and member of the Civic Party. "China says move slowly, but Hong Kong is ready for full democracy."
"The meaning of the movement is civil education, telling the people you have the right to elect your chief executive," Lai said. "I have a little more hope of political reform now," said Lai, who believes the older generation should apologize to the youth for failing to deliver democracy.
"Now we have hope as they can fight for themselves."
Major challenges remain, warned veteran activist and lawmaker "Long Hair" Leung Kwok Hung. The latest pro-democracy campaign has delivered "empowerment and awakening" to so many citizens that now "we can represent 35-40% of Hong Kong's people," Leung says. Given that around 30% are "pro-Beijing," Leung targets "the middle 30%" who remain inactive but can create a majority.
"If they become active, then we can have real change," he said.