In brief
Once vibrant with defiance against Beijing's authority, Hong Kong now feels the heavy hand of suppression following a decade of pro-democracy protests. Former activists and citizens reminisce about their fight for freedom amidst changing societal norms, grappling with loss yet holding onto the spirit of resistance.
Kenneth wandered through Victoria Park, a once-thriving epicenter of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. In his youth, this place was alive with calligraphy stalls from pro-democracy figures and annual vigils honoring victims of the Tiananmen massacre. Today, however, the park is eerily quiet, reflecting a harsh reality of a city that seems both familiar and irreversibly changed. Kenneth, who prefers not to disclose his real name for safety, expresses a deep sense of loss. "You can feel the change bit by bit," he states. "Our city’s character is disappearing."On the surface, Hong Kong buzzes as usual, with crowded trams still navigating the streets and the neon-lit skyline remaining undimmed. Yet beneath this facade lies an undeniable transformation - towering skyscrapers proudly display messages of allegiance to China, and the sound of Cantonese increasingly finds itself entwined with mainland Mandarin. The aftermath of the explosive pro-democracy movement that erupted in 2014 is etched into the collective memory of its citizens. Although hundreds of thousands participated in protests for greater democratic rights, a cascade of repression has left hopes for a freer society dwindling.Following Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, many believed the promise of certain freedoms would be upheld for 50 years. Yet, as Beijing tightened its grip, dissent swelled. The landmark 2014 protests, known as the Umbrella Movement, brought key figures like Joshua Wong and Benny Tai into the spotlight, advocating for fully democratic elections. Despite this push, such aspirations were met with fierce resistance from the central government. What started as peaceful protests in 2019 over extradition proposals spiraled into a widespread demand for democracy, culminating in a brutal crackdown by law enforcement.In the midst of this turmoil, those who stood for Hong Kong’s democratic ideals now find themselves stymied. Many activists, like Chan Kin-man and Benny Tai, have faced imprisonment for their roles, while others have fled, haunted by the memories of their past struggles. Chan observes helplessly from Taiwan, recalling how optimism seemed possible in 2014, contrasted with the stark reality today, where the fight for democracy appears overshadowed.Now, activists operate under a new normal, carefully navigating an environment of surveillance where even a t-shirt can lead to arrest. “We have to think twice about what we express,” Kenneth remarks, lamenting the daily fear of speaking out. Gathering in clandestine meetings to pen petitions, they come to terms with the realities of their changed lives, striving to keep the spirit of resistance alive in smaller, yet impactful ways.Inevitably, Hongkongers living abroad reflect on their homeland's losses while fostering their unique identities in exile. For example, Kasumi Law, who moved to the UK with her family, grapples with longing for the shores of Hong Kong, yet remains dedicated to imparting her heritage to her daughter. “It's too late to turn back... I want her world to be bigger,” she says, resolutely determined to nurture their cultural identity despite the distance.As surrounding landscapes change, so do relationships and memories, yet the indomitable spirit of Hong Kong's people persists. Kenneth speaks with conviction: “Forgetting the past is a form of betrayal.” As history continues to unfold, the resonance of those pivotal pro-democracy protests will endure in the hearts of many, reminding them of the collective struggle for identity and liberty in the face of oppression.
