China
17:58, 13-Sep-2017
‘They lack the same spirit as the older generation,’ says academic of Hong Kong youth
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By CGTN's The Point
“I grew up in the time of the 1960s when life was so hard. Our mobility would be so hard that you would be able to move upward. But now, there is a strong sense of entitlement which my generation didn't have. We wouldn't say you have to give it to me,” said Chow Lo Sai, chair of the Hong Kong Women Teachers' Organization.
She is worried about the attitudes of some of Hong Kong's youth and has criticized some of them for their illegal behavior.
Chow Lo Sai, Chairperson of Hong Kong Women Teachers' Organization / CGTN Photo
Chow Lo Sai, Chairperson of Hong Kong Women Teachers' Organization / CGTN Photo
Last week, banners and signs advocating Hong Kong’s independence appeared on campus at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, triggering a series of debates.
Later, a student from the Chinese mainland tore down a pro- independence poster, further escalating tensions at the university.
“Hong Kong is part of China, it’s in the Basic Law. When you talk about separatism, Hong Kong’s independence, this is against the Basic Law,” Chow pointed out.
Richard Hu, a professor at the University of Hong Kong, said he felt puzzled by the changing attitudes and behavior among the younger generation in Hong Kong.
“Before the return of Hong Kong to China, at the time the younger generation was generally is very patriotic,” he recalled.
He said the government of Hong Kong should reflect on whether the education system gives young people the right education, especially about the history of China and whether it helps the younger generation develop a national identity.
Richard Hu, professor at the University of Hong Kong. /CGTN Photo
Richard Hu, professor at the University of Hong Kong. /CGTN Photo
In addition to the government, he said the younger generation should also reflect on themselves.
“This generation of young people as I see it, they are in some ways really spoiled. A lot of material welfare, they can have everything. Yet they lack the same spirit as the older generation who had to study hard and work hard. The younger generation is taking a lot of things for granted and it’s not right,” Hu concluded
The Point with Liu Xin is a 30-minute current affairs program on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 9.30 p.m. BJT (1330GMT), with rebroadcasts at 5.30 a.m. (2130GMT) and 10.30 a.m. (0230GMT)
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