Thousands of pro-democracy protestors took to the streets in Hong Kong this weekend, causing a tense standoff with Beijing. The demonstrations call for Beijing to abandon its newly declared powers to weed out any candidates in upcoming Hong Kong elections. The protests are a climax of something Hong Kong residents have been fighting for since Britain handed over the province to mainland China seventeen years ago: a vision of a free Hong Kong under Chinese rule - something that protestors claim China has continually reneged on. Although Beijing is accustomed to cracking down protests in the mainland, the Hong Kong press and abundance of free social media sites in Hong Kong put the mainland in a precarious position. If it cracks down too hard, Beijing authorities risk driving more demonstrators to join the cause. If it goes too easy, it will look weak on mainland China, running the risk of starting similar movements throughout the country. The protests are being being led by university students and teens barely old enough to remember British rule. However, the zeal exhibited by them suggests they believe they are fighting for nothing less than the future freedom of Hong Kong. Although the protests have come as a surprise to many in the West, perhaps, what’s more surprising is the apathy exhibited by many Americans towards their own freedom. For years now, Americans have cried foul the injustice of Citizens United and the ensuring regulatory capture of the federal government and large politicians by banks and corporations, yet, except for a few terse months in the fall of 2011, few Americans have attempted to stage a protest demanding reform. Instead, Americans have exhibited a noticeable abundance of apathy. Although the American boat is already rocking, few are willing to tip it over to start anew. What will it take for Americans to become as enraged at their lack of freedoms as the university students in Hong Kong? Perhaps, nothing short of success in a land that few Americans have ever visited. Take note, America, time for a change is now.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 02:32:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015