Been reviewing the cultural policy of Hong Kong, and there is nothing new about what I have learnt, except it is a painful process going through a few historical sites that had been demolished recently by the SAR government.
Examples include Li Tung Street in Wanchai of which I grew up in, and one of the places that I visit often just to feel the neighbourhood – it’s dirty, smelly – but it is where we feel like home, not the another cold Pacific Mall of which I can’t just sit and watch old neighbours passing by.
Also the Starferry pier – for people who say that Hong Kong young generations only care about brands and fashion or gadgets, check out this youtube clip, especially on the right hand side of all the derivative videos made in memoir of the recently torn Star ferry pier in Central.
We all know that urban development, to a large extent, is inevitable. Especially when you see the huge International Finance Centre boldly erects itself next to the humble, but yet reminiscent StarFerry, you can’t help but ask yourself what our priorities are.
The thing is, the demolition of Star Ferry actually hits the younger generation equally hard, if not harder, because we are being raised in the age of uncertainty. For those who grew up as teens during the handover, we are witnessing, as well as experiencing, first-hand of what it’s like to be passed on from one colony to another. There is a question of identity, of dignity, also a quest of seeking our rights, responsibility and sovereign. My experience tells me Hong Kong people care – years of colonial rules had made most of us politically desensitized, but yet, it doesn’t mean that our past is not respected.
Star Ferry is a place where we have met our friends in, and before i left for London, it is the transportation that I made excuses to ride on the most. The breezes that gently massage your face bringing in the scent of Hong Kong harbour (surprising it doesn’t smell [too] bad) with little local toddlers opening eyes wide with the amazing wonderful view.. that costs only a few pence..
Unfortunately, by the time I am back, the Central StarFerry will be gone. I would go as far as feeling like going back home but yet one of the familiar faces is gone. You just can’t help but ask, why? Did I do something wrong? It is very, very painful not being able to do something about it, even though you know there are people sharing you pain.
