Government must tap ideas of Hong Kong's protesting youth to resolve crisis
Stephanie Cheung calls on political leaders to reach out to protesters
A reporter for Radio Sweden recently flew in to report on the "umbrella movement". She said the movement is like a breath of fresh air to many in Europe, where people feel depressed because of failures in government, the economy, education and uprisings in Europe and the Middle East. They are hopeful that Hong Kong, with its "can do" spirit and pragmatism, will show the way in rising above the conflict to arrive at a positive outcome.
The umbrella movement has indeed struck a chord in the hearts of many in and outside Hong Kong, in its striving for a better society that is more honest, fair and kind. However, while such a purpose is highly laudable, the means employed to bring it about have so far been controversial, and threaten to shake the foundations of society.
The protesters are mostly young, idealistic, intelligent and, what's more, willing to serve and sacrifice for a cause they believe in. They love Hong Kong as their home. These are citizens we can be proud of. The only issue is how to harness that energy towards constructing a better future for Hong Kong.
It is time for the government to stop viewing the umbrella protesters as its opponents, but to see them as the city's valuable future assets.
It has been said that to tame a wild horse, there are many things that one can do, including harsh treatment, soft treatment and letting it exhaust itself, but there are two things one must never do. First, never let go of the reins, or the horse will control the rider. Second, never break the horse's spirit, otherwise, you may end up with a tamed horse that will never gallop with the vigour and speed of its full potential.
It would be a mistake for the government to drag out the impasse. Prolonging the stand-off will heighten contradictions within the community, deepen distrust of the authorities, breed cynicism about life, and engender a sense of helplessness antithetical to our "can do" spirit.
Police eviction would be an even bigger mistake, as it would arouse even stronger negative sentiments.
In either case, Hong Kong stands to lose a generation of promising young people, by turning their spring of hope into a winter of despair. The way out is through rapprochement.
The government needs to keep hold of the reins and provide leadership for Hong Kong, instead of relying on the protesters to come up with one list after another of multiple demands. It should seek ways to arrive at a settlement with the protesters. To do this, there must be a willingness to engage, discuss, make compromises and find creative options.
Also, channels should be set up to tap into the talents of our youth, and to address their concerns, both social and political. There is a general feeling among the youth in this movement that no adult can claim to represent them, as their plight is ill understood.
Hong Kong needs creative ideas on many matters. If we can channel the fresh outlook of youth to mould our future, then we will reap the benefit of the umbrella movement, instead of just working on snuffing it out.
Options range from forming a youth forum for regular discussions, holding youth camps, appointing a youth minister, to establishing a youth seat in the Legislative Council. The important thing is to engage and discuss, and not stand aloof.
The impasse can be broken with more flexibility from each party. We look to the government to courageously take the initiative to forge a consensus and unity across the community.
