“You’ll never walk alone.”
How Hong Kong’s youth plan their fight for democracy
“As long as you are not scared and you are not afraid to challenge the authorities, you are part of the revolution,” one user posted in July on LIHKG, a stripped-down anonymous message board. For months, millions have gathered in the streets of Hong Kong — through clouds of tear gas and despite more than a thousand arrests — to protest China’s increasing control over the territory. In that time, LIHKG has transformed into an outlet where people can not only organize marches but also express more-intimate concerns — about their relationships, families, and prospects for the future.
After a spate of suicides, LIHKG became a forum to discuss mental health. When protesters suspicious of the police wanted to change the route of a planned rally, they went to the site to make their case. When demonstrators stormed the Legislative Council building in early July, one commented that he didn’t believe it was happening because he hadn’t read about it on LIHKG first. And when a young woman lamented her unsupportive father, LIHKG members offered their support instead.
“My dad is a typical fan of the pro-establishment camp and an extremely chauvinistic and possessive guy. My family has not gotten along well with him since I was young, but my mother didn’t divorce him for the sake of me and my younger sister.
I have been going to the protests, and my mother helped me keep it secret, but my father found out, and we argued for days. He told me that politics has nothing to do with me, and China is what it is today because of the Communist Party. He also said only Hong Kongers would be reckless enough to go against their government and a lot of other nonsense.
One day, he told me, ‘If you want to go to the protests, you better move out and you are not my daughter anymore.’ I said, ‘Do you think I want to stay in this kind of family?’ But later, things changed. I ended up kicking him out instead. I said, ‘We are fed up with dealing with you.’ My father was gone the next day. It has been a month since he left. To be honest, I felt relieved at first. But recently, I have been wondering if I went too far. He’s still my father, after all, and not a bad one. It’s just that he’s too self-centered and difficult. Was I too mean? Did I do the right thing?”
Responses
You did nothing wrong.
Be careful. He may find another woman in mainland China and bring her back to HK, then steal your house. Those women are good at that.
If I were you, I would change the lock on the gate.
Maybe your relationship will become better since you don’t live together.
You can give him a little money for his survival, since he’s your father. It’s not your problem whether he accepts it or not. His personality and opinions are not going to change, so don’t try to force it if you can’t get along.
Our fathers are the same kind of people. They’ll never admit they’re wrong. I moved out from my home when I was 19 years old and never went back. My mom asked me to apologize to my dad, but I refused to do that because I don’t think I did anything wrong.
You have done something that most of us want to do.
My father also left my family due to our different political views.
You can invite him to tea and dim sum even though you two don’t live together.
Why not try to influence him to think like you? Just like what I did to my mother. I’ve succeeded.
You are damn brave!
“How should I prepare if I go to the protest in Yuen Long tomorrow?” [In late July, bystanders and protesters were attacked by an armed mob. Forty-five people were injured. In this post, a young woman asked about attending a protest to denounce the violence.]
Responses
Put on your down jacket.
Go to the shopping mall nearby.
Follow the leader/flow/the majority of us.
If you see a strong guy, just follow him and stick with him!
Eat food on the streets and take a rest in Yuen Long. I am at your service and by your side.
I live in Tuen Mun. Please feel free to contact me. I have a room. I can help others, too.
Go with me.
“As an owner of a company, I need to make an announcement regarding three things:
First, on August 5, my company will go on strike because I need to join the protest.
Second, we do business with the pro-establishment camp. I am willing to donate profits from those orders.
Third, if, unfortunately, those who have been arrested are found guilty, after they complete their time in jail, I will give them priority when hiring.
I am hoping that all of the business owners in Hong Kong make this pledge. We need to help those fighting on the front line so that they don’t have to worry about what happens in the future.
Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times.”
Responses
You are a company with a social conscience.
The third point is the most useful because this will give the front-line protesters some sense of protection.
Tell us what type of business you do so we can support you.
Can you please hire me?
Thank you.
“A lot of things have happened in the past month. I have been to most of the protests since June 10. On top of that, there are relationships, high school exams, and my love life. People asked me to talk to a classmate who was thinking about committing suicide. But I don’t think I have the capacity to do that. I just feel so tired. Can someone please give me some encouragement so I can keep on going?”
Responses
We are together!
Nobody will blame you if you stop to rest. We can walk farther after a rest.
If you have anything to talk about, just post it and let us know. Please do not hide yourself in the corner.
I want to cry, to lose myself, but I have cried for almost a whole month. I became numb, and now there are no more tears.
What you should do right now is drink a cup of milk or water with honey, then go to sleep. Go for a run and have breakfast after you wake up. Please do not look at the news or LIHKG posts anymore. Make sure you can fully relax.
Take a deep breath and relax. Imagine you are by the seaside, on the grass, in the forest, or wherever you want to go. Relax from your eyebrow to your toes, relax.
You’ll never walk alone.