From: edwka@cc.newcastle.edu.au (Wing K. Au)
Subject: Multiculturalism in HK? 
Organization: University of Newcastle, AUSTRALIA
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 06:02:54 GMT

In article <1992Dec6.210114.24933@dartvax.dartmouth.edu>, abs0@coos.dartmouth.edu (Kelvin Leung) writes:
.> True, I agree with you wholeheartedly.  I have a question for you all:
> do you think multiculturalism would work in Hong Kong?  do you think if it
> will do Hong Kong any good?
> 
> For those who are unfamiliar with this buzzword, it means a group of people
> ("core") living in a country impose their ideas, living styles, ways of 
> expressions to other groups in the country.  When multiculturalism applies
> to the States, it would mean that the States should not be Euro-centric,
> and allows Afro-Americans, Asia-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Native
> Americans and so on to have a right to live the way they want to, and can
> educate the "core" (namely "Euro-Americans") about their cultural differences.
> Ideally, each other should be open to accept different opinions.  
>
Pardon me!!! There are at least three terms here that are in conflict.  The first
term is "impose their ideas...",  the second one "have a right to live the
way...", and the third one is "educate the 'core'".  I have never heard of
multiculturalism meaning that a group of people impose whatever on the other
groups.  Would like to see some references here.  In relation to the second
term, yes, minority groups are quite entitled to their right to live the way
they want to (insofar as not hurting the other groups).  Inevitably, through
the process of cultural exchange, in a truly multicultural society, the "other
groups" would become aware of the differences among the various groups.  I am a
bit uncertain about the term "educate".

 
> I know Hong Kong (up till now, at least) is still not a very "diverse" 
> "country."  However, we do need to pay attention to those native-born 
> Hong-kongers who aren't British or Chinese.  If they truly view Hong Kong
> as their home, should they deserve to be recognized?  should their life-style
> and background be respected?  What will happen when Hong Kong returns to 
> China, will these people be considered as "Chinese citizens?"  or will
> Hong Kong people as a whole be considered as "citizens of a high-autonomy
> special economic zone of China?"  Will they to "send back" to "where they
> come from" even though they were born and raised right here in hong kong?
> 
> Pardon me for asking all these questions.  I have been exposed to questions
> like these as I am studying in the States.  I consider it as a valuable
> educational experience.  I would like to learn what the States have done
> (and have done wrong), and make sure my "country" Hong Kong won't follow
> the same path.  What do you all think?

It won't be easy for Hong Kong to become a truly multicultural society.  True,
there are many ethnic groups living in Hong Kong.  But to begin with, the vast
majority of them are Cantonese (I am a Cantonese myself), so it is more likely
that the process of assimilation would occur.  Second, Chinese is basically a
very chauvinistic (in the literal sense of this word) race, Cantonese is an
example of par excellence.  I know this statement may offend a lot of people
(especially my compatriot).  Let us just take a moment to reflect though
whether this is the case.  Some examples that immediately come to mind would be
the discrimination against those Chinese from provinces other than Guangdong
(Canton); a person from every other race is called "Guai" (Ghost), eg Black
ghost, Guai LO etc.

I don't intend to start a vicious debate here but I would like those of Chinese
origin to start thinking, "Have we really respected & accepted the practices
and values of other races?"  When I say accepted, I don't mean that one should
practise the same customs of other races.

It is rather difficult to change one's value system according to the culture
lag theory, especially those values that are deep-seated (like being taught and
preached from a very early stage).  It will take quite some time for Hong Kong
to become a truly multicultural society (Just look at the discrimination and
disparaging terms used against the Phillipinos in Hong Kong).

Wing Au,
University of Newcastle,
Australia.

Newsgroups: soc.culture.hongkong