Generation HK: Seeking Identity in China's Shadow (Penguin Specials: The Hong Kong Series)

A few years ago, Ben Bland predicted in this book what is happening in Hong Kong now. He interviewed the people who are making history. Ben’s insight and knowledge of the country and generation HK enabled him to identify the major young players and explain their political motivation and desires. This is a must read for anyone interested in Hong Kong and it’s future.

Ben Bland's book captures in a lucid style the tensions and contradictions faced by many of Hong Kong's youth today. The descendants of refugees from Maoist China, Generation HK feel alienated as they struggle to get onto the housing ladder while seeing their home incrementally change to look more like the mainland. This book captures their varied reactions - from angst to apathy in an entertaining way.

This short book is important because it clearly shows what we all face as China's power increases and flexes its autocratic muscles.Bland examines the Umbrella Movement, also known as Occupy, in Hong Kong which brought Hong Kong to a halt three years ago. The name comes from the clever use of umbrellas to ward off tear gas and pepper spray. The author meets the young professionals, Law, Wong and Chow who are trying to increase the level of political consciousness of their peers. He examines the burgeoning tutoring industry but fails to get the offspring of wealthy tycoons to speak to him for fear that any criticism of China might damage their father's business; it almost certainly would. One does agree to be interviewed on the record. He is highly critical of China's brutal crackdown on dissent given the semi-autonomous status of HK. China has arrested booksellers and others as well as refusing the right of HK to choose its own leader in a democratic election. China has steadily increased its interference in the political process. Unfortunately, those opposing this are split. Those students who took part in Occupy want full independence from China, if necessary using violence, while others prefer a peaceful civil disobedience campaign and gradual change. The two camps are poles apart.The city has a long history of protests, riots and boycotts. There were many after 1841 when the British took control. Since1997, they have targeted the Chinese government. Today the economy is such that property prices are sky high relative to salaries. Many cannot afford to buy a 15 sq.m. flat.Every repressive action by China has fuelled opposing force by those seeking democracy. Generation HK is the term given to the generation that has come of age in the 20 years since 1997 when HK was handed back to China. These young people want the freedoms guaranteed for 50 years from 1997. They are at the same time struggling to cope in one of the world's most expensive cities. Only the elite and transient bankers and lawyers are able to enjoy life.Bland exposes the stress and underlying contradictions of the 'One Country, Two Systems' arrangement. It is being severely tested and there is only 30 years left. The Basic Law, as many pointed out at the time is deeply flawed. China has the power to interpret this law for its own ends.Bland also points out that the Generation HK is struggling to redefine their identity. This is proving to be a major problem that, for example, involves the promotion of Mandarin by overseas university students . This is regarded by members of Generation HK as a threat to their Cantonese dialect.Many books about Hong Kong have been published this year. This is one of the best and most engaging. One of the many myths that China likes to support is that Hong Kong has always been exclusively Chinese. It hasn't. It can trace its identity back to the 19th century long before China's present regime emerged. It has been a home and a place to work to people from all corners of the globe.Today, Hong Kong has a growing underclass. It increasingly relies on rich tycoons. It is not a free economy, another myth. It is run by many cartels that embrace most aspects of daily life. This has caused important conflicts of interest. Inequality is on the increase along with a decline in social mobility. One in three elderly people live in poverty. Hence, the political divide is growing and dangerously so.A very interesting book that has many lessons for the West.