Clash of Ideologies

What happens when the values of one culture that lived in total freedom (British Common Law) clashes with Mao’s Beijing style Communism? You get “Viva la 革命 (Gaak Ming!) (Revolution!)” In 1997, the British-occupied Hong Kong was handed over to Beijing, marking the end to the once large and fabled British Empire. The Empire spanned continents, historically. With the end of British occupation came some complications but nothing that really affected the affluent Hong Kong and Macau areas.

He cannot fail to see the Communist infringement upon the democratic values Hong Kong has abided by for decades, if not for the past century.

British Common Law rules the basic functions of Western society in terms of civics. The legal concepts such as “due process” and implementation of rulings based on precedents in the court system and tribunals is critical to justice. Interpretations of legal precedence influences our societal values. The U.S. Constitution is entirely based upon British Common Law, not surprising as the American Founding Fathers were all former Brits.

As the British Empire began to dwindle in terms of reach and power, colonial conquest tended to become a bit … frowned upon. When the freedoms that stemmed from British Common Law dictated the means of civil society in Hong Kong and Macau via establishment of free-market capitalism, the regions prospered. Trade, commerce, income, and affluence flourished there.

The Jewel of Modern Day Advancement

Hong Kong is widely known as the jewel of modern-day advancement in the midst of China’s slow progress. This is mainly due to civics, industry, economy, and politics that is Government regulated, not as heavily but respectfully. Between Macau, with their overblown Las Vegas-esque lifestyles, and Hong Kong’s ultra-metropolitan social system mingled with the traditionally Chinese/Cantonese heritage, it’s the perfect example of fusing modernity and tradition.

Some of the most delicious Cantonese-style foods are eaten by both the young and the old. Young tech-savvy teenagers, wearing some of the best names in fashion and streetwear, will be eating dim sum right next to an elderly couple who only speaks Cantonese. It’s the best example of ancient tradition mingled with modernism.

The blending of these makes Hong Kong such an amazing story. So how is it possible that the notions of state-run Communism with hints of “free market” ideas can possibly coexist in an area that heavily relies on pure freedom of market and action to dictate how they run their sector of society? The answer is that you can’t! The tensions building from that are even now boiling over.

Revolution

Reports indicate that what sparked this whole deal in Hong Kong is when city leader Carrie Lam shelved a bill that would have allowed criminal extradition from Hong Kong to China. Many found this bill to be an infringement of the Hong Kong way of civic freedoms, so they protested this thoroughly. To the point where riots occurred as Chinese police began using rubber bullets and tear gas.

This happened in Mid-June 2019 and after many weeks, we are seeing pictures and videos of people who are continually expressing discontent with Chinese rule. One man explicitly tells President Donald Trump not to trust China. Another man expressed how Hong Kong needs to be back under British rule. And many are brandishing our very own Old Glory.

“Hong Kong Needs to Be Like America!” Say Hong Kong Protesters

Many Hong Kongers have become their own version of the “black block,” but not in the sense that you would think. The ANTIFA cells seem to use violence to try and squelch freedoms, while brandishing the hammer and sickle. The protestors in Hong Kong are flying the American Flag stating that it’s a symbol of freedom, courage, and democracy. Such values give people a chance for a better life. Hong Kongers are definitely a lot more based than we make ourselves out to be.

Hong Kong Protests

It’s tear-jerking when you hear people from Hong Kong singing “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord,” a 1974 Christian hymn as a protest song in defiance to the anti-theistic views of mainland Communist Beijing. Others are holding signs saying, “We need a 2nd Amendment!” When you hear a youngster say that “… Communists turn youngsters from normal citizens to dissidents,” it’s quite clear that the spirit of 1776 still holds true. Freedom and individual rights are being fought for in places we would not have expected.

With the G20 Summit is still a few weeks away at this writing, it is expected that President Trump, who has seen the fight for liberty and freedom in Hong Kong, will confront Chairman Xi. He cannot fail to see the Communist infringement upon the democratic values Hong Kong has abided by for decades, if not for the past century.