In the past decade, Hong Kong has witnessed explosive pro-democracy protests, but the hopes for a freer city have dimmed due to Beijing’s crackdown. Kenneth, a former activist, reminisces about the vibrant resistance in Victoria Park, where he used to buy calligraphy posters and attend vigils for the Tiananmen massacre. However, these events have now ceased, with pro-democracy campaigners silenced and jailed, erasing the city’s political character.
Despite the bustling streets and neon-lit chaos, signs of change are evident in Hong Kong – from the exultations of China on skyscrapers to the increasing presence of mainland Mandarin alongside Cantonese. The city’s once vibrant democracy movement, which began in 2014 with mass sit-ins demanding fully democratic elections, has been crushed by Beijing’s heavy-handed tactics.
Many prominent activists, including Joshua Wong and Benny Tai, have been jailed or forced into exile, while others like Kenneth navigate a normalized state of surveillance and self-censorship. The once open cry for democracy has been muzzled, with protests and activism now off-limits under the stringent national security law.
Despite the challenges, Kenneth remains rooted in Hong Kong, refusing to give up on the city he loves. He grapples with the changes and restrictions but continues to resist in his own way, preserving the memory of a freer Hong Kong. As he walks through the city, memories of past protests and tear gas incidents resurface, reminding him of the stark contrast between the vibrant past and the subdued present.