The year 2008 has been both prosperous and upsetting foe Hongkongers. Events near and far have been affecting Hongkongers in aspects more than one. The most important question is, however, whether these changes have brought about a better, or worse future for Hong Kong.
For most of last year until October, Hongkongers were happy enough to spend thousands on jewellery and other expensive goods. Shark fins and swallows’ nests were frequent choices on the dinner tables of many. In addition, values of shares in the stock market and prices in market for estates were climbing to new heights. These economic recoveries had kept the Hong Kongers cheerful. Nevertheless, good fortune did not smile upon Hongkongers for long.
First of all, there was the incident of obscene photos of female pop stars in April last year. The leakage of highly pornographic pictures provoked a huge scandal and the involved public figures suffered great damage in their reputations. The good impact, however, is that people have become more aware of the safety of their privacy since then, especially when it is muddled with information technology. We can often hear urges of people on internet safety now.
Later in the year, there was the Beijing Olympics, which was a symbol of China’s being admitted to the international arena. It let China show her strength without using military force and she grabbed the chance with determination. China committed herself with grace in the Olympics and she gave a most stunning performance both in the preparations and the athletes’ achievements. This greatly affected Hongkongers’ attitude towards the mainland. Before, many of them were contemptuous. During and after the Olympics, there was a sudden burst of affection for China among the Hongkongers. There was also a boost in national pride. This may not be much, but as Hongkongers have developed a stronger attachment to China, the cultural differences which had been established since Hong Kong was ceded to Britain could be somehow amended.
Approaching the end of 2008, it did not obey the old saying “All’s well that ends well”. The Lehman Brothers’ incident proved to be disastrous to many. The financial tsunami cost wealthy countries an arm and a leg. The economic downturn came so unexpectedly swift, it literally killed many. For a city depending so heavily on financial business like Hong Kong, this was a fatal blow. It is possible that people of Hong Kong would learn to be more wary in running business, and not just in the stock market only.
All in all, many things happened last year, and some of them were keystones that produced a lasting change in Hongkongers’ way of thinking. Being more careful and more wary certainly help, and neither should a greater affection for mother country be swung away. Whatever lies beyond we know not yet, but the path leading to a better future has been discovered already. Whether we will walk on that path depends on our will.