Hong Kong :: essays research papers fc

Hong Kong     Its March of 1997, and a political cartoonist who goes by the pen human body Zunzi, sketches in a cafe in Hong Kong. Many Americans take this mightily for granted. Zunzi, however, is thankful that his newspaper is among the few that have avoided self-censoring as the Chinese take- everywhere approaches, deliverance with it harsh censorship laws. He draws a picture of a merry man outfitted in the lower half of a cad costume, preparing to put on its head. The man symbolizes wealthy businessmen in Hong Kong, and the costume symbolizes their willingness to obey Beijing by assuming positions of power, such as the Preparatory Committee and the Provisional Legislature. They change their costume and identity in whichever group they are in while remaining loyal to mainland china by acting as Chinas puppets. This way, China has a strong grip on political affairs in Hong Kong. Zunzi is witting his days in Hong Kong are limited (Sesser 21). As China take s over many laws that restrict Hong Kongs free speech are being put into effect, causing uneasiness among citizens. Despite Chinas plan of attack to control, Hong Kong citizens struggle to maintain the democratic lifestyle to which they are accustomed.     The Chinese authoritiess restriction of free speech has oppressed many citizens of Hong Kong. to begin with the hand-over on July 1, 1997, a vigil was held in Hong Kongs Victoria commonality for the victims of the June 4, 1989 massacre at Tianemen Square. Fifty-thousand people attended the vigil, which rememberedthose who died while rallying for democracy. say pro-democracy campaigner Szeto Wah, Tonight. we are again using sparks of candlelight, solidified drops of tears, to remember you and sorrow you." However, demonstrations like this are not looked on by approval by the new government that will come with thehand-over. The soon-to-be executive chief tung-oil tree Chee-hwa expressed his disapprova l of the vigil by saying that it is ...time to set digression the burden of June 4. New laws proposed by the Provisional Legislative Council compulsory demonstrations and societies to register with the government. Those considered dangerous to national security will be forbidden (Baird 30). These new laws panicen to make demonstrations like the one held in Victoria approximate range impossible. The disapproval and Tung Chee-hwa and the emergence of restrictive laws pose a threat to citizens who value their right to free speech.      Hong Kong citizens fear expressing themselves through art because of Chinas control.