HONG KONG CRACKS "THE CHINA MODEL"

July 30,2012

Thousands of people took to the streets in Hong Kong yesterday to protest against a decision by Chinese authorities to force National Education lessons on the school curriculum of this semi-autonomous part of China. The police estimated the turnout at 32,000 people, while the organisers put the figure at almost three times that. The subject would be introduced to all primary schools in September and be extended to secondary schools by 2013. Exact details have not been issued, but a booklet called "The China Model" states that the objective is to promote and nurture Chinese identity. The problem is that this "identity" is the one China's "progressive, selfless and united" ruling party would like to impose.

Patriotism cannot be forced. Like religion, it is either taken for granted as we grow up with it, or it has to enchant and convince us. Hong Kong, which was part of the UK for about 150 until it was restored to China in 1997, would clearly need to be seduced. Anything less would amount to a violation.

"It is bad to be oppressed by a minority, but it is worse to be oppressed by a majority... From the absolute will of an entire people there is no appeal, no redemption, no refuge but treason." (John Dahlberg)