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Neighbourhood Walk and Chalk Protests
─ Bringing Back "Hong Kong Governed by Its own and A High Degree of Autonomy"
苦行路寫
─ 將「港人治港、高度自治」帶回我城地上
June 19-20, 2010 (Saturday-Sunday)
Saturday - New Territories East and Kowloon West
Sunday - New Territories West and Kowloon East
Hong Kong
 Walk and Chalk Protest at Sheung Shui 在上水苦行路寫 (This photo essay is on  .
Click for details)A group of post-80's youth (born after 1980) is demonstrating their displeasure of the current impasse of the political situation in Hong Kong by doing "walk and chalk" protests in various neighbourhoods throughout the territory. Democratic development in Hong Kong has been a major issue since the transfer of sovereignty to China in 1997. Under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong runs on economic and political systems different from those of mainland China. Hong Kong is one of the world's leading international financial centres, with a major capitalist service economy. However, unlike its neighbours -- Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea -- and peers in terms of economic development, Hong Kong still does not have democratic elections and universal suffrage. A team of eight walked blind-folded (to show that they will not be blinded by lies and cannot see the roadmap or endgame of the political reform), bare-foot (will not be shaped by un-fit shoes or bad reform proposals) into 5 neighourhoods. After walking every 22 steps (for the previous 22 meandering years), they kneeled and wrote "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong, with a high degree of autonomy" in Chinese (港人治港、 高度自治), as promised by the Basic Law (the governing constitutional document ratified in 1990), with white chalk on the pavement, to the accompanied drum beat. The walk covered Sheung Shui to Tai Po in New Territories East; Tsuen Wan in New Territories West; Mongkok to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon West; Wong Tai Sin in Kowloon East as well as Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island. The reactions from the communities were generally understated with lots of curious stares, reading the distributed flyers, the occasional questions and a few showing their approval. A young man held up a card written with "a high degree of autonomy”(高度自治) he wrote on the spot to echo his support. On the other hand, the police response was disproportionate. Over a dozen police including at least 2 Inspectors, almost matching the number of protesters, were deployed and questioned the organizer, Chan King Fai, multiple times. The peaceful protests were more a performance art than a threat to public security. A clear sign of over-reaction and a waste of police resources and our money as tax-payers. The event, organized by the Post-80s Youth Against Special Interests and the Federation of University Students, mirrored “Neighbour Chalk”, which is convened by NeighborsForNeighbors.org, an international public art project that encourages people to create sidewalk chalk art in front of their homes and around their neighbourhood or town to create a welcoming environment for their neighbours and passers by. Locals and passers-by noted and chatted with their friends on seeing the many chalk markings left on the pavements. "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong, with a high degree of autonomy.” Are we there yet? 港人治港、 高度自治 -- 水中月、 鏡中花? (Illusive as moon in the water or flower in the mirror?)  Can't See Destination 看不到終點  Walk and Chalk 苦行路寫  Curious Kids 好奇的孩子們  Hong Kong People Ruling Hong Kong 港人治港、高度自治  Neighbourhood Attention 街坊圍觀  Local Impromptu Support 即時反應  Disproportionate Police Response 警方不相稱的反應  Police Escort 警察監控  Lingering Effect 剩餘價值  Photographer At Work 工作中的攝影師 Courtesy of Dorothy Hui of Netmedia Union  Finding a Better Angle 找一個更好的角度 Courtesy of Dorothy Hui of Netmedia Union (This photo essay is on .
Click for details)Comments: "PH Yang did an excellent job... His report is well written. It explains the background and events leading to the recent movements. To many of us who were not well informed on political affairs of Hong Kong, it gives an insight on some of the issues and concerns which have frustrated citizens of Hong Kong. I am very impressed by the youth in Hong Kong for their awareness of the current political issues, and their involvement. They were actively participating with high ideals in public affairs that may eventually shape their future, a sign of responsible citizens. I sincerely hope that these participating youths truly understand what they are striving for, and not just slogans that they were carrying and shouting, but commitment in pursuance of their ideals. And at times, it may have to pay a price. The pictures show that the people took part in this movement are innocent concerned youths. They are making their intention known to the neighbourhood. Very effective images. ... [I wish to] extend my appreciation and congratulations to PH Yang. I enjoy both his writing and the pictures." -- Ming | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | 21 Jun 2010 "I admire those youngsters who spend time and effort in social issues than playing video games or watching TV." -- Bennett | London, UK | 20 Jun 2010 |
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