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| A protester in Captain America bloc |
Belief in a liberal, open and tolerant society has long been a cherished world ideal.
However, ever since Francis Fukuyama declared "the end of history" in 1989, we have witnessed the deterioration of the liberal order, the rise of populism and great power politics, followed by trade wars.
We are still digesting these global instabilities. Compared with many places in the world, including the great cities of the West, Hong Kong remains a rich and prosperous place. However, Hong Kong's Achilles' heel is its identity crisis after 150 years of British colonial rule. It seems that a superiority complex has taken hold of some of its young people, making them vulnerable to being incited by radical ideas.
Taking advantage of an open and tolerant society, they have spent the summer creating an alternative reality on social media, playing superheroes on the street, flying foreign flags, carrying Captain America shields and wearing Batman-inspired black clothing. Hiding behind face masks and wielding umbrellas, they throw bricks at police, spray graffiti, vandalise government buildings and disrupt public transport.
This is not a fight for Hong Kong's future. It is misguided anger turned against its own people.
It is irresponsible for some sections of the media to cheer on the protesters and for some politicians to use the protests to pursue their vested interests. This political theatre in the name of democracy has brought chaos, tears and hopelessness to our city.
Jing Lee, Central
