Talking points: Do you think the June 4 vigil changed Hongkonger's opinions on political reform?

Published: 
Compiled by Wong Yat-hei
Listen to this article

Hate it when you can't talk back? Well, you can withYoung Post. Have your say and share with students around Hong Kong.

Compiled by Wong Yat-hei |
Published: 
Comment

Latest Articles

UN World Food Program director rings the alarm about food shortage in Haiti

Hong Kong Ocean Park to be the new home for Passion, 2-metre-long crocodile

EU not ready to fight climate change dangers, warns environment agency

Local commute goes green: Hong Kong launches first hydrogen-powered bus

Carrie Hui Wai-ying, 16, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

I think the June 4 vigil has only made citizens more determined to reject political reform. The aim of the vigil is to remember how mainland students fought for democracy. People who took part would probably have felt the indomitable spirit of the student victims, and this would have only made them even more determined to vote against political reform.

Christelle Szeto Sin-kei, 16, Ma On Shan Tsung Tsin Secondary School

I don't think Hongkongers' views on political reform will change because of the June 4 vigil. We still want to be free and to let the central government know what we want.

Hong Kong people are trying to uphold justice for the victims of the June 4 crackdown. We still want universal suffrage to be able to vote for our city's leader.

Tinaz Mirza, 17, South Island School

I think the vigil is a very symbolic display of public unity for a common cause, as lots of people, regardless of their background, take part. However, whether it is just symbolic or actually makes a practical difference is a different matter. I personally don't think it will have much of an impact on people's views on political reform.

Naz Iraj, 16, St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong

I don't think that the vigil commemorating June 4 could change Hongkongers' opinions on political reform. Hongkongers can't overlook the fact that the Tiananmen Square protests 26 years ago were held for very similar reasons to last year's Umbrella Movement.

The vigil is a tradition in Hong Kong. But while Hongkongers turn the park into a sea of humanity every June 4, remembering those who died and hoping for a more understanding Beijing, it doesn't mean people will be more supportive of the political reforms.

Kaur Mukhjot, 15, St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong

No, the vigil will not change Hongkongers' opinions on political reform. June 4 is a symbol of Chinese nationalism. The student unions of some of Hong Kong's universities refused to participate in the main June 4 commemorations because they feel they no longer share the same goals. What they felt before and after the vigil won't have changed.

Tell us what you think in the comment box below.

You're welcome to join the conversation. In our next Talking Points, we'll discuss:

Journalists have complained about the government's increasing reluctance to use English to communicate with the media and the public. How do you think this will affect English standards in the city?

We are now accepting answers from readers for this new topic. To take part, email your answer with your name, age and school name, plus a high-res photo of yourself (No less than 1MB), to [email protected] by Monday lunchtime next week.

Sign up for the YP Teachers Newsletter
Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Comment