It's important to slow down and look around
Living in a materialistic city like Hong Kong, people are all working at fever pitch just to earn a living. But these days we seem to care less and less about the things around us, including Hong Kong's unique culture. Our culture is endangered. Small stores are vanishing because they can't afford to stay in business. Even "modern" culture, like graffiti and art that makes fun of other art, have basically been outlawed.
I understand that it's important to protect intellectual property rights to give creators due respect for their work, but what about satire? This is also a way for people to express themselves and should not be stifled.
While everyone wants a decent standard of living, it is equally important to slow down and look at what is going on around us. We shouldn't let our culture slip away. I honestly think the government needs to give people more holidays and limit the amount of time they spend at work. We should strive to preserve our future.
Selina Ng, Christian Alliance S. C. Chan Memorial College
From the Editor
Thank you for your email, Selina. It comes when the UN-backed World Happiness Report says Hongkongers are becoming increasingly unhappy. In 2012, Hong Kong was 46th on the ranking of 158 countries and regions. Now it is 72nd. Hong Kong has a very high standard of living. But does it have to be at such a high price? In other places, people work around eight hours a day, five days a week. In Hong Kong, even students work more than that!
In many countries, at the weekends or after work, people spend time with family, and enjoy sport, art, and more. Children have time to play. They have times where they can just do what they like. They learn to socialise, communicate, create and mature.
How do you think we can make Hongkongers happier? Write in and let us know.
Susan, Editor