A city and a SAR on fire: as if everything and nothing changes

Abstract

The 2019 protests in Hong Kong have been a watershed moment for the city, both politically and socially. These protests have, for some residents, transformed the police–society relationship into one of open antagonism, fully exposed people’s fear and loathing of the mainland and their local government, and divided some families and large segments of society. These events have also caused an ordinarily quiet and civil society to become violent, enraged (at the police and government), openly racist/xenophobic, and emotionally traumatized. And yet it is highly unlikely that the outcome will be the direct nomination and election of the city’s chief executive, let alone either de facto independence or full autonomy from the mainland. But this reality will not stop demands by the pan-democrats and other opposition members directly involved in this protest movement. This is becoming a chronic, painful condition of stasis for Hong Kong as a political entity and society. There has to be compromise and yet none is forthcoming.