Colonial Chineseness : promoting culture and identity in Hong Kong

Abstract

After suppressing the riots of the 1960s, the Hong Kong government attempted to stabilise the colony, foster a sense of belonging, and prolong its rule. This thesis examines how the government sought to accomplish these tasks by shaping and promoting cultural forms of Chineseness. The story begins in the late 1960s, when local officials began to cultivate a local sense of belonging, and ends approximately in the early 1980s, when the government changed the overall policy to prepare for the retrocession to Chinese sovereignty. Through extensive archival research, this study presents three case studies of how colonial officials utilised Chinese culture and traditions, namely language, entertainment, and objects. It first reveals how the colonial government simultaneously controlled and appeased its people in this period. Officials aimed to create a public opinion that would safeguard British and colonial interests. This thesis also reveals that local culture in colonies should not be generalised simply as the product of cultural imperialism, but as one which involved accommodation, negotiation, and compromise between colonisers and colonised. This research also places Hong Kong within its global contexts. It illustrates how the colony became part of the cultural Cold War, and how colonial officials tried to promote Hong Kong globally as an authentic Chinese city. Chapter One examines the language politics that emerged from the Chinese Language Movement. It reveals why the Official Languages Ordinance did not represent the government’s respect towards Chinese, how the government’s operation continuously discriminated against Chinese-speaking people, and how local officials utilised education to contain radical patriotism. This chapter also illustrates how the promotion of Cantonese helped shape Hong Kong as a distinct Chinese city. Chapter Two examines entertainment policies. It shows how the government presented and promoted Chinese culture in the Festival of Hong Kong, Chinese festivals, and traditional performances. The government aimed to promote Chineseness in both traditional and modern forms to comfort people of all generations. Chapter Three demonstrates how the British and colonial governments promoted Hong Kong’s tangible Chineseness. By cooperating and negotiating with London officials, the colonial government produced postage stamps and commemorative coins which featured Chinese traditions. Local Chinese helped with this process. Meanwhile, the governor and the Executive Council prioritised Chinese heritage when they decided which monuments to preserve. Officials also promoted Hong Kong at home and abroad as a traditional Chinese city. Overall, this thesis illustrates how colonial policies on Chineseness targeted people across generations and borders.