The summer of 2019, I traveled to Hong Kong. I admired the culture and got a feel for how my parents used to live. In the midst of all that, protests were on one side while I stayed on the other. I didn't actually see the revolt with my eyes, but I constantly wondered what it would look like.
In the Partly Cloudy Patriot, "The true American patriot is by definition skeptical of the government"(Vowell). Being skeptical shows that you're well aware of what you're able to have. Having these views shows that you're not blindly following under a leader and accepting all rules as is. If you know what's wrong from right, then there could be change for the better.
Like Vowell, these Hong Kong patriots are "skeptical of their government" and are trying to gain their rights. Meanwhile, there are "sunshine patriots" in mainland posting all over social media platforms about how "Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong." In America, the author also mentions that Americans are sparked by catastrophic events. Even with tear gas and pepper spray, no one can be really swayed.
For me, to think that these subways accidentally separated from my family are now battlefields between the citizens and the police is horrifying. The seats I fell asleep on are deathbeds for certain people fighting for their rights.
These protesters all love their country and are risking their lives to protect their rights but are constantly presented with more ignorance. Both Vowell and these protesters have the same hope for nationwide realization and the day to raise their flags with passion again. At the same time, I hope for the day the two countries can see the same light.
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wow, just the way you described the protests through a personal lens "subways are now battlefields" is so beautiful but also brings to light the horrors of what's happening across the globe. I love how you brought up the point that many times sunshine patriots blindfully support causes they don't even fully comprehend (blissfully ignorant if you will). What I personally find very sad is the fact that although the protests are growing increasingly violent, the US news coverage on it is menial at best. I think this is part of the reason why the ignorance (especially for pro-China supporters in America) is perpetuated.
ReplyDeleteThis is true, what people had to go through to have their voices heard and rights exercised. As you have paired the protesters with Vowell's idea. I am also hopeful for Hong Kong, that they too will achieve the peace, freedom and democracy, we have here in America.
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