September 10, 2010

Unflattering Hong Kong

I was at this eatery. I saw the 'cook' scooping up some meat from the pot. When some fell onto the area outside the pot, he just picked them up with his bare hand and threw them back into the pot. I think this is the usual thing he does.



'Due' is the Cantonese word having the same meaning as the offensive four-letter English word. It is not unusual or uncommon to hear it in HK. Not just from elderly men but younger men too, like office workers walking along the streets and middle-aged men at roadside magazine stalls.


When I was in HK there were still lots of news in the Chinese media about the HK hostages killed in Manila. Sentiments were also strong. From some of these reports and comments, you would have the impression that HK people think that they are superior and that the Filipinos are an incompetent lot. One writer used the Philippine currency as illustration. He said in the past the Philippine currency used to be very strong in exchange for the US dollar but because of corruption and incompetence of the governments it has become very weak. I wonder how much the writer knows about economics or Philippine history and culture.

Remember some time last year, 57 Filipinos were massacred by a powerful family with political connections in the Philippines. Three days ago, the accused went on trail. It will take a long time and if they are ever found guilty, I guess they will only get light sentences. This is just one case showing that Filipinos themselves suffer because of a weak, inept government and an inefficient system.

The anger and anguish of HK people is understandable but I believe a little understanding and forgiveness would help too.

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