Mention Hong Kong and people start picturizing it as one of the leading tourist destinations of Southeast Asia. However, this vibrant island was ceded to Britain by China’s Qing dynasty in 1842 following its defeat in the First Opium War. On July 1, 1997, it once again came under the Chinese control. This didn’t go down well with its independent-minded residents.
This resentment is now reflected in a collection of illustrations published on the Facebook page of a Hong Kong designer, known as Local Studio HK. This page not only showcases art and design but also presents local and international social issues in a provocative way.
The theme of the illustrations is to highlight the difference between mainland China and Hong Kong. The illustrations touch upon a variety of topics, such as cultural habits, language, judicial structure, food safety, etc. However, some also rake up socio-political issues, such as discipline and censorship.
Of course, the designer of such provocation remains anonymous, since his or her purpose is to “Mourn the fact that Hong Kong has been ‘colonized’ by mainland China”! Although over 22,000 Facebook followers have liked the illustrations, many remain apprehensive.
One Facebook entry of Maggie Chou reads, “I understand HK is going through a difficult time right now. You have every right to be angry, but if you are angry, be angry at the government and the communist party. Posts like this will hurt mainlanders and make them think HK people are arrogant. I know you are proud of your distinct identity, but please don’t do it at the cost of others.”
