MOSCOW, October 7 (RIA Novosti) – Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, largely led by students, have highlighted an increasing divide between a marginalized younger generation, who say they have nothing to lose, and an older generation, who are more in favor of a pragmatic approach without protests, the Business Insider reports.
Tens of thousands demonstrated on Hong Kong streets last week, protesting against the Chinese government’s plans to control the 2017 elections in Hong Kong by requiring all candidates to be approved by the government in Beijing. The demonstrations were largely led by the youth, who skipped classes to attend the protests.
However, the political aspect was not the only reason why so many young Hong Kong residents took a leading role during the protests. Economic inequality and a rising cost of living, when the youngsters have little prospects of renting, not to mention buying, their own homes, make the young people helpless and desperate for a change, AFP said.
“We don’t see good prospects for our future”, said Katie Lo, a 21-year old university student and the daughter of two office workers. Katie was wondering whether she and her boyfriend could ever afford to move out of their parents’ homes and rent their own place, considering low wages and high rents, Time reported.
A 16-year Shadow Wu, who has already spent nine days protesting, does not believe the government cares about its younger generation. “The government now doesn’t listen to our concerns, it’s a fake government that doesn’t respond to the needs of the people”, she said, as quoted by AFP.
The older generation believes what the students are doing is too radical. “I support democracy, but I don’t agree with this approach”, said Chan Kuen, a 69-year old retired civil servant, as quoted by the Business Insider.
Hui, a man in his 80s, questions whether the young people can achieve anything. “They should be going to school instead. If the government decides to clear this area, they are doomed”, Hui said, as quoted by the Business Insider.
