凝視 攝影集 GAZE Photo Book

GAZE
MC

2019
In 2019, despite widespread public opposition and concern, the Hong Kong
Government proposed highly controversial amendments to the Extradition
Bill. Millions took to the streets in protest, but the Government, supported
by a legislative majority, was determined to force the amendment through a
non-representative legislature. It was through the personal sacrifice of many
youths that the amendment was shelved.
99
This collection of photographs, collated in a book form, captures the spirit
of activism of 99 youngsters during this social movement. It is an attempt to
make available to the public their thoughts and sentiments, as well as a tribute
to all who played an important part in this movement!

20190704_01_001

What do we study so hard for? To have no regrets now and in the future.
20190704_01_001
20190704_01_001

20190711_01_004

We don’t persist just because we have hope; we persist so that we will have hope. I hope that
“ Hong Kong, of our times” is more than just an empty slogan, but can
motivate Hongkongers into action and persist in our resistance. Hongkongers, you can do it!
Give me liberty or give me death
Give me liberty or give me death.
20190711_01_004
20190711_01_004

20190712_01_005

Sky-high property prices and an incredibly stressful pace of life had many
hesitant about whether Hong Kong is the place to live and work. But there are
many of us who’d to do anything to protect our city, out of love (No, we never
got paid). In this movement I see not ‘rioters’ that the government and police
condemn, but my fellow compatriots – a kind, selfless bunch who love Hong
Kong more than themselves. To me, they are like my very own hands and feet!
I have much to say but nothing that really needed saying. I want to sign off by
quoting a section from my favourite song Speechless.
“I won’t be silenced
You can’t keep me quiet
Won’t tremble when you try it
All I know is I won’t go speechless”
Let’s meet again at the bottom of the pot (the LegCo Demonstration Area)!
Hong Kong,
of our times.
20190712_01_005
20190712_01_005

20190712_01_006

We can’t go back.
We will never forget the smell of tear gas.
We will never forget the pain of losing love ones.
We will never forget their brutality.
Never forget never forgive.
20190712_01_006
20190712_01_006

20190717_01_007

A life changing movement, built on justice and liberty.
Destroying C is our final goal. Not only to free the Chinese,
and to do the world a flavour.
20190717_01_007
20190717_01_007

20190717_02_008

Those born in a time of chaos bears a responsibility
For justice, for our conscience, for democracy and freedom, we
Hongkongers are willing to pay whatever price we have to. We vow
never to stay silent, we will not be the voiceless.
“And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope.” (Romans 5:3)
We wish we can all find hope in these hard times, and we look
forward to the day when we take off our masks and embrace one
another at the bottom of the pot (the LegCo Demonstration Area).
20190717_02_008
20190717_02_008

20190717_03_009

Think wise and do the right thing
Don’t let the anger guide you
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20190717_03_009

20190717_04_010

The regime deserves to cower in fear – not the people who have risen
up in resistance. We long for the day when the tyrannical regime is
burnt away by each pair of vengeful eyes. We wish for glory upon our
city. Hong Kong, of our times.
20190717_04_010
20190717_04_010

20190808_01_011

From early summer to the depths of winter, then spring came around. Don’t
we all remember all that happened these past nine months? There is a lot I
wanted to say, but more importantly: Hong Kong, of
our times, and don’t forget what we set out to do in the beginning.
20190808_01_011
20190808_01_011

20190812_01_012

Nothing to
lose
Unlike what the “Hong Kong pigs” may think, we who have come
out aren’t those who have “nothing to lose”. We expect to be beaten,
to choke on tear gas, to lose an eye, to be imprisoned for decades.
We are here because we want to do something for the future of
Hong Kong and for fellow Hongkongers. You may disagree with our
ways, but don’t besmirch us by saying we are the source of chaos.
To sum it all up, I want to quote Edward Leung.
2016
“It was always those in power who are the source of social chaos –
not those who resist. What the society should reflect upon is what
caused the uprising. Why are you pointing fingers at the oppressed,
but not the oppressor? This is not right.” – Edward Leung (2016)
20190812_01_012
20190812_01_012

20190812_02_013

The revolution has been in motion as soon as those who are in
power squandered the consent of the governed.
Today, you might not be the victim of the corrupted system, but
one day, it can be you, your family, your descendants.
The time has come, we must fight on for our freedom and
democracy, and we must not surrender to all kinds of injustice.
A Hong Konger
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20190812_02_013

20190812_03_014

As people we can be ignorant. Nevertheless when facts are laid
out before us and we choose to ignore them, we are forfeiting our
conscience – and endorsing acts of atrocity.
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20190812_03_014

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20190812_04_015

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20190812_06_017

20190925_01_018

Be water
I would call the social unrest the “Be water revolution”, because no matter
when strategising or battling on the frontlines, Hongkongers have displayed
the true spirit of “Be Water”. As I write this, Wuhan Pneumonia is ravaging
across China – undoubtedly a man-made disaster – and this epidemic has
injected new impetus into the “Be Water Revolution”. There could even be
a major strike tomorrow. I do not know what tomorrow or the next moment
may bring; I only hope that everyone of us, including my cowardly self, would
take a step more – then a second, then a third. When everyone keeps forging
ahead, I believe glory will be with Hong Kong, and
will be upon us.
20190925_01_018
20190925_01_018

20190926_01_019

69
I joined my first demonstration on June 9. In the 3 months since then, I joined
many more, some big, some small. I played different roles in this social
movement, and I witnessed a lot.
The selflessness of Hongkongers. The cold indifference of the government.
The brave sacrifice of protesters. The brutality and abuse of the police.
What angers me most is how far Hong Kong has fallen, and how people would
be able to turn a blind eye, that they can’t tell right from wrong, that some even
collude with the evil regime.
Yes we’re indeed wreaking havoc on Hong Kong, but have you considered why
we’re doing what we’re doing? If as a Hongkonger you truly love Hong Kong, the
least you can do is to come out of your comfort zone, and look long and hard at
what is happening on the society. Then you may understand us better.
Finally, I wish to thank everyone who has acted for our society.
“As compatriots we march forward, hand in hand. For justice, we herald
of our times.”
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20190926_01_019

20190926_02_020

Since June last year, a good portion of the public has expressed their
demands through demonstrations. Not only has the government refused
to address protesters’ demands, but has resorted to forms of legal
injustice including emergency laws and court orders to silence our voice.
Worse, they acquiesce to the police abusing their powers and making
unlawful arrests. The situation will only worsen if the government refuses
to address our deep-seated grievances.
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The public has voiced their demands peacefully, in multiple instances
including the 1-million strong demonstration on June 9, 2-millionplus-1
demonstration on June 16, and the 1.7-million ‘mobile assembly’
on August 18 – and all fell to deaf ears. It’s precisely because of the
government’s attitude that caused today’s crisis.
Five demands, not one less.
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20190926_02_020

20190926_02_021

T
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I have gone through different emotional states in this movement – anger, grief, even joy.
In the earlier days – June and July, my situation forbade me from taking part in assemblies
or protests, so I tended to be more ‘objective’, believing both the police and protesters acted
with excessive violence.
In August, I was no longer burdened and I started joining the demonstrations and protests.
From being neutral I increasingly sympathized with their cause, until I attended every single
assembly and protest. I played different roles and every time I came out, I witnessed how
passionate Hongkongers were about striving for their freedoms.
What angered me the most was how the police kept lying in their press conferences. They
put the blame entirely on the protesters. Even as the police abused their power and arrested
unlawfully, there was nothing we could do – I felt powerless.
I remembered there was one day when localized protests blossom all over Hong Kong. I saw
a youngster, who appeared in his teens, donning only a black t-shirt and a black surgical
mask on the battlefield. I was saddened and worried. I couldn’t fathom what drove this child
to come out and fight, while many were seemingly living in a parallel universe.
Recently two friends of mine were prosecuted for rioting. One of them was arrested during
the siege of the Polytechnic University. They were really nice people, and have taken great
care of me in the movement. Now even as they face imprisonment, they would still smile and
comfort me. It brought tears to my eyes.
There was much to feel depressed about, but we did scored a win in the District Council
Elections in November. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act was signed into
law in the US, and nations around the world are rallying to support Hong Kong in their own
ways. It was a much needed confidence boost for Hongkongers.
We are certainly in for the long haul. If we go about social activism like the Japanese did, we
would feel nothing but physical and psychological pain, which is why I always encourage
the activists to be ‘Hong Kong pigs’ once in a while – to relax and indulge.
Finally, although one of our five demands has been met – the bill has been withdrawn, what
we ask for is all five demands, not one less. We want to tell CCP’s puppets in Hong Kong that
we have no fear of tyranny. We will not forget all the atrocities committed on these days –
June 12, July 21, August 31, October 1 – as well as the siege of Chinese University and
Polytechnic University. We will not forget all those who have given their lives to the cause.
Hong Kong,
of our times.
20190926_02_021
20190926_02_021

20190927_01_022

Some would ask, if there is no hope of winning, why come
out? Because I believe with persevering comes hope.
Hong Kong is my home. I would do my utmost to
safeguard this place, no matter the cost. When I see
Hongkongers who were originally strangers come
together, and took a stand for a common goal – to say no
to this tyrannical regime, I realize I was never alone. It
moved my beyond words.
Hongkongers, if you persevere, one day we will see glory
return to Hong Kong.
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20190927_01_022

20191001_01_023

If survival means to be chained up, I’d rather die.
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20191005_01_024

I have this quote that I want to share with everyone
Hong Kong is always your
of the times, and on one else’s.
You fight for your sense of justice
You fight for human rights and freedom
You fight for your conscience
To resist is your own personal decision
You can give up at any time
You are not part of a resistance
No one can define you, put a category upon you
No one can say you are a valiant or a peace-rational
There isn’t a leader to tell you what to do
Resistance is just a personal part of you
How much time, effort and money you spend on it
How big or small that “part” is
It’s all up to you
So you’ve made your choice
Why are you still wasting your time, stuck in the middle?
You either lead a hedonist life and be one of the ‘Hong kong pigs’
Or you do your best balancing act of work and resistance
It’s all your choice
What people around you say or do
Why would it have any bearing on your resistance?
Only you know whether you would regret later on
Would you give up, or would you persist?
Give it some real thought and make your choice
Then put it into resolute practice
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20191005_02_025

We are born in Hong Kong; we are citizens Hong Kong. It is
our duty to protect our city. If you don’t step forward now,
you don’t deserve to be called a Hongkonger. To resist is
our duty; it is far more than just a game.
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20191005_02_025

20191005_03_026

If we give up, who would be left to protect our city? It is our duty to
stand up to tyranny, to protect this place we call home.
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Police brutality, the unlawful arrests, the incidents on July 21,
August 31, the numerous unsuspicious “suicides”, the anti-mask
law, and many more. It is our duty to resist.
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20191014_01_027

I do not know whether we can succeed in the end. However
things have now reached a point where we have only one
choice – to resist and fight on no matter what.
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20191019_01_028

We’d rather die making ourselves heard Than live on in silence.
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I am responsible for protecting my home.
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20191022_01_030

condom
My frontline compatriots are no ‘condoms’ – they’re not disposable.
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20191022_01_030

20191022_02_031

To live is what I desire; justice is also what I desire. If I cannot
have both, I will sacrifice my life to achieve justice.
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20191022_02_031

20191022_03_032

Through these protests, we tell the whole world that Hong
Kong people won’t be silent under the suppression of
President Xi Jinping and Carrie Lam.
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20191022_03_032

20191023_01_033

In each picture, each face was invisible
Yet their beauty was beyond any words
Without your kindness, your sense of justice
We could not have witnessed this scene
With your life you paint the picture of our times
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20191023_01_033

20191023_02_034

If the Hong Kong society is fair and just, who would brave the rain and
sun and take to the streets? If we could return power to the people
through peaceful protests, who would risk their lives in violent clashes?
Until we win or die.
From early summer to the deep of winter, we Hongkongers have
never relented.
Until we win or die.
20191023_02_034
20191023_02_034

20191023_03_035

6.11
1212
1212
The government ignored the million-strong protests and continued to
push through the amendment. Since June 11 tens of thousands went to
Timar Park for “picnic” and to “sing hymns”, trying to stop the second
reading by surrounding the legislative council. Even the rain could not
stop our determination to resist the autocracy. During noon time, office
goers occupied Harcourt Road, umbrella in hand, to support the resistance
efforts. Sadly the government not only ignored the public outcry, but used
disproportionate force to crack down on unarmed members of public.
“One, two, one two” is our rhythm, meaning together we advance and
together we fall back, not one less. These past six months we have built an
unbreakable bond. “One, two, one two” represents Hongkongers’ unique
spirit of “rise together, fall together”. May glory return to Hong Kong and
may Chow Tsz-lok rest in peace. We’ll meet again under the pot.
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20191023_03_035

20191102_01_036

When truth is buried, when the rule of law is broken, when the pigeon no
longer symbolize peace, what remains is an abyss of tyrannical rule.
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20191108_01_037

“In war, truth is the first casualty”
Aeschylus
It’s better to fight for something than nothing, and this “something” is the core
values of many Hong Kongers. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Want, Freedom
from Fear… it is ours to fight for. As someone who watches on the sidelines as a
wannabe journalist, I am truly inspired by the people who are standing up against
the biggest and most powerful threat to freedom and liberty that mankind
have ever seen. I may not be a true Hong Konger (For my lack of Cantonese and
heritage), but I stand and fight by the people. We’ve all paid the price for freedom,
losing our friends, families and more, but It is better to die on your feet than to live
on your knees.
What is the difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter? A terrorist
attacks a population indiscriminately, they use cruel and unsettling methods
to ensure that they coerce the civilians to act according to the interests of the
regime. But a freedom fighter, they acts on behalf of civilians usually oppressed
to ensure that they get their liberty and freedom. They use violence when they
must, but never on innocent civilians. Freedom is something that is rightfully
ours, but in the hands of the terrorists. When freedom is ours, we will be satisfied.
“Whoever stands by a just cause cannot possibly be called a terrorist.”
Yassar Arafat
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20191110_01_038

2019 6
From June 2019 onwards
Hong Kong has entered a dark era
With the future so bleak, Hongkongers can only play it by ear.
Governments have the responsibility to maintain peace and order, to protect the people from threats
But the Hong Kong government does the opposite; they keep pushing us into a corner
So that we have nowhere to go
Whatever Hongkongers do now, the Hong Kong Government would think we are in the wrong
The government has lost all its legitimacy and the so-called police its control and restraint
It continues to protect and give free reign to the lawless police thugs
So that whatever they do, there is no consequence, which exacerbates their disorder
And in turn angers the Hongkongers even more
But Hongkongers would not back down so easily
Compared to protests around the world
Hongkongers’ demands are simple and humble
We only want what we have in the first place, to have a future we deserve
From the first day Hongkongers have lost a lot, and sacrificed even more
The movement lasted a whole summer
Students sacrificed their summer break
Workers sacrificed their career
Youths sacrificed their hopes and dreams
Because they are the future of Hong Kong
They are only acting to protect their future and their home
Now there is no turning back, we can only move forward and play it by ear
From “rise up” to “resist”, to “take revenge”
The change in slogan wordings attest to the anger of Hongkongers
Such that today, our wrath is raging
Our scars are forever etched
This is why Hongkongers will never give up
We will not forget, we will not forgive
I wish Hongkongers to maintain our original resolve, to be united in our purpose
Never forget our compatriots who have given their lives, their future to our cause
Don’t let their sacrifice be in vain
Together we advance, together we fall back
May glory return to Hong Kong
Five demands, not one less
Hong Kong,
of our times
20191110_01_038
20191110_01_038

20191115_01_039

They may have forgotten but destroying the evil is a civic
duty. They may have averted their face, stayed silent,
forgotten, become indifferent, become concerned, resorted
to vigilantism, or become lost in words, or have never
known… but the blood will remind them. Doing battle is
a noble act, an act of beauty, the duty of warriors. Civic
citizens are warriors, and they should act accordingly.
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20191124_01_040

To our rotting skin and bones,
Our aimless melancholy, the pain of our loss
They may respond with tears of deep empathy
Or a disdainful smirk, a contemptuous sneer.
I still believe with our backbone,
Our countless explorations, wandering, failures and successes
Would earn us a passionate, objective and fair judgement.
Yes, I am eager for their judgement.
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20191126_01_041

·
To quote Hermann Hesse,
Demian: Die Geschichte von Emil Sinclairs Jugend:
“I wanted only to live in accord with the promptings which came from
my true self. Why was that so very difficult?” This is an apt depiction
of my sentiment and those of my peers. The least a person should do
is to reflect upon one’s existence as a part of this world.
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20191211_01_042

All along we’ve been educated to believe in the separation of
powers. We were indoctrinated into trusting systems as pillars
of this society.
However, this past half year when we were forced to see our
home for what it really was, we saw that underneath all that
superfluous beauty lies a reality we were unwilling to admit –
violence as a key pillar of this society. The systemic violence is
no different from its physical counterpart – but it lies hidden
in the depths of our nation and our communities, behind the
facade of law and ethics. In a way it is a necessary evil.
We are in pain and we want to leave the frontlines. Yet our
friends are still fighting, suffering beatings for values we’ve
lost. This is why we cannot walk away, we have to stay and
fight until we pay the ultimate price.
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20191211_01_042

20191219_01_043

Why? and For what?
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
I am but a normal Hongkonger. There are times that I fear. If the
unthinkable happens I would be imprisoned for a decade, but after that I
can still continue my life. Compared to my compatriots I have done very
little. Someone has to step up, and why not me? I am physically fit and I
run fast, so there’s a lot that I can do. Most importantly I am not burdened;
I’m not my family’s breadwinner, so I don’t have much to regret. I have
what it takes – so who else but me?
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20191219_01_043

20191219_02_044

Those born in a time of chaos bears a responsibility.
This saying is why I have persisted until today.
I once believed I lived in a free country, but after the Umbrella Movement, the Mongkok
Riots, and the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement, the society and its
regime have been exposed for their filth and unjustice.
Activists suffer oppression and white terror. Some become targets of police brutality
and sexual assault. There are even those who are murdered yet covered up as suicides,
ending up as floating corpses. We give our lives only to defend freedom and fight for
democracy, and protect our city – Hong Kong.
Freedom is a fundamental human right. We cannot stay silent in the face of tyrannic
oppression and social injustice.
To quote an internet saying,
“Justice always comes about – though sometimes later rather than sooner. Sometimes
we just gave up too soon.”
“We all love this land Let us live by Hong Kong, and die by Hong Kong”
Hong Kong,
of our times.
20191219_02_044
20191219_02_044

20191219_03_045

Hongkongers have never suffered such immense pain
Yet we have to pretend everything is alright
When facing pain, what kind of people we choose to be
is always our decision to make
We feel frustrated, we want to give up
Yet in the end we take to the streets
Because we all know with certainty that this is the last time
I am proud of being a Hongkonger
Let us become legends
For this way, we will be able to live with no regret.
20191219_03_045
20191219_03_045

20191219_04_046

The Hong Kong government tried to force the amendments to the
Extradition Bill through the LegCo
Ending up inciting widespread protests on the streets
Hongkongers are resentful of the diminishing freedoms
And most youths are very concerned
From being politically indifferent
They took to the frontlines
Do you think they like making resistance a daily affair?
Sacrificing their time with family,
Their schooling
Their future
Only to protect a free Hong Kong
To hold on to what we still have
Hong Kong’s status quo is the sole responsibility
Of the Hong Kong Government
Whose neglect of public opinion
Whose wilful insistence
Who, led by a cold-hearted Chief Executive
Endorsed police brutality
And all forms of white terror
People murdered masqueraded as suicides
Blatant lies uttered in police press conferences
They are all pushing Hongkongers to the brink
Who can we rise up and resist?
What will future be like for Hong Kong?
I believe the night will pass and the sun will come up
Hong Kong,
May glory return to Hong Kong
of our times
20191219_04_046
20191219_04_046

20191223_01_047

Freedom Summer
it’s our spirit that changes the world.
it’s our determination keep us fighting for the fundamental value for better world.
it’s our courage risk our lives to protect our home.
it’s our longing for ultimate true democracy and freedom united us together.
Hong Kong – a city of warrior, a city of faith.
Jack London
I would rather be ashes than dust.” – quote from Jack London.
20191223_01_047
20191223_01_047

20200129_01_048

2019 6
home sick
In June 2019 when the movement began, I spent the whole month in west Portugal.
I thought being in a different country would distance me emotionally, and that I no
longer care about this society and this regime. Until one day when I could not help
but broke into tears in the changing room of a public swimming pool. The Portuguese
around me ask what was wrong, and I said, “Home sick.” It was then I realised how
much I missed my home.
be water my friends
Upon return to Hong Kong, the movement grew in intensity and the government kept
up the oppression. From “rise up” to “resist”, the people remember every single scene
that bring us to this day. This is not a fight to the death, but a revolution, an uprising
against the prison of thought. It is a fight to liquefy the society. Be water my friends.
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30
I’m almost 30 now, and for so many years I’ve been indifferent to politics.
I used to only seek joy in food, play, and work. The anti-extradition
movement changed me, because as a dancer/artist, freedom of creativity
and speech is important. Dance is a way to express my emotions and
thoughts, and if such freedoms are restricted, I would not be able to
express my true self. We will gradually turn into the Chinese Mainland. I
also furious about the police brutality and their blatant lies in front of the
press; I cannot accept living in a police state, where you can be arrested
simply because you caught their eye. My tattoos also make me an even
more apparent target for stop-searches. The police are supposed to
protect and serve, but in Hong Kong they only hurt the innocent and frame
the protesters. This is very depressing for me.
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20200219_02_052

Those of us who come out to protest are also fearful
But we have compatriots and even though we didn’t know each other,
we are no longer alone
We will not let the sacrifice of our compatriots be in vain
When the day of
comes
We will remove our gear, talk our hearts out
And meet again under the pot
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20200219_02_052

20200219_01_053

I am weak and cowardly, and I don’t even want to relive what
has happened. I only wish that people around me stay safe.
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20200220_01_054

I’m sorry, but I am born as a person and I long for freedom!
My wish:
Hong Kong
of our times
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20200220_02_055

The kind worries not
The wise confuses not
The brave fears not
It is never easy to protect my city, but fortunately you
and me stand together
May Hongkongers be more courageous
May glory return to Hong Kong.
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20200220_02_055

20200303_01_056

A that is full of uncertainties
How can the entire population come together and resist the tyranny?
Will Hongkongers, who still live a life of comfort, resist?
Will those who are not yet affected rise up?
Selfishness is the hardest to overcome, but precisely because we are
selfish, we need to fight for our own future.
Hong Kong,
Five demands not one less
of our times
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20200305_01_057

Once, I was a politically insensitive “Hong Kong pig”
Once, I buried myself in work, caring not what happens around me
Once, I thought leaving this place would solve everything
I am now more mature, and I understand no matter how far I go, Hong
Kong remains my home, where I was born and raised. I have the duty to
protect my city. I am thankful that the youth have the courage to come
forward, to sacrifice their future, even their lives to protect our city.
All for one and one for all!
20200305_01_057
20200305_01_057

20200309_01_058

I was born and raised here
Facing the absurdities of this regime, I will not stay silent
Hong Kong,
of our times
I invite you to stay with me and witness our liberation
May glory return to Hong Kong
20200309_01_058
20200309_01_058

20200317_01_059

20200317_01_059
20200317_01_059

20200319_01_060

When freedoms are oppressed, rights are deprived, rule of law
eroded. Before all is lost, is waiting all we can do?
We exist for the future, and to keep existing what can we do?
This is possibly the question we need to ponder: “The next step”
Be ready to make our final stand
Even when the head is severed, the heart remains strong
20200319_01_060
20200319_01_060

20200320_01_061

What is
of our times?
of our times is a long struggle against totalitarianism, a lifelong
endeavour of an entire generation
We are helpless, worried, weak, but we are not cowardly
We suffer pain, disappointment, aimlessness, but we never give up
We fall, bleed, struggle to rise, but we never admit defeat
We may have dreamt the same dream, where we don’t know one another
We do know we are compatriots, friends, brothers, family
The dream may be long, and we may never wake up; perhaps we may die in this dream
I believe that even if the road is long and dark, not a hint of star or moon in the night sky
By forging ahead hand in hand, we will make it through
All because our cry is the roar of the times
All because our will is the spirit of the times
All because our fight is
of the times
All because the Hong Kong collective is born through the trial of pain
We will tell the world, “Hong Kong belongs not to
, but to Hongkongers. It belongs to
the free-willed.”
20200320_01_061
20200320_01_061

20200325_01_062

Under authoritarian rule, fear always loom over you even when you stay silent. The only
way out is Hong Kong’s
. Only then can Hongkongers survive.
20200325_01_062
20200325_01_062

20200429_01_063

There are people who sacrificed their jobs, their family, their wealth, even their
lives for Hong Kong. They bled only to fight for what’s rightfully ours! They’ve
achieved so much more than we did, with far brighter futures ahead of them. But
they’ve put their very lives on the line, not for the pursuit of fame or profit but our
affirmation, our support. In return, we didn’t take them seriously; we continued
our normal lives, stood indifferent even as they fought for our freedom.
One by one, we’re losing the compatriots who’ve sacrificed their future for our
remaining days of freedom. It’s all too late!
“Your peaceful days come at the price of having someone bearing your load.”
20200429_01_063
20200429_01_063

20200625_01_064

-
To resist is freedom in itself.
When you pursue, fight and refuse to submit - you are free.
Growing up, we had our freedoms limited by family and school; now
adults, we are bound by various social norms for example work,
livelihood, marriage and buying a property…
Freedom should never be taken for granted.
Freedom only comes when we fight for it.
The act of resistance is the act of freedom.
I wish we can all keep freedom in our hearts and keep ourselves
burning bright, to light up the world even as a mere firefly.
20200625_01_064
20200625_01_064

2020062

One year has passed and we’ve witnessed the rapid deterioration of HK’s
democracy, both in form of oppression and self-censorship. It’s hard to
even imagine how we still had the right to march, to voice our views a year
ago - when freedoms to resist still exist, and we were still hopeful. Fastforward
a year, and our slogan is now outlawed, oppression of dissidents
under absurd pretexts happens every day. Honestly, how optimistic do we
have to be to carry on resisting with hope?
2019
But (and this is the most important word in life)…
Even as the voices of dissidence are no longer heard, and our slogan (or
other common phrases we share) is now only a whitewashed blotch on
the pavement, our journey since 2019 is already etched in our minds
through blood and sacrifice. Forgetting is no longer an option; faith has
already taken root in our hearts. No matter where we are, we will remain
brothers and sisters for life, and we will do whatever we can, however we
can, to help fellow HKers. Like Joshua once said, “Don’t give up.” There
will be a day when we can emerge in a brave new world. Be strong HKers!
20200629_01_065
20200629_01_065

20200630_01_066

20200630_01_066
20200630_01_066

20200717_01_067

There came a point in time
When freedom seemed to drift away from us
But I hope everyone won’t stay strong,
And continue to fight for what we should have.
I remember one saying with particular clarity:
“If you give up, who will be left to defend our city?”
20200717_01_067
20200717_01_067

20200717_02_068

“As wave a thousand feet high looms over Hong Kong’s shore
We would never forgot how a thousand junk boats used grace our harbour
Our hopes for Hong Kong, numerous beyond count
Our one wish is but for this coastal city to shine ever bright!”
- Original stage production A Tale of Southern Sky
20200717_02_068
20200717_02_068

20200731_01_069

One night in September, I was on the road looking to give students a
ride home. I stopped for 3 girls, all secondary school students, whose
diminutive stature and childish looks did little to hide their true age. As
usual I didn’t ask much – and they didn’t dare say much either.
100
As we approached our stop, the girls said, “Sorry, this is all we have.”
Looking at the less than $100 cash they handed over, I held back my tears
and thought of the future they saw: not where they would be chilling out
next week, or the quizzes and exams they needed to pass next month, but
whether they would one day be arrested, detained, charged, or forced to
give up a decade of their young lives.
I hope those who still have a conscience in their hearts will protect our
young generation.
20200731_01_069
20200731_01_069

20200731_02_070

2005
In 2005, the HK Government promoted International Bill of Human Rights in a
now well-known advertisement:
“Boy and girl: We have the right to education
Judge: The rule of law protects human rights
Performer: We have the right to participate in culture
Together: We have the right to freedom of speech,
association and assembly
Together: We have the right to freedom to enter and leave Hong Kong
VO: In Hong Kong, economy, society, culture, civic and political rights are
protected by the International Bill of Human Rights. These fundamental rights
are intimately tied to our daily lives.”
2019
Having been indifferent to politics, I’ve always naively believed that the
advertisement had been true, that Hong Kong is blessed, that things will at least
remain unchanged for 50 years.
It wasn’t until 2019, when the anti-extradition law amendment bill movement
began, that I was crudely awaken. All that the government has done deeply
disappointed me and was the exact opposite of what the advertisement said.
It’s plain to everyone that how degenerated and corrupt this regime, this society
was. When those in power abuse it, when public demands fell on deaf ears, when
there’s no check to police power, when white work with the black… everything
proceeded exactly as the CCP planned it – all to drain HK of its resources.
The road to resistance is long, and the only consolation is that there are still just
people in Hong Kong, those who walk the same path, who will fight this regime
no matter the sacrifice.
20200731_02_070
20200731_02_070

20200731_02_070

Be salt and light. We vow to march together for justice.
20201109_01_071
20201109_01_071

Special thanks:
Winnie Yeung
Goby Lo
Vivian So
Byron
Because Yeung
Alvin Leung
Design:
Goby Lo
Binding:
Because Yeung
Translation:
Alvin Leung