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The Present Needs, Concerns and Problems of Students

by SCM Hong Kong

In Marxist terms, it is the change of the "base structure" which brings about the corresponding change of the superstructure. Although critics say that Marxism is inadequate as a conceptual framework in understanding modern societies, we think it would be helpful to analyse the above subject matter using the Marxist line of thinking.

The whole world is undergoing very rapid changes. One such change is from the bipolemic (USA vs. USSR) international relationship to unipolemic international relationship (USA only). And it is this change, people say, which brought about the Bosnian War, the tragedies of Somalia, Rwanda, among others.

Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region seems to enjoy a relatively peaceful life here. (We use the term "relatively" here because there are in fact lots of turmoil in the region, as in the case of East Timor, to mention just one.) It would therefore seem that the governments in Asia-Pacific have a better governablility than those in the rest of the world. The major stabilizing factor is, and here comes the Marxist theory, that economic growth brings about prosperity here .

People say that the 21st century will belong to Asia. (Some even specify China, but here we give no speculation.) In some sense it is true, we already have the legend of the "Four Little Dragons," namely Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. And more so-called "Newly Industrialized Countries" are coming into the scene. But the

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big dragon is yet to come, and many refer that name to China.

Yes, China is now having the chance of becoming one of the most powerful and influential countries in the world. Its economic success gained through the past 10 to 15 years is incomparable. And Hong Kong, being the neighbour of China, also enjoys many chances of becoming more prosperous through these years.

We would like to conjecture that it is the special geographic position of Hong Kong and the economic prosperity that the people are enjoying now, together with the fact that in 1997 Hong Kong will no longer be a British colony but pan of China, that create a lot of problems and uncertainties for students in Hong Kong.

Money-orientedness

Hong Kong students nowadays are very money-oriented. Both the society and government are responsible for this situation. It is no doubt that the economic prosperity of Hong Kong in the past 30 years has attracted a lot of attention. The pride of being Hong Kong people, not Chinese, is a result of this. Even under colonial rule. Hong Kong could still do well in her economy as compared with her Asian neighbours. This thinking however has two fatal consequences: one is the thought that everything that can hasten economic development is good; and the other is that politics and social movements would only spoil the economy.

The society always suggests that the only standard for success is to make lots of money. This is what we call, the "Myth of LI KA SHING"' which many Hong Kong people believe in. Being part of the society. Hong Kong students get bombarded with this kind of teaching. Consequently, many Hong Kong students think that the best way is to finish college as soon as possible and get a good job after college. "Social concern? Fine, but it is not my business." Some even start getting into business while at college. Hence, it is common to hear of some guys on campus who are getting rich by selling some commercial products.

While the primary and secondary schools are mainly spoon-feeding the students to get through the pyramid-like

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education system, the post-secondary institutions are undergoing a technocratisation of education. Although the government' had increased the number of university places, these places are mainly distributed to engineering, computer and business subjects, the so-called "practical subjects." This creates a mentality that whatever is practical is the best. And how could students still be idealistic while living in this "grab-money-or-perish" culture? Following this kind of thought, they also believe that if they try hard, they can succeed. Having been overwhelmed by middle class ethos for so long, especially when they know that a university degree leads to a middle class life, this kind of mentality has made it really difficult for them to identify and be critical of structural constraints and social inequalities that shape the people's lives here.

Nihilism

It has been observed that in recent years there is some group of nihilists appearing here in Hong Kong. And one could find lots of them on campus.

Nihilism is the thought that is basically negative to life -- that there is nothing really meaningful in life. Students will easily become nihilist if they are not conformed to the mainstream of the "make money culture." This is a result of the high political pressure from China and the stress that goes with economic success in Hong Kong. It needs more lengthy explanation here.

Since the Joint Declaration in 1984, Hong Kong has been under lots of pressure from Beijing as far as political development is concerned. Beijing always has a very tough stand with regards to Hong Kong's political affairs. Where economic matters are concerned, China is usually very cooperative. To quote an official in China, "Hong Kong is always an economic city, never a political city." The impact is unfortunately psychological. A sense of "uselessness," "nihilness," has been inculcated in the Hong Kong students' minds. For example, although the voting age has been lowered down to 18 years old, it is doubtful whether many eligible students actually believe that by such a democratic process they can have a voice in the making of Hong Kong. In fact, in such a highly capitalistic society, people are

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becoming very individualistic that it is hard for them to feel a sense of community, much less to feel a part of and be responsible for what happens to such a community.

Like other Asian countries, Hong Kong has been and is still under the rule of our colonial master – Britain. Our parents' generation experienced the hardship in the 1960s and 1970s of Hong Kong's struggle for economic excellence. Today, our present generation faces a totally different socio-economic and political situation. Today we have to face political turmoil not in the form of bloody suppression, but in the form of games and bargaining among the skilful politicians. The arena of the contest is the Legislative Council, so people hardly see the whole picture nor feel the need to participate.

Although the government has promoted civil education these recent years, the education system only produces spoon-fed students for the demands of a highly advanced economic development. And of course there is also some kind of skepticism that a colonial master would promote such kind of education.

Hong Kong is a place where we have liberty but not democracy. We are free and encouraged to become economic animals. Living in such circumstances with extended and comprehensive exposure to mass media, young people's identity is no longer based on the family, school or society they come from, but on "I consume, therefore I am" culture. Through these consuming lifestyles, they derive their recognition and identity from among their peer groups. This monolithic popular culture discourages the diversity of lifestyles and understandings. This kind of popular culture is backed by the capitalistic monopoly of the information channels.

Conservatism on the Campus

The unprecedented growth of fundamentalist groups on the campuses helps us to think more deeply about our generation. With enormous financial support, these groups depict a middle-class outlook. Most of their members are university students and some groups even hold their meetings in cinemas or cultural centres. Negating the link between Christian faith and social justice, they depoliticize

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the Christian students and make them passive and apathetic to the social problems of the greater society.

Meanwhile, and which is worse, the Protestant Christian movement is still struggling between questions of "this worldly" and "other worldly." When those in the Protestant Christian movement concern themselves about social issues and the welfare of the community in this world, churches will surely comment on their involvement as being too secular for the churches hold on to the purely traditional role of saving souls (or the world) by spreading the gospel. So how can we deepen our spirituality and spread the message of our Christian faith when participating in social movements needs further reflection within the local Protestant Christian movement? Indeed, in this fast-changing and complex society, a set of simple, clear spiritual doctrines is safer and better than any faith-action reflection which involves many struggles and pains.

These conservative groups also emphasise a lot on fellowship, or brotherly and sisterly love. And this is what is most needed by the youth and students. In such a materialistic society as Hong Kong, relationship among people can be very fragile and superficial. Of course we also appreciate the deeper and more sincere relationship which can provide us support in the midst of this advanced economic development. The always available sense of closeness and support provided by the conservative group is therefore fulfilling a burning desire of many students today. So another reason for the growth of fundamentalism on campus is the failure of the Student Christian Movement itself in addressing this very basic need. The fundamentalist groups have so easily come to fill up the spiritual vacuum just at the right time.