There’s hope for Hong Kong’s youth, if they can look beyond themselves and help others

Ken Chu says he’s not yet ready to give up on our university students despite their latest rowdy behaviour and suggests that working with the underprivileged might give students new perspectives

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Students try to break into the venue where a meeting of the University of Hong Kong Council was being held. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 12:02pm, 4 Feb 2018Updated: 5:27pm, 4 Feb 2018

In the past few years, some of our university students have repeatedly displayed mob-like, rowdy and insensitive behaviour on campus, leading some people to conclude that our young people are hopeless. Defending these students, others argue that our young people face more pressure and frustration and so hold more grudges than their parents. They argue that our young people do not have opportunities for upward mobility or to earn enough to afford a flat, let alone fulfil their political aspirations for greater democracy.

The value of a university degree has depreciated sharply over the years. The number of full-time bachelor degree graduates has risen almost 50 per cent in the past 20 years but their median monthly income has fallen by about 10 per cent during the same period, according to a study published last year.

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I admit that our young people face tremendous challenges, but being frustrated does not give one licence to violate the law or to be rude. There are certain lines that should not be crossed in a civilised society. Disrespecting another human being and the law, dishonouring one’s own family and country are some of these lines.

During the recent drama at the language centre of Hong Kong Baptist University, some of the students crossed these lines by displaying rude behaviour and using profane language when interacting with staff and teachers.

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Respecting your teachers is an integral part of Chinese traditional values. More than 2,400 years ago, Confucius not only taught us the need to respect our teachers but also many other virtues – such as benevolence, filial piety, honesty, humility and compassion – needed to live a cultured and righteous life. Confucius taught us the basic criteria for being a decent human being – being honest with ourselves, kind to others, and humble in seeking knowledge.