The national anthem law is about respect, and Hong Kong schools are already teaching that
- Kerry Kennedy says existing guidelines on music education in Hong Kong emphasise respect for the Chinese and other national anthems. At the same time, a school’s role is to educate, and neither to indoctrinate nor police students
Amid the current hype around the new law, it is important to be aware of how educators have been dealing with the issue over the years and how they will continue to deal with it once the legislation is enacted.
In the first place, there is an expectation expressed in the guide that students will become familiar with the national anthem through activities. These can include singing it during school assemblies, thus helping to “cultivate a singing culture in school”. Students and teachers are also encouraged to sing other songs together during music activities, as part of the culture-building process. In addition, it is recommended that students participate in flag raising ceremonies and sing the national anthem “to instil a sense of belonging to the nation and society”.