Letters | Let Christmas in Hong Kong be a season for inclusivity

Readers discuss how to make ethnic minorities feel more included, the fiscal impact of fare rises, a new tool for solving the MH370 mystery, and the lack of arts venues

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Tsim Sha Tsui on Christmas Day on December 25. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 11:30am, 27 Dec 2024

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As the festive season envelops us in its warmth, it’s essential to remember that Christmas is a time for peace, joy and inclusivity. Recently, we hosted an autism-friendly film screening, and it was heartening to see parents bringing their children to the cinema for the first time. Their smiles were priceless.

Autism-friendly screenings are created to make movies enjoyable for autistic children and their families. Traditional screenings can be too loud and bright – and upsetting for those with sensory sensitivities. By adjusting sound and lighting, we made the cinema experience fun for everyone, and those who have less frequent engagement with autistic people may gain more understanding of how they experience the world a bit differently.

Inclusivity should cover all aspects, including sexuality, disability and ethnicity. In Hong Kong, we have a chance to lead by example and create a society where everyone feels valued.

One way to do this is by being more inclusive towards ethnic minorities during Christmas. Many in Hong Kong come from different cultural backgrounds and celebrate in different ways. By respecting these differences, we can build a more inclusive community. For example, cinemas could offer discounted screenings of films from Indonesia, India and other countries that Hong Kong’s significant ethnic minority populations hail from. This would promote cultural understanding and make ethnic minorities feel more included. It would be a beautiful way to celebrate the diversity that enriches our city.

This Christmas season, let’s start building a more inclusive Hong Kong. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we can ensure that the joy and peace of the holidays are felt by all. Let’s make this season a time of unity and understanding, where every smile is cherished and every individual is valued.