Your Voice: Tackling racial discrimination in Hong Kong; the painful reality of menstruation (long letters)
- More needs to be done to address racial biases and promote ethnic minorities’ cultures in Hong Kong, one teen writes
- Another student sheds light on period pain and how it affects one’s physical and mental health
Hong Kong’s ethnic minority groups continue to face racial discrimination and unfair treatment in the multicultural city. Photo: Edward WongHave something to say? Send us a letter using this Google form.
Discrimination has no place in a cosmopolitan world city
Suri Chan Tin-wing, Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College
“Wow, look at this ‘black beauty’, she looks ugly.” “That’s why she doesn’t have a friend.” Have you ever heard such a disrespectful conversation? I have. Unfortunately, this kind of discussion is not uncommon in Hong Kong.
Isn’t it ridiculous that racial discrimination still exists in such a cosmopolitan city? It is unacceptable! The scariest part is that many Hongkongers don’t see it as a problem. But there are many examples of discrimination against ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.
Some companies are less willing to hire members of ethnic minorities. Often, ethnic minority communities are portrayed as being involved in crime, reinforcing a negative stereotype.
According to a study released by Lingnan University last year, about half of food delivery couriers from ethnic minority groups said they experienced discrimination while working in Hong Kong.
Let’s move on to looking at discrimination in schools. Some members of ethnic minorities have talked about being bullied and insulted, such as being called names by classmates.
In a YouTube video titled “HK’s Hidden Stories: School can be tough”, a secondary school Chinese teacher, Hina Butt, who is from an ethnic minority group, reveals her experience being called disrespectful names during her school years.
Students from different backgrounds may have different values, beliefs and customs, but their peers should not use that as a reason to discriminate.
Meanwhile, some schools have been accused of treating minority children unfairly as well. An article on March 15, 2018 in the Post titled, “‘Deeply worrying’ that some Hong Kong preschools reject ethnic minority pupils, equality watchdog says”, revealed that some Hong Kong preschools had rejected the applications of ethnic minority children.
The Education Bureau should collaborate with schools to provide more tailored classes for non-Chinese speaking students to learn the language. Breaking the language barrier is the first step to improving their opportunities. Providing more Chinese classes for non-Chinese students would be a great solution. They would be able to develop better communication skills.
There should be more workshops about discrimination for Hongkongers as well, since discrimination is often caused by misunderstandings. Schools could also explain ethnic minority cultures through workshops. This could raise students’ awareness and respect for other traditions and cultures.
The government should play a role. It could implement strategies to ensure fair work opportunities and wages for minorities. It is essential to legislate to protect the rights of minorities.
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The media should broadcast more programmes countering racial discrimination. The government could do more promotion through the internet, for instance, collaborating with well-known influencers or YouTubers. Since the internet occupies an unshakeable place in every adolescent’s heart, these methods could promote social inclusion in Hong Kong.
As the philosopher Karl R. Popper wrote: “While differing widely in the various little bits we know, in our infinite ignorance we are all equal.”
We should fight against ethnic discrimination together.
The pain that affects 80 per cent of women worldwide
Mimi Choi Lok-yin, St. Paul’s Secondary School
How much do you know about periods? We are not talking about the little dot at the end of a sentence, but the natural physiological phenomenon that women experience every month known as menstruation.
While menstruation is a natural occurrence, it has long been an uncomfortable or even taboo subject. Have you ever experienced the feeling of a professional boxer punching your tummy over and over again during your period?
Dysmenorrhoea, also known as period pain, is usually felt in the tummy and can spread to the back and thighs. According to a study of 240 undergraduate students conducted by the University of Hong Kong, the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 80 per cent, with a mean pain score of 5.0. According to fact sheets from the Women’s Health Concern of the British Menopause Society, around 80 per cent of women worldwide experience period pain at some stage in their lives.
Dysmenorrhoea can cause various problems. Firstly, it can be difficult to concentrate on studies or work. As period pain comes with various side effects, such as headaches, digestive problems and sore breasts, it can affect the physical and mental condition of the person, especially those with severe dysmenorrhoea. A study conducted by the University of Bath found that women took part in research work more slowly and less accurately overall when suffering from period pain. Possible reasons include the women being distracted by pain during their work and their sleep being disturbed by abdominal pain.
Another impact of period pain is that it can affect social activities. Imagine having a headache. Would you be willing to go out and party with your friends? Now imagine also having stomach ache and constipation. Feeling physically unwell and experiencing emotional swings during this time can make it difficult to take part in social activities. So, what can be done?
Seeking help from a medical professional is the best suggestion, as dysmenorrhoea could be caused by pelvic infections that require urgent attention. If, after seeking professional advice, it is not related to health problems, there are various ways to relieve the pain. A back and stomach massage, exercises such as yoga or walking to relax the muscles, or taking a painkiller can help. It is also important to avoid cold food and drinks that can induce period pain.
For those around someone with period cramps, you can offer help by providing heat packs or a warm bottle to relax the muscles and improve blood flow. Drinking hot brown sugar water and peppermint tea can help alleviate period cramps. Even spending time sitting next to someone can provide mental support and make them feel less depressed.
Dysmenorrhoea is something that cannot be easily avoided, but you are not alone. Telling those around you about your condition and asking for rest is better than waiting, which could make things worse.