Occupy (Hong Kong) Downtown

Sigh…

Last year, Taiwan’s college students occupied the congress and demanded things. I think they achieved success. I did not follow up. This year, Hong Kong kids are doing the same, occupying the most active commercial district of Hong Kong. This activity is called the “Umbrella Revolution“. It rained during the protest and the students also used the umbrellas as make-shift weapons or shields against the police or the protesters of the other side.

I wonder if these protests would really accomplish anything.

Protests try to disrupt the establishments. The objective is to draw attention to the cause, gather support, and, of course, force the establishment to change course. Since most people need such establishment for their livelihood, these disruptions must have negative impact on the society. Further, the protesters generally need the logistical support (foods, wastes, shelter, etc.) to continue the protest. These very supports also come from the same establishment, that they are protesting against.

This means most protests will just peter out. The only thing the authority needs to do is to wait. When the time is about right, when the protesters are exhausted and dirty, they will make some superficial concessions. The protesters proclaim success. The event ended. Everyone knew who won.

China government will not repeat the massacre in 1989. They has long learned how to do this the right way. Let’s see.

This entry was posted in Peek into my mind. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.