Revisiting Hong Kong identity: The case of anti-moral and national education curriculum movement

Abstract

This study explores the popular topic of Hong Kong identity and attempts to provide explanation of the issue in a different light. While recent conflicts became intensified between Hong Kong and Mainland China on their way of integration, addressing the Hong Kong identity helps to understand the heated debate. It is then necessary to revisit to problematic Hong Kong identity issue to look for insights. This study draws theoretical explanation from the dichotomous framework of civic versus ethnic nationalism raised by Hans Kohn and Anthony D. Smith; thus arguing that the Hong Kong identity consists of two core parts – the civic identity and ethnic identity. To demonstrate this construction, I study the case of Anti- Moral and National Education Movement in 2012, a significant event that was participated by large numbers of Hong Kong people. Understanding the motive behind the organizers and the participants helps me to address my proposal of the two components within the Hong Kong identity. In the end of the day, this study hopes to contribute to the literature of identity politics in Hong Kong, provide inputs to the study of nationalism and to light up a spark for the future of Hong Kong and its people.