The Umbrella Movement at Occupy Central, Hong Kong - A Fight for Universal Sufferage

Occupy Central, Hong Kong

In Hong Kong for a day waiting for a connecting flight, I thought of having a relaxing day, sipping coffee at the posh coffee lounge and writing my blogs at the airport hotel.

However, I was in Hong Kong, a world famous city, I wanted to look around.

A Yellow Umbrella - Symbol of the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong

The Occupy Central has been in the Asian news a lot lately and I wanted to visit the site.

I got on the shuttle and asked for directions getting to the site where a demonstration has been staged for almost seventy days demanding universal suffrage for Hong Kong residents.

    

I took the subway to Admiralty Station

This was the first time I took the MTR on my own – Hong Kong’s subway system. It is modern, clean, efficient and convenient. The MTR can practically get you anywhere in Hong Kong, Kowloon, the New Territory as well as the Hong Kong International Airport with a very reasonable fare.

(How I wish we could have the same efficient subway system in Toronto!)

The hotel shuttle bus dropped me off  at the City Gate Plaza and it was a short walk to the Tung Chung Station where I took the subway to the Admiralty Station.



  

Protesters expressed their thoughts on paper, not spray painting

 As soon as  l got off the train, there were public announcements informing passengers that due to the current situation, a few bus routes were re- routed.

 On the walls of the subway station outside, there were posters and flyers from the demonstrators. 

Tents were set up in rows in Central Hong Kong as far as the eyes could see

Standing on the walkway overlooking the occupied central site, I saw a great number of tents below.

The tents were set up neatly in rows leaving walkways and passages for pedestrian traffic.

One of the many messages expressed by demonstrators

Tears started to swell in  my eyes as I  walked and  began to take in the scale and meaning of this protest.

The numerous heart felt messages left on the site by demonstrators were everywhere expressed in words, in symbols and the art work they have created.













 It was not ten, or hundreds of  emotional  teenagers and students doing something off the top of their heads.

A great number of messages were left on the walls of the Occupy Central site

But the desires and cries of thousands demanding for a right to vote and their voices to be heard.

I felt sad for the Chinese people who have been living under dictatorial governments for over 5000 years, never having the taste of real freedom .

Top Poster: I am a student standing up for Hog Kong.     Bottom Poster : Mom & Dad, Don't worry about me.

While the Greeks had free political discussions and elections since ancient time, a quarter of the world's population is still under the thumbs of a handful politicians.
 

The Berlin Wall was removed; U.S.S.R.was dismantled; yet thousands were crushed at the 6-4 demonstrations in the Tian Man Square. When will the Chinese people have a taste of democracy?

Inspiring messages from great current and past activists and politicians

Clear instructions on recycling and sorting of waste material

Following the examples and ideals of historical non violent and peaceful demonstrations, the Umbrella Movement demonstrators have been incredibly well  behaved and disciplined.!

 Comparing to the demonstrators and protesters in the west, which often cause very destructive damages to neighborhood properties and businesses resulting in injuries for many.

I did not see any signs of destruction to cars, store windows smashed, stores looted nor garbages thrown all over the place.

 Instead, I saw law and order.
A recycling community sprung up on site.

Composting helps to reduce waste and garbage on site

There were posted instructions teaching protesters how to sort and recycle their garbage and compost vegetable and fruit peels.

 An organic garden was being cultivated using the compost material as fertilizer for the plants in the garden.

A library has been set up on site for protesters to borrow books

There was a library of books for demonstrators to cure their boredom.

A tank made of recycled water bottles

A powerful piece of art work - a military tank made from recycling water bottles of various sizes stood hauntingly in the Occupy Central site reminding people of  the demonstration in the past.

People of differing opinions exchanged and discussed their views calmly

There were no yelling, screaming exchanges between people with differing opinions on this movement. 

Only calm, civilized and polite political discussions taking place between demonstrators and visitors to the site.

No spray paint nor vandalism; only slogans written on banners

Instead of graffiti of profane language written or sprayed painted on the walls of the Occupy Central site,
there were banners of slogans of the movement hanging down from the walkway balconies

Surprisingly clean washroom at the Occupy Central Site

The Umbrella Movement demonstrators' restrain, self discipline and their respect of  public properties extended to every aspect of the Occupy Central site including the public washrooms!

There was no mess, no vandalism, nor any graffiti anywhere!

Tents set up in front of  a HK  Government building

I admired the courage, the tenacity and the tremendous restrain displayed by the students, the protesters and  volunteers in this demonstrations.

I cannot imagine with such a large number of  demonstrators, there was so much respect displayed towards government buildings and public properties.

Hats off to the Umbrella Movement folks!

I sincerely hope that both the protesters and the Hong Kong government can come up with a win-win solution to resolve this crisis and set an excellent example to the world of how China  is capable and mature enough to handle the desires of its people.


R.T.
Occupy Central Site
Admiralty Station Area
Hong Kong
Dec. 2, 2014