I have followed the recent developments in Hong Kong’s political situation with great attention: the young peoples’ efforts to gain more democracy, and be able to have the future in their hands. Certainly, the framework proposed by the Chinese government seems to go in quite a different direction, but this is not a big surprise, knowing that the priorities of Chinese government are more focused on maintaining stability in the country via tight control that includes limited access to social media, controlling the press, and other means. I am not saying I like it, but I cannot deny that from their perspective there is a logical and consequential argument. Maintaining the power and stability of the Communist Party is the number one priority. But I can understand that Hong Kong Chinese would like to enjoy the freedom they have enjoyed over the last decades: the freedom to conduct their lives in the way they feel most convenient; the freedom to have 5000 Facebook friends or to not use it at all; the freedom to identify with a religion even if the leader is not Chinese; the freedom to work in conditions that are safe and humane, enjoying top salaries as before; and the freedom to keep Hong Kong special, as it always has been. This, my dear students, is a good fight. But while you are fighting for your rights you may want to remind your parents about the rights of the helpers that bring you to school, prepare your lunch, and wash your clothes. You should because rights cannot be one-sided. Most of these helpers work in inhuman condition, often for twice the number of hours determined in their contracts. Some of them cannot even take a day off, working and living in conditions of semi slavery. I am sure you agree that all humans are entitled to rights, regardless of whether they are Chinese, Filipina, or Indonesian. They came to your city to help their families suffering situations of poverty, but this does not authorize people to treat them as second-class citizens. Of course sometimes they may make mistakes, but we all do. No one is good, only God, if you believe in Him. So, if we want to affirm rights, they are for everyone or no one at all, “tertium non datur;” there is no third possibility. When you think about enjoying your personal freedom, think a little about their freedom. I hope that you will find words that will make your parents think a bit about teaching you values, because they don’t go only in one direction.
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