The word “respect” used to mean something and was understood by everyone. Treating someone with respect means valuing their feelings and views (even if they differ from your own) and treating them with the same appreciation and consideration you expect for yourself. To be respectful, you must be able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, if only for a moment.
Sadly, this elementary truism is fast disappearing in today’s world, most notably among the younger generation. Sometimes, this is because not enough good examples are being set for them (in the United States, former president Donald Trump seems to be the epitome of disrespectful behavior). The flippant culture of social media is certainly also responsible. A constantly self-absorbed mental state displaces any healthy concern for others and the external world. This “me” generation prefers to take selfies rather than pictures of their friends and would rather focus on their dinner plates instead of their surroundings. This insular mindset often renders them oblivious to the interests of others.
Respect means not participating in video calls on your laptop with the speakers on in restaurants or not watching a Korean drama series on the bus with the volume up high. These are increasingly regular occurrences I have experienced in Hong Kong. I am looked at in disbelief when I politely suggest using earphones or turning down the volume. Is it old-fashioned to think that it is common courtesy not to want to disturb others around you? On Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway, it is still necessary for the speaker to announce, “Please let passengers exit first before boarding the train.” Is that not basic courteous behavior that we should learn as children?
Hong Kong was overjoyed to witness the magnificent Olympic success of Vivian Kong Man-wai in the individual fencing epee competition. Having fenced for decades myself, I appreciate this epic achievement. Winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games against the very best competitors in the world is something not only to celebrate but to respect. And especially the way she did this, coming from behind against a rival who had the home advantage, was truly impressive and demonstrated not only Kong’s considerable technical skills but also her mental strength, grit, and determination.
That after her victory, some gratuitously critical elements, still bitter about their failed attempts at subversion during the violent and destructive protests of 2019, dared to attack and criticize her on social media is not only uncalled-for but completely disrespectful. All of this is because her master’s thesis allegedly stated that the violence and chaos we all experienced during the black-clad violence of insurrection posed a threat to national security. This seems to be as obvious as saying that the sun rises from the east. Once again, this demonstrated a complete lack of respect for someone else’s opinions differing from one’s own.
However, this is not a phenomenon unique to Hong Kong. Last month, I had the pleasure of being in Spain for two weeks and could experience watching the Euro 2024 soccer match between Spain and France at a bar in Malaga. To my complete astonishment, when the French national anthem was being played before the start of the game, many younger Spanish supporters jeered and whistled. Obviously, they could not have foreseen that they would be harshly told off by a visitor from Hong Kong, who pointed out that this was an unacceptable sign of the ultimate disrespect of another friendly sovereign state and very poor sportsmanship.
While the negative influence of social media will be tricky to eradicate, Hong Kong should ensure that, as part of school education, there is more emphasis and focus on respect for others and our society’s diversity. This includes respect for nature (leaving no trash behind on the beaches or hiking trails), respect for different opinions, treating minorities with understanding and compassion, treating cleaners, domestic helpers and those in similar jobs with appreciation, and generally learning to be more aware of the impact one’s words and actions can have on others. A more considerate and respectful society can only benefit Hong Kong and serve as an admirable example to other regions. It’s always better to be looked up to, than to be looked down on.
The author is an adviser on China-related matters to both the private and public sectors, and was the first non-Chinese CEO of a Chinese State-owned finance company.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
