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Growing sense of cynicism in Hong Kong after Occupy, co-founder Chan Kin-man says

The sociologist notes there is still room for dialogue, saying he is well prepared and does not fear possible jail term

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Occupy co-founder Chan Kin-man says he is prepared for jail. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Three years after the pro-democracy Occupy movement in Hong Kong was launched, one of its co-founders says wounds from the resulting social divide are gradually healing, but a growing sense of cynicism remains in a city hit by political gridlock.

Sociologist Dr Chan Kin-man said Hongkongers now saw the limits of violent protests and pro-independence advocacy, and this realisation might provide room for dialogue in the once heavily split city.

But he said what worried him more was the lingering sense of cynicism – as reflected in the growing numbers of people migrating – after the unprecedented civil disobedience movement failed to make Beijing budge on democracy.
Chan is worried about the lingering sense of cynicism after the unprecedented civil disobedience movement failed to make Beijing budge on democracy . Photo: Dickson Lee
Chan is worried about the lingering sense of cynicism after the unprecedented civil disobedience movement failed to make Beijing budge on democracy . Photo: Dickson Lee

Charges against Hong Kong Occupy leaders are ‘prosecution overkill’, barrister says

That is why the Chinese University professor, who is facing three charges relating to public nuisance over his role in Occupy, has introduced a new course called “Leadership in an uncertain era” this semester.

“[The course] emphasises self-leadership and mindfulness. It teaches students to listen to themselves and not to be swayed by society and outside voices ... and also how to handle rage and frustration,” Chan told the Post in an interview.

Jeffie leads the Hong Kong politics team at the Post. She joined the paper in 2013 after beginning her career as a political reporter in 2009. She is the co-editor of Rebel City: Hong Kong’s Year of Water and Fire published by the Post and World Scientific, which documented the city’s anti-government protests in 2019. She has previously been a recipient of the Human Rights Press Awards, the Hong Kong News Awards and the Chinese University Journalism Award.
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