It all started with a phone call from a friend who said that the Yuen Long crocodile, being held captive at Kadoorie Farm, was showing signs of severe stress. She has yet to take a bite of the best meat money can buy, and is slowly turning black. Remember that our crocodile is smart and free-spirited. She evaded captivity for a long time and showed great defiance by sitting on top of a trap.
We agreed that the crocodile was a great metaphor for Hong Kong's spirit, and would provide a much-needed lighter note for July 1. So we called a sign maker on the eve of the march and ordered a 'Free The Croc!' banner. The response from the crowd went through various stages, from surprise to reflection and cheering. Three people, however, felt differently.
One exclaimed angrily that our irreverent slogan was an insult, and that we ought to take the struggle seriously. Another made clear that the crocodile could never be set free because it would grow big and attack people. Another called us communists, identifying the marchers as dangerous crocodiles much in line with a recent advertisement in the Ming Pao newspaper, warning that tourists will stay away because Hong Kong is now a dangerous place on July 1.
Clearly, from the positive but concerned attitude on display, nothing could be further from the truth. All other marchers not only showed great concern for the crocodile, they also clearly saw the call to 'free the croc' as a plea to safeguard our core values and free spirit. The metaphor is striking.
As for the well-being of the 'croc', if we can ensure that Hong Kong remains in its natural habitat of freedom of expression, transparency, and rule of law, then the city will prosper for the benefit of China as a whole. But with the decisions made about the 'croc's' future, we are struggling to find what the appropriate environment is. How do we make sure it does not become a big and frustrated threat?
Hong Kong is not eating the greasy bites of economic growth offered by Beijing. Similarly, Hong Kong does not function well when its spirit is held captive. More than anything, this year's march was more about who did not join in response to perceived fears and threats.
