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Amid national security law fears, Hong Kong’s Free Conversations have only just begun
- Local volunteer invites Hongkongers to sit down, have a chat about whatever is important to them and – if they agree – share their stories on social media
- Project’s founder hopes it can help keep city’s freedom of expression alive
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When Vivian came across the Free Conversations movement in Barcelona earlier this year, she started thinking about how to bring it to Hong Kong.
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The city she calls home had been engulfed by months of anti-government demonstrations, several clashes between protesters and the police, and thousands of arrests.
“The year-long anti-extradition law [movement] has got me rethinking the art of communication,” says Vivian, a 24-year-old teacher, referring to the now withdrawn piece of legislation that sparked the protests.
“Many Hong Kong people are exposed to polarised ideas through social media and we gradually only accept the news that we want to read. Many families have serious conflicts as they hold different political views. However, is censorship the answer? No,” says Vivian, who did not want to share her real name.
The concept of Free Conversations is simple: two chairs folded in a public area, a blackboard, a notepad and time to talk. Vivian announces the locations on Instagram. Anyone can approach her for a chat and then, if they consent, she will share some of the stories on social media.
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