I consulted this interview with historian Jeffrey Wasserstrom to give historical background to the recent Hong Kong demonstrations.
Here are some important dates and events in the history of student-led protest in China:
1919: May Fourth Movement
1925: May Thirtieth Movement
1989: Tiananmen Square Incident
An important characteristic of all three of these events was that students played a key role in a mass movement. Wasserstrom points this out, and his interview invites us to think about "traditions of protest" that influence the current demonstrations in Hong Kong and popular responses to them. For example, students are indeed critical figures in the protests.
Another aspect that might be part of a "tradition of protest" is the pro-democratic and perhaps even anti-imperialist aspect of the Hong Kong demonstrations. The 1989 protests at Tiananmen Square were for democratic reform, and the May Fourth and May Thirtieth Movements took anti-imperialist stances. Hong Kong's history as a former British colony informs its position vis-a-vis Beijing now.
We also discussed the power of images to create sympathy for a movement. A famous example is Stuart Franklin's photograph of the "tank man" in Tiananmen Square:
There was a question in class about what happened to the "tank man," and it seems that debate about his identity and fate continue.
We looked at some other images of historical student protests and I hope we can think about the power of the news photograph to form opinion.
1. How do you feel about mass
demonstrations? Do you think street protest would be effective in Japan?
2. How do you feel about balancing
economic concerns with human rights concerns in diplomacy? For example, how should PM Abe or President Obama negotiate the Hong Kong issue with President Xi in upcoming talks?
Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteI am interested in that traditional protestants are led by students. I am wondering why and I have some guesses.
One is that it is because they are not mature enough. More experiences make them hesitate for doing demonstration.
Another is that about their chance to join the politics. or some of them are not satisfied to not many chances.
If this change the situation of Honk Kong, this will mean a lot for someone who is suffering for political limitation. because success of this demonstration will means even Chine begins changing. It also can be a role model for other country.
Hisako Okuzumi
Thank you for posting.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I really concern about Hong Kong movement since one of my friends in HK engages this movement. She is the same age to me, but has strong motivation to change the political structure. Before I know this movements, I thought people who engage protests movements are just encouraged by their anger or frustration.
I would like to know the past protests movements in Japan and find out the real motivation of them and then compare the case of Japan and HK.
Sari Ogihara
Thank you for posting.
ReplyDeleteI concern about Hong Kong students. Reportedly , normal Hong Kongers start to raise their opposition to the protesters and hundreds of men attacked protesters. I cannot understand why protesters are attacked though they are fighting for Hong Kongs future. I really respect them and do not wish them any harm.
Masayoshi
I have been nterested in last calass Hong Kong Student Demonstrations .
ReplyDeletethus,I wonder why some democratic movements ofen show a violent side.
In me opinion,many politician have been accustomed to ignoring people who demonstrate failure of gvernment.then, people force them open their eyes.
however,It is natural that these operations are very violent.
Although government is responsible for people who cannot consent their future , adminidtrater cannot hide these situation.Because of people must become second"tank man".
Thank you for your posting.
ReplyDeleteI learned about the history of democratic movement in China. I found out that students had had a great effect to Chinese history. I want Hong Kong student to change politics in China.
Moreover, I got to know history of the people's action for goverment. I think individuals in democratic state play a great important role in the politics, because state is built by individuals ,so people's movement is effective.
I have a lot of interest in ISIS ,so I am looking forward to next class.
Thank you for posting.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in student demonstrations.
I always think of Japanese 1950～1970 students demonstrations, because of currently Hong Kong.
I believe students have strong power to change society anytime.
I hope this demonstration will have a nice effect on China and Hong Kong politics.
I'm looking forward to next topic ISIS.
Hayato
thank you for posting.
ReplyDeleteI learned world history in high school so I really enjoyed knowing relationship between Hong Kong demonst ration and past incidents.
I felt Hong Kong students have high awareness to change their country by their hands.
In japan, however,young people dont have much interest in our future.
Not only analizing Hong Kong,we also have to think about this difference deeply.
Thank you for your posting.
ReplyDeleteIt is a little bit surprising for me that the students just like us demonstrate so enthusiastically and also it makes me feel kind of shallw because im not so concerened with our politics. most of us are concerened with our own politics deeply. i think, however, this is because we are satisfied with our political situation. so i dont think there will be any big demonstration in Japan at least for a while.
I hope the de,monstration will end in success. in my opinion, it will bring the chances for more freedom not only to Hong Kong, but also to the whole country. so i think the world should support the demonstration.