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Hong Kong Culture from a Hong Konger's point of viewI have lived in this city for 30+ years and found subtle Hong Kong culture on this little island. Materialism I still remember an incident which clearly demonstrated this. I was wearing a new tie which carried a different pattern. A common colleague saw it and commented “Nice Tie!” Within seconds, she grabbed it and turned it over to see what brand it was. She did not make a comment after she noticed it was an unrecognizable brand. Instantly, I got the obvious message. This is Hong Kong culture. Where Do You Live? “Where do you live?” seems like a simple question, but in Hong Kong, it has a different context. In Hong Kong, you should not ask someone where they live if you are meeting him/her the first time. It might not be appropriate. Hong Kongers are sharp spotters, they can fact find with one simple answer as: "I am living in South District." You are simply telling people that you are rich. Rolex Be sure to wear a Rolex even your pocket does not carry a red bill (a hundred dollar bill), if instant gratification and respect are of high value to you. I know someone who displays famous watches every time we meet. He feels proud of his collection, and the costs of those timepieces. This is Hong Kong culture. The World's Lowest Birth Rate Hong Kong has a high standard of living. According to the latest statistics, the birth rate in Hong Kong is lowest around the world. What does it mean? A lot of debates have been around in Hong Kong. Some couple fear to commit themselves into heavy financial burden, and the high standard of living. They fear that they might not be able to provide the best for their offspring. Critics commented that the society would be over-burdened 20 years later and the ratio of elderly would be over 35% of the whole Hong Kong population. Following the Crowd Hong Kongers have no stand. In the 80s, Japanese culture swept across Asia Pacific and Hong Kongers would swarm and buy everything from Japan. Recently, Korean culture is waving in and it's not difficult to see Korean movies, books and food anywhere in the city. This is Hong Kong culture. Artificial Beauty 50+ year-old once famous TV stars have their “market value” skyrocketing in recent years. Body modifiers are digging them out from nowhere to display their agelessness. Hong Kongers (at least I am) are numb after seeing those ads on TV, inside MTR compartments or just anywhere Hong Kong ladies might visit. This is Hong Kong culture. Loud and Speechless I lived in Canada and US for quite some time, and I would easily spot Hong Kongers in the middle of the crowd. I am talking about Hong Kongers in particular, not Chinese in general. But once when they are asked to voice their view aloud in front of their peers, they all go silent, speechless. When they are invited to speak on some particular topics, they will be speechless. This is Hong Kong culture. Professional Attitude Hong Kongers display high level of professionalism. They are generally quite committed to their profession/ vocation. This is Hong Kong culture. Hong Kong Teenagers If you ask an average teenager what they would like to do when they grow up. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers are rarely voted. It’s a no shocking answer that we will hear, “I want to be a singer, an actor or just anyone under the spotlights!” Hong Kong Women An ant or a cockroach makes Hong Kong women hysterical and scream at their top pitch regardless where they were and all of a sudden, the guys present become heroes! In general, Hong Kong ladies chicken out with any bug's presence beyond imagination. (Note: Hong Kong men do not pay duties to the national security. Heroism is volunteered whenever bugs pay suicidal visits.) A recent survey has revealed Hong Kong women are the worst candidates for wives in Asia Pacific region. Hong Kong Men At the same time, another research revealed Hong Kong men were the best candidates for husbands a couple years ago. Don't ask me how credible the research was. I may not agree. Click here to read my own opinion on this. Rule of Thumb There are always exceptions to generalization, same applies to all of the above. Hong Kong culture is unreal.
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