HK Schools: National Anthem Law

[shri]

Not seen this spin in the SCMP or other local outlets.

Seen in the FT.

The children of bankers and diplomats attending Hong Kong’s international schools will be forced to sing the Chinese national anthem — with teenagers facing criminal charges if they insult it.

Under draft legislation introduced on Wednesday, compulsory classes on China’s anthem will become a legal requirement for all schools in the former UK colony.

The classes will cover “the history and the spirit” behind “The March of the Volunteers” as well as the “etiquette for playing and singing the national anthem”.

https://www.ft.com/content/d79274c0-...1-4ff78404524e

[hullexile]

Not seen this spin in the SCMP or other local outlets.



https://www.ft.com/content/d79274c0-...1-4ff78404524e

Why does the SCMP insist on putting "former UK colony"? Do they do the same for India, Singapore, Malaysia,etc etc.

A compromise onthe anthem law would require foreign children to stand for the anthem and "not show disrespect".

[aquaman]

The Canadian School already sings the Chinese Anthem.

[shri]

Why does the SCMP insist on putting "former UK colony"? Do they do the same for India, Singapore, Malaysia,etc etc.

A compromise onthe anthem law would require foreign children to stand for the anthem and "not show disrespect".

The article was in the FT.

[Mefisto]

There is one glaring difference between Hong Kong and the other abovementioned "former UK colonies" that gained independence after period of colonial rule.

Perhaps Hong Kong's current political predicament influences how the colony is viewed in the world?

[pin]

Here is the SCMP spin:

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...g-kong-schools

HK has now fully entered the realm of 1984 and Animal Farm.

[shri]

From the snippet

but will teachers report students to police?

Not that worried about the teachers - but what about students who might want to report other students? What if a video of a school assembly gets leaked showing some random kids doing what they do best - random shit without thinking.

Any one remember the lawsuits at Chinese International after one of the parents accused some kids of cheating in some random email or whatsapp group?


Would be interesting to see how this progresses and more importantly what the escalation of penalties is - warnings, community services etc.

I do suspect that this a mountain/molehill situation, but it certainly seems that there is a lack of pragmatism from all sides in this issue - again, something we're seeing globally, not just in HK.

[Elegiaque]

I can't believe our legislators are wasting their time with this. There is such a long list of other issues that would tangibly improve the daily quality of life of people living in Hong Kong that are neglected due to this silly political idea.

Have the legislators even explained how it benefits anyone? Other than the face of the Chinese community party?

[Elegiaque]

Original Post Deleted

Of course I'm not surprised, just frustrated...

[merchantms]

Can I just clarify - the Chinese national anthem is in Mandarin? So children in non-Chinese language schools are going to be expected to learn and sing this or else risk breaking the law? How do they figure that is going to work?