by Peter Chow

Frances Hui is a college student at Emerson College in Boston.  Recently, an article she wrote made it to the Washington Post. Unfortunately, it also generated much backlash against her.  Her column was titled “I am from Hong Kong, not China.” It tells of how a conversation with a fellow bus passenger turned heated when she adamantly wouldn’t identify herself as from China.  That passenger then told her she needed to fix her identity. The article spurred two very polarized views. Those siding with Frances praised her for standing up to her identity and for encouraging citizens to fight for political independence from China.  The other side of the camp argued that all are Chinese and the need to identify with the rich philosophical and historical heritage that belongs to China. No matter what your opinion on this topic may be, there is much to learn from this. Read more →