Page 105 - Words

Society Wu Zi Tong, Judy 6D (2016-2017)

Hong Kong has long regarded itself as an international city and we
take pride in the diversity and fusion of culture here. We believe we treat
every newcomer well. Nevertheless, integration of ethnic minorities has
been a conundrum. Ethnic minorities like Filipinos, Indonesians, Indians,
Pakistanis and Nepalese are in fact unfairly treated in Hong Kong.

Language is one of the most severe problems they are facing.
Cantonese is the main spoken language while Chinese is the main written
language. The fact is, without achieving proficiency in the common
language in Hong Kong, it is difficult for ethnic minorities to integrate into
the local culture. They only live within their own culture and community,
and do not mix with the locals. Many problems have been derived from
it as a result of their incompetence in Chinese, for example, difficulties in
finding a job or getting into a mainstream school. Their integration has
been hindered.

Many social workers claim that ethnic minority groups experience
unpleasant treatment when applying to local schools. Their applications
are often rejected. A talented Pakistani boy who excelled in English and
got quite a high mark in Chinese was turned down by a mainstream school
for no reason. The school principal refused to be interviewed and a zero in
Chinese was marked on the boy’s result slip of the admission test. It is clear
that the reason for the failure was his Pakistani background.

Another problem is the racial discrimination by Hongkongers.
According to Vijay Harilela, a solicitor from the India Association Hong
Kong, racial discrimination in Hong Kong is becoming more subtle.

With Pride, We Stride 105