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19. the New Left are inquisitive, idealistic and full of youthful rebelliousness all in themselves good qualities which make them anxious to reform what they suppose wrong: (it is worth constrasting them with other youngsters who pose a threat to law and order the young thugs who form gangs on triad lines and indulge in violence, often for its own sake). But too often ignorant of Government policies and methods, they soon become impatiently frustrated with what they consider bureaucratic indifference or delay. There is then estrangement on both sides, particularly when they credit Government with a degree of cunning it does not pas sess. Moreover the growing breakdown of family and clan ties, often exacerbated by crowded living conditions in resettlement estates, results in their finding little response from their parents and the older generation. Although Hong Kong is their home, they then feel alienated from the community. alienation is the more complete in the case of those expelled from college, or barred from certain jobs: where this follows conviction for participating in illegal demonstrations, they feel they have been punished twice.
Those young people who may be attracted by
20.
Many are anyway unsettled because they feel
The
their future is so uncertain. The living-for-the-day which characterised the older generation has been replaced by what seems to western-educated Hong Kong young people the imminence of 1997. They expect to live the prime of their lives under whatever regime is in power in China in the 1990's. Some therefore feel that they must take a closer interest in what is going on there to meet this challenge, others that they must try to create a more democratic society in Hong Kong while there is still the chance. Some interpret the lack of quick decisions on long-term problems like mass transit as an affirmation by Government that Hong Kong lacks a future.
21.
Chinese patriotism is another factor. The recent achievements of China (particularly her entry into the UN) have generated considerable interest, sympathy and pride in the Chinese Government and a greater desire among young people to identify themselves with the mother country. Contrasted with the growing importance of China is the feeling that the Chinese and their language are being kept in inferior positions in Hong Kong.
/22.
CONFIDENTIAL