10
(6) Depoliticization of society. The preclusion of the option
of independence means that the colonial government was immune
from overthrow by its subjects. It thus constitutes a solid
foundation for effective governance. It is however not a
sufficient condition, for the government can still be incessantly
challenged by different political forces in society for a variety
of reasons. Hong Kong as a depoliticized society nevertheless was
not capable of mounting prolonged and organized political actions
against the government, even if there were pervasive popular
discontent and grievances.
The Chinese community in Hong Kong was basically atomistic,
comprising numerous loosely interrelated familial groups and
their extensions. Strong 'national' political and social
organizations capable of mass mobilization were non-existent. The
low level of social and political organization of Hong Kong
reflected its basic character as a society made up of recent
immigrants from China who had fled their homeland to submit
themselves voluntarily to colonial rule. These people had low
political aspirations and were deferential to political
authority. As they could resort to social ties to take care of
their needs, their reliance on the government was correspondingly
reduced, thus further reinforcing their apolitical or even anti-
political tendencies.
The colonial government also contributed to the
depoliticization of society by its abstention from involvement in
9
See Lau and Kuan, The Ethos, p. 84.