Why
Back in October, before even learning of this research project, my friend and I were discussing current crises across the globe. In the course of our conversation, he mentioned the pro-democracy protests occurring in Hong Kong. This topic piqued my interest, as I knew little about what Hong Kong actually was in relation to China, and I have interest in political advocacy around the globe. After hearing about this crisis, I knew I had to investigate further. These people were fighting for their voices to be heard, and I didn't want their plight to be swallowed up by the 24-hour news cycle. An urgent and pressing matter, I chose to investigate further.
Research
I commenced some research before the project, attempting to piece together what had led to the crisis in Hong Kong. I learned of the terrible violence the protesters faced from police, and how quickly the situation had escalated. I sympathized with these young students attempting to make a difference, and fighting for their freedoms. It's inspiring to see students close to my age being able to raise their voices to fight for change, and to garner international intention. Simultaneously, I was horrified by the brutality protesters faced from police forces and certain alarming disappearances.
As I began my research for this paper, I anticipated reporting on the horrific human rights violations committed by the excessive use of police force. Daily reports described protesters being beaten, forced against the ground, and even jumping from a on-story balcony to escape police. Video footage shocked me even more. However, a certain article by the New York Times captured my intention. It described Apple deleting HKMapp.live from the Hong Kong app store, and this stuck out to me. I found it intriguing how much influence China had, to force the hand of a corporation as large and powerful as Apple. Yet here Apple was, complacent in removing the rights of Hong Kongers. I then began to investigate deeper into how much influence China has on international influence.
As I began my research for this paper, I anticipated reporting on the horrific human rights violations committed by the excessive use of police force. Daily reports described protesters being beaten, forced against the ground, and even jumping from a on-story balcony to escape police. Video footage shocked me even more. However, a certain article by the New York Times captured my intention. It described Apple deleting HKMapp.live from the Hong Kong app store, and this stuck out to me. I found it intriguing how much influence China had, to force the hand of a corporation as large and powerful as Apple. Yet here Apple was, complacent in removing the rights of Hong Kongers. I then began to investigate deeper into how much influence China has on international influence.
Writing
As my research no longer fit my thesis, I began shifting my essay to a new direction. Instead of focusing on direct human rights violation by the police, I focused on more subtle influences on business, and surveillance methods. The process off writing an essay is difficult for me, as I usually find myself regurgitating all of my ideas in one sitting. I found it difficult to try and group all of my evidence together in cohesive paragraphs. Finally, I settled on three basic categories: legislation and government actions, surveillance technology, and influence on international business.
Once completing a first rough draft, I realized i was missing a crucial element to my argument: the opposition. Truthfully, I felt it was hard to justify China's actions, and it seemed self-evident that they were violating human rights.
(Even more honestly, I additionally did not want to commence further research, as I already had over 30 notecards, yet none cited the opposition)
After much discussion with Mr. Phillips, I eventually cited the few statements the Chinese government and Carrie Lam have made as a counterclaim, and opposed them in my rebuttal.
I found the editing process much easier than writing, as it's easier to work with something that exits. The final largest hurdle for me was the conclusion. We were asked to project, but every day of the project brought a fresh news story on another development with Hong Kong. An escalation in protests, Carrie Lam conceding to some demands, even the U.S government beginning to get involved were all further developments after composing my essay. I gave my best vague prediction in hopes that the future wouldn't prove me horrifically inaccurate.
Once completing a first rough draft, I realized i was missing a crucial element to my argument: the opposition. Truthfully, I felt it was hard to justify China's actions, and it seemed self-evident that they were violating human rights.
(Even more honestly, I additionally did not want to commence further research, as I already had over 30 notecards, yet none cited the opposition)
After much discussion with Mr. Phillips, I eventually cited the few statements the Chinese government and Carrie Lam have made as a counterclaim, and opposed them in my rebuttal.
I found the editing process much easier than writing, as it's easier to work with something that exits. The final largest hurdle for me was the conclusion. We were asked to project, but every day of the project brought a fresh news story on another development with Hong Kong. An escalation in protests, Carrie Lam conceding to some demands, even the U.S government beginning to get involved were all further developments after composing my essay. I gave my best vague prediction in hopes that the future wouldn't prove me horrifically inaccurate.
Developments
The Director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, was barred by the Chinese government from entering Hong Kong. He was rejected by immigration authorities without explanation, and will be revealing his human rights reports in the United States instead. The report will apparently be highly critical of the Chinese government's actions (Cheng). I'll be interested to see what new information is brought to light on perhaps further abuses of rights. I certainly hope no more rights are being infringed upon, but I will be looking out for the entire report once released.
With every new day brings new news. Carrie Lam was criticized severely at a Legislative Council Meeting on January 15 2020. She does not appear to back down from her denial of human rights violations. She claims the young protesters are uneducated, and no abuse by the police has occurred. Numerous officials had to be removed for yelling criticisms ("Hong Kong's Lam...") . So far my prediction of little compromise occurring between official such as Carrie Lam and pro-democracy supporters is proving to be accurate.
With every new day brings new news. Carrie Lam was criticized severely at a Legislative Council Meeting on January 15 2020. She does not appear to back down from her denial of human rights violations. She claims the young protesters are uneducated, and no abuse by the police has occurred. Numerous officials had to be removed for yelling criticisms ("Hong Kong's Lam...") . So far my prediction of little compromise occurring between official such as Carrie Lam and pro-democracy supporters is proving to be accurate.
Works Cited
Cheng, Lilian and Danny Mok. "Human Rights Watch chief Kenneth Roth says barring him from Hong Kong is ‘sad and troubling’ reflection of Beijing pressure." South China Morning Post 12 Jan. 2020. Web. Accessed 16 Jan. 2020.
"Hong Kong's Lam told: 'You are the laughing stock of the world.'" Aljazeera, 16 Jan. 2020. Web. Accessed 16 Jan. 2020.
"Hong Kong's Lam told: 'You are the laughing stock of the world.'" Aljazeera, 16 Jan. 2020. Web. Accessed 16 Jan. 2020.