This is so interesting to read and see. It wasn’t until I read the book Poverty by America by Matthew Desmond that I realized the poor have a role in rich people’s societies - they allow the rich to be rich, but this phenomenon sadly stretches everywhere. In Bangladesh, some of the security guards and drivers sleep in beds in a room and they work every day, seems like indentured servitude. Cheap labor is used to make other people wealthy. It’s sad to see Hong Kong is no different. Also, some of these buildings makes me claustrophobic - and I live in Dhaka!!
Your candid feature of this is much needed Michael, and I appreciate it.
These same problems exist nearly everywhere, yet we so often don't see them as we sprint through on our way to live our best life.
Even those who don't travel to Hong Kong can find examples if they pay attention. For example, when we first moved to San Francisco in the late 90's, I noticed the legions of elderly Asian ladies who patrolled the streets collecting cans - and carrying bags full that were quite literally bigger than they were. This was the City by the Bay's version of the cardboard grannies. And this before the level of disparity between the very rich and the poor that you point out here became even more pronounced. From San Francisco to Hong Kong to New York to Paris - these underprivileged and often elderly populations are eking out a living in conditions so harsh we can hardly imagine what they go through to survive.
And don't get me started on those displaced by war.
I wonder where all this is going? And know that somehow, we need to change things. But change is so hard, and the people that actually could make big change are making too much money.
I'm living my mantra - one simple act of kindness can make a big difference. I try to do something every day, I feel that it's all I can do. If everyone did, there would be an impact. 💚💙🌎
I live in Hong Kong and this is a great post to give even the locals a reality reminder. Thank you Michael for visiting Hong Kong and sharing your expereinces here!
The thing I hated the most about HK is the slow pace of the pensioners. And not because they're moving slowly: they should be, they're old. But they shouldn't be out working at midday or alongside people 1/4 of their age because that's not right. They should be napping in front of Matlock, playing mahjong in the neighbourhood, or chastising younger relatives for not breeding fast enough. They've earned the right to be old, but society has denied them the privilege.
Travellers’ guilt is real! But I like to think that being conscious of our privilege makes us better humans/more sympathetic than if we didn't travel at all and see just how many different paths there are from cradle to grave. (I'm hungover, not mawkish, but they come across the same in text…) Trying to say that SEEING the differences and FEELING a response is a sign your heart and soul are right where they should be. ❤️
I’ve stayed, one weekend, two different years, with a Maya family in rural Central America. It was not as grim as you describe Hong Kong and yet it changed me. Your writing took me a place I’ve never been.
Thank you for this article. 'Live like a local' is a matter of perspective when the top 1% make more than the rest of the world combined. And for those who live below the poverty lines of their respective countries, even getting into the middle class is a dream.
Great post, Michael. It's important people know what realities locals face as they travel the world. But most likely your birds-eye view is few and far between. Also, I think a lot of people don't really care to know. imho. (sadly).
Thank goodness you care about taking time to see and share the realities around you. What humans do to other individuals (humans, animals, etc.) and to this earth can often feel paralyzing. All who can help make this world a better place are truly needed.
Thanks for sharing this side of Hong Kong. I've traveled there once, two decades ago, and was lucky to stay with a friend of a friend. And even though we three slept in a room, part bed, part floor, and with cupboards hung over us on the walls, now I knew that was luxury!
Recent legislation has tried to combat the subdividing of apartments on Hong Kong, but I’m not sure how effective it will be. As you have identified in this piece, the city’s dysfunctional housing system is build in. For example, the cage homes are regulated under a different law, so are exempt from the new legislation. Ridiculous and desperately sad for those living in them.
Plus, rents are climbing rapidly again and so owners have little incentive to improve their properties for their tenants because competition is fierce.
Thank you for this. It's important. I spend a lot of time in Bangkok (family) and get around quite a bit so am aware of similar types of things but this is beyond anything I've encountered.
Thank you for this heartbreakingly honest look into a reality most of us would rather not see and for your example of choosing to engage with it.
Thank you very much, Matt. I was so impressed by the work of SoCo in the face of such challenges.
Thank you for showing this side of Hong Kong. These kinds of portraits are important. Change starts with awareness.
Thank you very much, Claire. It was quite eye-opening for me.
This is so interesting to read and see. It wasn’t until I read the book Poverty by America by Matthew Desmond that I realized the poor have a role in rich people’s societies - they allow the rich to be rich, but this phenomenon sadly stretches everywhere. In Bangladesh, some of the security guards and drivers sleep in beds in a room and they work every day, seems like indentured servitude. Cheap labor is used to make other people wealthy. It’s sad to see Hong Kong is no different. Also, some of these buildings makes me claustrophobic - and I live in Dhaka!!
It’s how cities like Dubai even exist…
Right, there’s a lot of flights to Dubai from S/SE Asia!
Your candid feature of this is much needed Michael, and I appreciate it.
These same problems exist nearly everywhere, yet we so often don't see them as we sprint through on our way to live our best life.
Even those who don't travel to Hong Kong can find examples if they pay attention. For example, when we first moved to San Francisco in the late 90's, I noticed the legions of elderly Asian ladies who patrolled the streets collecting cans - and carrying bags full that were quite literally bigger than they were. This was the City by the Bay's version of the cardboard grannies. And this before the level of disparity between the very rich and the poor that you point out here became even more pronounced. From San Francisco to Hong Kong to New York to Paris - these underprivileged and often elderly populations are eking out a living in conditions so harsh we can hardly imagine what they go through to survive.
And don't get me started on those displaced by war.
I wonder where all this is going? And know that somehow, we need to change things. But change is so hard, and the people that actually could make big change are making too much money.
I'm living my mantra - one simple act of kindness can make a big difference. I try to do something every day, I feel that it's all I can do. If everyone did, there would be an impact. 💚💙🌎
Thank you very much, Linda!
I live in Hong Kong and this is a great post to give even the locals a reality reminder. Thank you Michael for visiting Hong Kong and sharing your expereinces here!
Thank you, Kevon. And thanks for reading.
The thing I hated the most about HK is the slow pace of the pensioners. And not because they're moving slowly: they should be, they're old. But they shouldn't be out working at midday or alongside people 1/4 of their age because that's not right. They should be napping in front of Matlock, playing mahjong in the neighbourhood, or chastising younger relatives for not breeding fast enough. They've earned the right to be old, but society has denied them the privilege.
You are 100% right and I felt very…guilty? uncomfortable? strolling around the city with my expensive phone taking pictures of everything.
Travellers’ guilt is real! But I like to think that being conscious of our privilege makes us better humans/more sympathetic than if we didn't travel at all and see just how many different paths there are from cradle to grave. (I'm hungover, not mawkish, but they come across the same in text…) Trying to say that SEEING the differences and FEELING a response is a sign your heart and soul are right where they should be. ❤️
I’ve stayed, one weekend, two different years, with a Maya family in rural Central America. It was not as grim as you describe Hong Kong and yet it changed me. Your writing took me a place I’ve never been.
Thanks for reading it, Mary Beth. Much appreciated.
Thank you for this article. 'Live like a local' is a matter of perspective when the top 1% make more than the rest of the world combined. And for those who live below the poverty lines of their respective countries, even getting into the middle class is a dream.
Thanks for taking the time to read it! And it's definitely a matter of perspective...
Great post, Michael. It's important people know what realities locals face as they travel the world. But most likely your birds-eye view is few and far between. Also, I think a lot of people don't really care to know. imho. (sadly).
Thank you very much, Jeanine. And I suspect you are right…
Didn't mean to be Debbie Downer. Just from what I've seen living in expat enclaves.
Not being Debbie Downer at all. More like Rhonda Realistic!
Thank goodness you care about taking time to see and share the realities around you. What humans do to other individuals (humans, animals, etc.) and to this earth can often feel paralyzing. All who can help make this world a better place are truly needed.
I try, but I also want to try to do better.
Thank you for this powerful piece of writing. I’ll be reading again and considering the conditions I look away from in my own city.
Thank you so much for reading it. Very much appreciated!
Not sure why I’m just getting to this great article. Thank you!!!!:)
Thanks, Daniel!
Thank you for sharing this experience! Great post!
Thank you very much, Flavio. I genuinely appreciate that.
Thanks for sharing this side of Hong Kong. I've traveled there once, two decades ago, and was lucky to stay with a friend of a friend. And even though we three slept in a room, part bed, part floor, and with cupboards hung over us on the walls, now I knew that was luxury!
Thanks for reading it, Rachel!
Recent legislation has tried to combat the subdividing of apartments on Hong Kong, but I’m not sure how effective it will be. As you have identified in this piece, the city’s dysfunctional housing system is build in. For example, the cage homes are regulated under a different law, so are exempt from the new legislation. Ridiculous and desperately sad for those living in them.
Plus, rents are climbing rapidly again and so owners have little incentive to improve their properties for their tenants because competition is fierce.
Thanks for sharing your experiences here.
Thank you for this. It's important. I spend a lot of time in Bangkok (family) and get around quite a bit so am aware of similar types of things but this is beyond anything I've encountered.