Dear friends. I have been meaning to post a quick video explaining my MIA recently, but I was very disorganized trying to articulate my thoughts (and looked miserable too) so, I thought writing may be a better way for me. I just wanted to apologize for the sudden pause of any productions or posts; as you may know my home Hong Kong is in a turmoil, the situation seems to be only getting worse. It has taken a toll on a lot of people's emotional states, myself included, and the feeling of exhaustion, anger, hopelessness and helplessness has been such a torture. I really can't bring myself to continue to create exciting contents in the meantime, even though I have lots and lots of ideas written down, a few videos in the middle of editing, lots of exciting things about Cantonese I want to share, I just feel it is not the time to do so. In fact I am rather conflicted. My heart is extremely weary from the constant happenings and bad news, and don't have the mental capacity to research, film and face the camera with enthusiasm. On the other hand, however, the bigger mission of Lunguage is to preserve Cantonese, the language and culture of Hong Kong people, in the midst of all these political oppression and tyrannical ridiculousness. Language and Culture are very important parts of our identity, and I want to protect them with everything I've got. Yet this battle is daunting. The power holder comes charging in, like the unstoppable waves, one after another, arrogant and intolerant, cruel and heartless. It is disturbing to see how often we merely surrender to the powerful and give up on ourselves. Since when has it become impossible to just be ourselves in a place we call "home"? Since when has our language become inferior in a place we call "home"? Since when has it become wrong to fight for ourselves in a place we call "home"? Why are we the ones who have to leave the place we call "home"? Yet many who had the option, have chosen to leave despite the bitterness... And here I am, helplessly sitting half-way across the world, only able to scroll, click and grieve. The decision to stay in the US haunts me often. To leave home behind for whatever reason and start all over in a new place is never a light and easy decision, there is much to give up on and more to learn and adapt to. The sense of loneliness and uneasiness that come along, and the guilt of departure that will probably forever linger. What makes us stay and what calls us to leave? Until what point do we give up on a place we call "home"? Can we leave a place we truly love? What does staying take? Does leaving make us traitors? Or are we granted another mission? ... Home is different for everyone perhaps, but to me, home is a place full of flaws I could complain about all day, where I couldn't wait to leave, but it is also the very place full of memories and delightful little things I could brag about all day, where I can't wait to go back to; it may never be perfect, but it is irreplaceable. Home is subjective, home is personal, home is not bound to space and time; home, is a funny thing. Heaven knows what the future holds for Hong Kong. I guess at this point there's no doubting or looking back or regretting about my being here. Might as well take advantage of the fact that I am here, and do the things that can be done here... things that perhaps will no longer be possible in the future Hong Kong. It takes immense effort to fight against all odds. I cannot do it by myself, and I need all the help I can get. I am not sure what it looks like tangibly for Lunguage just yet but, I truly appreciate your support, and any contribution with the content ideas, research and productions. If you have a heart for Hong Kong and Cantonese, and/or are interested in helping with research and productions, please please please feel free to message, email, call, poke, shout, wave, raise your hand, just come and bug me. Thank you all. Taken on Tai Mo Shan (highest mountain in Hong Kong), HK, 2014
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Who are we?We are Lunguage.
For the love of Hong Kong, Cantonese, and languages, we will keep the fire burning. Categories
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