Hong Kong's youth, nowadays, have chosen to take to the streets to protest as a means to gain attention (and a brief moment of fame) upon themselves, rather than rely on brains and hard work through academics, business, or arts.
The most popular issue of protest these days is universal suffrage, but other issues such as high property prices, poverty, pollution are all favorite issues. As long as it can be blamed on the government or big businesses, Hong Kong's youth will show up in protests.
My problem with this is not that they should not care for these issues, but it is the prevalent attitude in Hong Kong-- to firstly put blame on others rather than choosing to do something more constructive for the betterment of society. It is easy to wave a sign, lie on the streets, and hurl obscenties to officials (the more extreme, the better your chances are those actions will be noticed and shown on the nightly news). It is not so easy to start a business or volunteer your time and money.
The protests gives the youth a sense of importance in society; a sense of accomplishment which they are unable--or too lazy-- to obtain through academics, entrepreneurship, or other laborious achievements.
If you start a business, you actually have to use your brain and rely on yourself and your finances. There is risk and in the event of failure, there is no one to blame but yourself. Hong Kong's youth would rather choose an easier way to gain fame. To blame will get you fame.
Unfortunately, many adults choose to encourage the toddlers to protest; thinking in their own distorted way that it is good for them at an early age to take part in showing concern for society's problems--the earlier the better. Hence, it is not uncommon to see young children who have just learnt to walk to take part in any one of Hong Kong's weekly protests.
Today's youth simply do not have enough life experience to step out and criticize and blame others--many of whom are professionals and experts in that particular issue. The youth should go out and try new things, see more things, read more, and go through more ups and downs of life before they make a judgement on something. If they still feel ungratified, then go out to protest.
Instead, their early lesson in life is that if things don't go their way, they should blame, blame, and blame.
http://youtu.be/iNtwPlIiRro
