Freedom in the West
Freedom, freedom, freedom! Freedom was the strongest motivator for me to move out of Hong Kong. Not only did I enjoy my freedom in the US, but I also gained a more thorough understanding of what freedom implies. I witnessed its impact on individuals, schools, states, and entire countries. In the Western world, personal freedom allows you to live as you choose, expressing your uniqueness. For example, appearances vary widely—different hairstyles, outfits, accents, and backgrounds. I never worried about being judged for my appearance there because people are more culturally competent compared to where I came from. The Western world is colourful, with a diverse spectrum of people that has undoubtedly broadened my horizons. I’ve learned to accept and appreciate all ways of living, becoming less judgmental and more open-minded. The prerequisite for all this is freedom. Diversity thrives when people can freely express themselves. If you’re seeking exposure to various cultures and opinions, the Western world is an ideal place. Everyone is welcome to voice their perspectives, and you’ll learn a lot by listening. While political correctness is a valid concern, but even if you are politically wrong, you can always find like-minded groups without fearing oppression.
To avoid sounding like I’m fetishizing the US, I acknowledge that diversity doesn’t mean superiority. Imagine putting a thousand species in one cage. It would be chaotic. Americans have the physical space to accommodate inclusion, which Hong Kong lacks. The one-size-fits-all mindset is a product of adaptation to Hong Kong’s environment. To further elaborate on the monotony of Hong Kong, vehicle is the first thing that comes to my mind. The majority of cars on the road are in the colour of black, white, or grey. It is boring, but we are boring for a reason: Asians, including myself, tend to avoid standing out. There’s a Chinese saying, 槍打出頭鳥, which means ‘the first bird that pokes its head out gets shot.’ We prefer not to draw unnecessary attention. We play it safe and choose to be boring. We suppress ourselves to avoid trouble. It is deeply ingrained in our culture and history. Conformity becomes our solution, so be prepared to bow and conform to authority if you’re staying in Hong Kong. As long as you obey the rules and norms, life in Hong Kong is actually pleasant and liveable.
In conclusion, the US is for those who want to live exciting lives and perhaps die young. It offers freedom and adventure. Hong Kong, on the other hand, caters to those seeking longevity and stability—even if it means living like a lifeless robot. To use an analogy, it’s like picking between living in the wild or in a zoo. Choose wisely!
