Significance of Hong Kong's Perspective on China: Reflections on Intellectual History. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shih, C.Y.
• Other Names: Shih Chih-yu guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: China report. Volume 54:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Hong Kong -- intellectual history -- China watching -- China studies -- hybridity; China -- History -- 1949- -- Periodicals; 951.005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009445517744404
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-4455

Abstract

Hong Kong exemplifies a geo-cultural path that the literature on hybridity has not seriously considered. Hong Kong's particular geo-cultural path is different from what the literature refers to as hybridity because Hong Kong's identity encompasses non-synthetic, lingering Confucian, Christian, liberal, patriotic and other identities that exist parallel to each other, rather than merging into a certain hybrid identity. Because of this unique identity, the already hybrid identity of Hong Kong could disintegrate at any time because of re-imagined or re-enacted traditions. In other words, the coexisting parallel identities support a cyclical historiography rather than the celebrated postcoloniality that moves Hong Kong irrevocably away from any alleged past. Hong Kong demonstrates this constant re-appealing that takes place on the basis of solid traditions in Confucianism, Christianity and patriotism, in addition to the familiar liberalism and anti-Communism. Chineseness has become extremely difficult to define and attempts at doing so generate bitter feelings.