The new Hong Kong school anthem law raises concern. According to the law, public schools in Hong Kong must raise the Chinese flag in addition to singing the Chinese national anthem. Here’s why experts think this is ‘dangerous’ and ‘ineffective’.
What is the new Hong Kong school anthem law?
According to a government statement by Voice of America (VOA), the international broadcaster, the new policy aims towards promoting national education. Additionally, it also aims to help students with developing a sense of belonging and enhance their national identity. The mandate, first announced in June 2021 followed the national anthem ordinance decree. As per the law, any act that is ‘insulting’ to the national flag or national anthem is a punishable criminal offense.
New law: Public and expert opinion
The Hong Kong school anthem law is interpreted as the government’s move for muzzling opposition. Additionally, both teachers and students do not agree with the new law. Hence, they stand still, without singing. “Singing the national anthem is not important, it’s just a ritual. Do you think that students become pro-China the more they sing?” asked a teacher.
“The policy is the start of trying to make them [students] Chinese citizens in a one-China nation. It is much like what happened in Eastern Europe in the aftermath of WWII when the Soviets occupied those countries and began to form the youth into communist-believing children and young adults,” said Jan Currie. Currie is a professor of education at Murdoch University in Australia. She is also the author of a book on academic freedom in Hong Kong. Currie describes the new mandate as an ‘indoctrination’. It is a form of soft indoctrination that begins with things like having the children identify with the flag and the national anthem, and then will encroach on the curriculum to introduce Marxism-Leninism-Maoism,” she added.
