Polly Pockets, Sonic Youth and Shoulder Pads
mmm macarons.
Do any of you recognize the little guy the macarons are attempting to imitate? The little guy is actually a bottle of cream and his cap is the lid! These little guys are extremely popular nowadays in Japan and HK, but it's not only because he is cute, but because he is a collective memory of those they call the "post-80s".
"Post-80s" is a term used to describe anyone born in the 80's in Hong Kong and China. It has somewhat of a negative connotation to it, as it is often use to describe our frivolous ways, lazy demeanor, and laissez-faire attitude. However, the generation of post-80s in Hong Kong have now taken up the task to change the meaning of this term, and vow to define themselves as they see fit. The mostly noticeable step in doing so is the protest to took place in January, where hundreds of post-80s came out to protest against the Guangzhou-Hong Kong Express Rail, a proposal that will destroy the homes of hundreds, cause irreversible damages to the environment, and deplete millions of tax dollar better use on education and public services benefiting their own citizens. Sadly the proposal was passed in the freest economic market in world (go figure!) but the post-80s fought a fierce battle, calling on the attention of many around the world.
Many saw this as another example of the frivolous and idealistic life of the post-80s, causing trouble and distress on the lives of many around the city, and government officials berated the post-80s telling them they should be more mature and less radical in their approach. However many also saw this as an awakening, as more and more post-80s begins to take up their responsibility to become enabled citizens in this city of 7 millions. Many of the older generation in support of the post-80s counter that today's post-80s have indeed taken a more diplomatic and peaceful approach as oppose the dozens of riots, bloodshed and violence that occurred during the 60s in HK when the youth of those days also rebelled against their corrupted and faltering government.
One of the biggest criticism post-80s faces is the dependency on the technology and the internet. However, the post-80s have proudly stepped up and admitted that they are indeed very well in-tune with the digital world ,but while others may see it as cripple factor in our current society, they have turned this around by utilizing the internet to organize protests, demonstrations, and even charity and donation events. With the help of SNS like Facebook, Twitter, Weibo and forums, post-80s are now effectively learning more and more about current social issues, developing their own stances, starting critical discussions, and lending a hand in disaster funding drives like the Qinghai Earthquake Relief Fund.
Even though the image of post-80s are still heavily under-fire, media outlets and the public's perception has began to change, as more and more post-80s are entering the workforce, and most important in the political world as well, with the distinction of being highly skilled, hard-working and intelligent individuals. There are still many more battles to fight before the post-80s can the come out from the shadow of their reputation, and perhaps they may never be able to, as post-90s are already making headlines and enemies before their debutante ball , the affects of the post-80s will no doubt be perpetuated from here on end, marking it's significance in the future endeavors of Hong Kong and its people.
Okay, so I've read your long entry but you still haven't explain what's the big deal with the yellow dude!
Right, well this little dude, in the eyes of many post-80s, use to be a glue bottle! I remember every art class, we would take these little guys out, take of their cap which had a brush in it, and instead of moisturizing our skin, glued glitters onto pictures!
In the minds of the post-80s, this is still that glue bottle from years ago.
The glue that held the macaronis so tightly onto our idealistic and pretty pictures of tomorrow, is the same glue still that is holding us together as we break tradition and carve a path of our own, from the steep terrain of Lion Rock to the forever changing coastline of Victoria Harbour.
I am post-80s.
我是八十後。