The Other Side of the Hong Kong Fire

Let's talk about the Hong Kong fire from another perspective. The direct cause of this fire was the bamboo scaffolding, which has recently drawn severe criticism from the Hong Kong Bamboo Scaffolding Association. Let's briefly discuss the deeper issues behind bamboo scaffolding, especially after the incident, when many Hongkongers desperately tried to prove the bamboo scaffolding's innocence, even though they are not construction professionals. This is worth discussing, as it indicates that there are not just interests at play, but other factors as well.

The reason bamboo scaffolding has persisted is partly due to the protection and operations of interest groups like the Bamboo Scaffolding Association, and partly due to cultural psychology, which I believe has a greater influence. What cultural psychology? It means that as the development gap narrows, mainland China has already surpassed Hong Kong in many areas.

For some Hongkongers, this means that the 'Hong Kong advantage' is disappearing. Culturally and psychologically, this triggers a subtle anxiety — a fear that their unique lifestyle, customs, and even cityscape will be assimilated.

In this psychological context, local elements like bamboo scaffolding, which have visual recognition, are endowed with symbolic meanings beyond their functions. They are seen as a 'visible difference,' becoming a mark that distinguishes Hong Kong from mainland urban landscapes.

Even from the perspectives of safety and efficiency, these traditional practices may not be optimal, but as cultural symbols, they carry psychological anchoring for some people regarding their 'Hong Kong identity.' Thus, preserving these differences is sometimes not purely for practicality, but a way of seeking self-identity.

In simple terms, some Hongkongers fear being assimilated by the mainland, so they hold tightly to everything that is different from the mainland, even if those things do not truly represent Hong Kong culture, and even if they are not good things, they still refuse to let go.

Bamboo scaffolding is just one of them.