What Was British Hong Kong - A chat with a Hong Konger about China, HK & Life

In this episode I sit down with my good friend Eric to talk about what it was like growing up in Hong Kong during British rule and talk about China in general.One correction, when I am telling the story of my friend whose grandfather escaped to Hong Kong, it was not during the Cultural Revolution, but instead the Chinese Land Reform Movement.

[@curryhousechicken]

"I trust the mirror". That was the best line.

[@BYD_LRT]

Obviously, he heard the word "chink" many times from racists, then he realized that he better be proud of his heritage.

[@Chinese080808]

@@BYD_LRT How are you so sure?

[@user-du3gu2nm4q]

Chinese080808 It's common experience if you lived in western country for several years

[@Chinese080808]

@@user-du3gu2nm4q I don't think it's a common experience to be called a "ch!nk" anywhere. However people will always remind you of your race intentionally or unintentionally.

[@yaobin03ytb]

you can never waken a guy who is pretending to be asleep.

[@mazygracie]

I was also quiet but now I think we should speak up, and thank you Daniel for speaking up.

[@wendyfangjing6279]

Iam Chinese Uyghur from Xinjiang iam very proud of my Chinese people in mainland and motherland, my brother went to Hong Kong last year and had are bad experience telling us and his friends not to go Hong Kong but rather go to Hainan or Macau. What i see that the Hong Kong rioters doing to their city is disgusting - Im glad i was born in mainland China, the 'Mirror' is the best example Thank you Eric and Daniel .رەھمەت سىزگە

[@DanielDumbrill]

Would you or your brother be interested to chat on an episode about your home and/or his experiences you mentioned?

[@ebaypolice8761]

Totally agree, disgusting.

[@jingzhiwang2219]

Daniel Dumbrill It’d be a very valuable and interesting conversation if you can make it happen

[@jingzhiwang2219]

Say yes to Daniel! It’d be a great conversation!

[@zhipengzhou6766]

@@DanielDumbrill Hi Deniel, I'm ethnic Han Chinese who spend some time in Xinjiang and studying in the US. I have friends and students from Uyghur ethnic group and I can ask them to talk with you. I myself is also open to conversation with a pro-socialism view.

[@hanchiman]

My dad who is a "Boomer" generation (those who grew up in the 1950 to 1970 Hong Kong), came from a village in the New Territories close to the border of Lok Ma Chau, all he can say is that he has no fond memories of the British Colonials upper class, as he usually call them "Arrogant assholes". Not to mention discriminating the local Chinese living there.

[@HouseOod]

My mom is still scared of them & canadians in hk.

[@hanchiman]

@@HouseOod well my old man also on the same time like English people in Europe compared to other Europeans as he say "At least they don't hide their feelings to you" I live in Sweden and Swedes are really good at "Smiling at you but talk shit behind your back"

[@Ismith019]

It’s ok I’m sure the mainlanders won’t discriminate and will build excellent infrastructure and protect Hong Kong property and human rights... oh... wait... the Brits maybe assholes but the stories coming out of HK look grim. I hope they find a way to protect their rights.

[@hanchiman]

@@Ismith019 actually the Mainlanders did turn HK economy way better than the Brits. First of all, HK never need to pay any tax to Beijing unlike the colonial period where they had to pay for London. Also you seen the trains and subways in current HK? At least better than these Brits.

[@Ismith019]

Hanferd Well HK dollar has crashed so many times and the capital flight out of HK has been staggering over the past decade just out of the fear of CCP control. I have shorted the HK dollar everytime a new CCP driven bill has come into the parliament and I have been right each time. Smart money has left HK and with all the other financial centres in China rising HK doesn’t have a clear path forward economically speaking. I’m not sure where you are getting your data from about the economy but I certainly could be wrong so if you have a source I would happily dig into it. I honestly just hope that HK doesn’t change or suffer to much because it’s such a cool place and I adore the fusioned culture.

[@JaYoeNation]

Great conversation. Really nice to hear his point of view. Thanks both of you. Even he said he didn’t have much to say he said a lot.

[@clementinejustice2541]

Many of us who had been living in many different places , we are proud of being Chinese. . I appreciate you speak out for HK though.

[@VanaeCavae]

Using an english name for your youtube channel and claim being proud of being Chinese ? Bullshit.

[@kimlooteh9095]

I am a Malaysian of Chinese origin,I am already the 3rd generation and I am still very proud of my root and proud of being Malaysian too!True to what Erick said ,”trust the mirror “you can never hide being Asian !

[@oswaldfung4548]

Enjoyed your chat with a Hongkonger. I was born and grew up in HK in the 50's. Now living in Canada, I am very impressed with the achievement of China in the last 40 years. The majority of Chinese people have never been so satisfied with their government's policies for more than 200 years!

[@ljren1513]

especially from last June to now！

[@pefsgk5092]

@Jay He is just trying to stir up shit.

[@LisaTao]

Chris Taylor You say that as if SerpentZA is so credible and trustworthy...he spewed many many lies about China. People have all kind of reasons to live where they live. Work, education, families and upbringing. For example many American citizens living outside of the States, does that mean they should all bash US and the US isn’t good enough for them? I don’t think so. It only means they’re free to live anywhere they want to pursue their careers. Same goes with China.

[@LisaTao]

Chris Taylor okay now you’re just being a petulant child wouldn’t accept other side of opinion. You should go be a cheerleader for people like SerpentZA then.

[@user-xp1kr6se3k]

@CHNW just leave this rubbish alone,you just wasted your time on piece of shit.

[@TheTruthIsFiction]

Ok. Let me just chip in here because I grew up as a child in HongKong before the handover to China in 1997. Both of my parents are not from HK and my father was a Western expat who worked for the HK government. We lived in subsidized housing and the rent was 85% paid for by the HK government. The flat (they call them "flats" in HK) which we were living in was "Grade B". This is a grading given to government owned apartments in HK which are for expats. Grade A was supposed to be the most luxurious type. Grade D I believe was the lowest grade. Our Grade B flat had an extraordinary view overlooking the HK harbour which included the Northern part of HK Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. Kai Tak Airport was the main International Airport at that time and you could see the planes landing and taking off in the distance. The airport's runway was also visible from our flat. When you go to Sham Shui Po, the planes would fly very close to the ground and you could smell the engine fuel and the noise would be deafening. In the far distance, you could see the hills which border HK with China. I believe just past those hills is Shenzhen, which at that time was just a fishing village! This is a Western Expatriate point of view during the colonial era. I cannot say what it is like for the average local because we weren't locals. We could see slums in the hills which indicate that some HK locals lived in extreme poverty. When we walk along the streets, we would sometimes see HK locals sitting on the street with their Chinese or Butcher knives chopping up birds and animals in full view of the public and it was absolutely filthy and blood ran everywhere. Tap water was undrinkable. It was often milky in colour or rusty which looked orange. You had to run the tap for about 10 minutes or so until the water looked clean. Hot water was produced from a gas water heater and it took a few minutes for the water to heat up. Every week, a person selling fish would come over and knock on our door. We had several people like this trying their luck in our block of flats. We had locals trying to sell us vacuum cleaners and even handing out leaflets about God and worship. The flat we lived in was absolutely huge and it would take about 20 seconds to walk from the back door to the window of the master bedroom. The flat had polished wooden floors except in the kitchen area where it was concrete tiles. There was a room called the "Amah's room" where the maid would live and look after the flat. We did NOT hire a maid. There was no maid in the Amah's room so we used it for storage. The Amah's room is very small (just big enough for a bed and closet) and next to it was the small sink and toilet for the Amah's room. It looked like the Amah lives in third world conditions because the room and toilet were very basic, and it had concrete floors and it was very cold in the room at night. There was a large heavy door which separates the Amah's room, laundry, back door and kitchen from the rest of the flat. The areas which the maid has access to is probably "local HK standard" and no air conditioning compared to the rest of the flat which was definitely Western style living and was fully air conditioned. I went to an English school for expats. There are several of these schools around HK and the schools back then followed the British educational system, which included GCSE and GCE "A" Level. Nearly all the teachers were British. Chinese was never learnt, even as a second language. French and German were usually the foreign languages learnt in these schools. About half of the students in the schools were also British. The other half come from countries all over the world including Canada, USA, Australia, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan, Africa and some European countries but NOT Eastern Europe or Russia. Surprisingly, back then, hardly any of the students were from HK! They all went to Chinese schools. The language used in HK was primarily Cantonese. Mandarin was rarely spoken. A few HK locals knew English quite well, especially in large companies and surprisingly, some HK locals in small shops spoke English as well. So in my point of view, quite a lot of people in HK even before 1997 could speak at least some English. All these English international schools in HK still exist today but they are now very different in their teaching. Teachers and Students are now from all over the world including HK, and the International Baccalaureate is taught now not the British system as was taught before 1997. At the time I was there, the British governor was David Wilson (1987 - 1992). I have no idea what HK is like now or since 1997. My father who worked for the HK government was made redundant because of the handover to China and his contract ended in 1995. My father does not know one word of Cantonese despite living there for many years. My mother doesn't know either. Both my parents chose the "insulated expat" life which means complete separation from locals. They went to Western supermarkets, mainly Wellcome and ParknShop. Both these supermarkets still exist today. They also went to Watson's (the chemist), Marks and Spencer, SOGO and Mannings. All these companies are still operating. As far as I can remember, taxis, trams and minibuses look the same today as it was back before 1997. The minibus was an excellent public transport option for us because it took us from our block of flats to Admiralty MTR station in the city. We rarely crossed the harbour to Kowloon because there was no need to. My father worked within walking distance of the Admiralty station and earned at that time about HK$80,000 a month, which is about US$120,000 a year and this was before 1997. Tax was very low (about 10%) and my father only had to pay 15% of the rental cost of that huge apartment. The rental cost was about HK$28,000 a month for that apartment, which is about US$3600 per month and that was before 1997. I have no idea about the average local wage but I think that HK locals who worked in my father's department only earned an average of HK$12,000 a month. In the media, HK had two English expat TV channels. TVB Pearl and RTHK. There were also a couple of Chinese language TV channels which were only for the locals. Ads on English channels were targeted to wealthy expats so there were ads for Longines, Rolex, Samsonite, Marlboro, and all were in English of course. There were no ads advertising everyday essential items like groceries. Absolutely everything was in English and all of the TV presenters were expats. They were not locals. I never saw a TV presenter who was Chinese. One of the most well known HK expat TV presenters was Edward Bean, a British expat, and he was very popular at the time. hk.linkedin.com/in/edward-bean-2b11637 There were a few English language radio stations. The main expat radio station on the FM dial was BFBS. (British Forces Broadcasting Service) which no longer operates in HK. The main expat radio station on the AM dial was "1044 Commercial Radio" which is now known as "Metro Plus 1044". This is what "1044 Commercial Radio" sounded like when I was in HK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ26n3hjrL9mraM All the radio presenters were also expats. One of the most well known and popular radio presenters on "1044 Commercial Radio" was Rick O'Shea, an American expat: www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-03/14/c_137037894.htm All the films and TV shows on English expat channels were imports from the USA and England. Chinese films were never shown. In politics, Martin Lee, David Akers-Jones and of course David Wilson was often in the news and so was the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) which was a problem at that time. News was mostly international and it did not focus much on Hong Kong. Protests were unheard of when I was there. I don't think much else has changed. Western expats go to bars in Wanchai and the main English newspapers were the SCMP and The Standard. This is what British HK was like for me, but this is from a rather different perspective, not from a local Chinese.

[@DanielDumbrill]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this all out. It was really interesting!!

[@gaziohoffman4864]

Amazing recounts

[@TheTruthIsFiction]

@@DanielDumbrill Thank you. I do appreciate your efforts learning the Chinese language and integrating into the Chinese culture and sharing your knowledge of China to the world. Most expats will not have the interest to do what you have done. I will share more of this with you because you might find it helpful to keep in mind in your future work and you may share it with other KZbin influencers if you so wish. I was born in the 1970s in a Western country and I lived in HK when I was a child during the late 1970s, all of the 1980s and the early 1990s. I left HK and went back to the west BEFORE Chris Patten became the last governor of HK. Fortunately, I have a very good memory and I can recall many details which many expats at the time would have completely forgotten. I might seem a bit old now being born in the 1970s but I actually look like a young fella and I can relate to and understand the opinions of younger generations when they talk about China and HK. I found your talk with Justin Liu yesterday rather fascinating and I learned a lot from it. I agree with your opinion about many expats not wanting to assimilate with the local Chinese. This was especially true in HK during the colonial era. There was actually no need to assimilate. HK locals spoke English in places where expats needed to go to. This would have been supermarkets, pubs, department stores and shops along Nathan Road. However, expats never looked down on the locals. They just preferred their own “posh” lifestyles which separated them physically from the locals. There was no racism or segregation like it was in some other countries. Nobody stared at interracial couples. When I first came to HK, Sir Murray MacLehose was the British Governor and this was before Margaret Thatcher met with Chinese officials in Beijing to sign an agreement to end British rule over HK in 1997. I watched Edward Youde be sworn in as the new British Governor on TV when Sir Murray MacLehose’s term ended in 1982. I was a very small child at the time but I can still remember it. The picture quality was excellent on TV in full color, sharp and clear. The swearing in ceremony lasted half a day which is why I remember it. Edward Youde was a very popular British governor because of the respect he showed towards the local Chinese people. He could speak Mandarin and he understood many of the problems the local Chinese were facing in HK. When Edward Youde died in office in 1986, it was all over the news and many local Chinese mourned his death. Expats were already talking about his death early in the morning of his death before 8am. David Akers-Jones took over as acting governor and many expats including my father and locals did not like him because of his poor handling of HK affairs. David Wilson who was the second last governor of HK was considered an average governor. He was liked better than David Akers-Jones but not liked as much as Sir Murray MacLehose. As far as I know, the local Chinese were satisfied with British rule. There were no protests against it when I was there. The local Chinese also didn’t like the Chinese government just like they don’t like them today. The “Tatler” magazine was what expats read. This magazine targets the upper and rich classes of society. Everything was “Made in Hong Kong” or “Made in USA” but not “Made in China”. China was a very closed off country to business during the 1980s. The song “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears was banned in China but received lots of airplay in HK. HK was considered free and democratic, and not closed off like China. In the pop world, many expats and locals knew about Western pop stars and their activities in HK. One good example was the filming of the video “Highly Strung” by Spandau Ballet which was a very big news story in HK. It was filmed in the streets and a lot of people knew about it. However, expats did not know of any Canto pop stars. They wouldn’t have heard of Anita Mui, who was very popular at that time. Expats wore designer and high end clothing from designer brands purchased in expensive department stores. If an expat child goes to “China Products” also known as “Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium” and wear clothes purchased from there, that child would be teased at school and looked upon as a disgrace. Expat children went to British schools. The children would learn a lot about the history of Europe and the US during WW1 and WW2. They would also learn a little bit about the Long March and Chairman Mao. However, they would learn NOTHING about HK. All prices would be in Pounds Sterling which I found it strange because at school, you’d think of prices in Pounds but when you walk along the streets, everything is in HK Dollars. I drew more Pound Signs in my life than Dollar Signs!! Expat schools in HongKong have very high standards and many students get straight A’s and go to Harvard, Oxford or Yale universities and eventually become lawyers, doctors and engineers. The insulated expat life definitely helps expat children succeed academically. Expat children usually do not go to universities in HK. They go to universities in the US or England. Buildings, Streets and Shops look the same today as in the colonial era. Most shop signs were in Chinese and impossible for expats to read. The double decker buses and trams remain and the street signs were English at the top, Chinese at the bottom so a trip to HK might seem a little like a trip to the UK. There were fewer tall buildings in the colonial era and buildings were being constructed close to our block of flats which were up in the hills overlooking most of Hong Kong. My father got upset when he noticed that the buildings started to obstruct the magnificent view in the late 1980s. My father also complained about the “jackhammers” the Chinese construction workers were using because of the noise. Pollution wasn’t really a problem. The skies were often clear, haze only happened occasionally and only in bad weather during the summer. I certainly didn’t notice the pollution and no expat I knew of even mentioned it. One thing that was a problem was traffic congestion especially in the City, Mid-Levels and Wan Chai. HK people were not the best drivers and people were often dashing across the road in the midst of traffic. Using the horn was what a lot of people did and my mother soon got used to it and started using hers. We lived above the Mid-Levels overlooking Causeway Bay, North Point and Wan Chai. Life as an expat in the Colonial Era can’t really be compared to the local Chinese HongKonger living in a small cramped apartment in MongKok sharing a room with many of their relatives. Expats would leave HK thinking it’s a first world country, a place where they can live like king for a while, earn more than in their home countries, and a short cut to the top of their careers. This is exactly what happened to my father and many other expats at the time. When I asked my father once in the early 1990s whether HK is a first world country, he would say “well, kind of” but he wouldn’t elaborate on this. Many HK locals live in third world countries, live off third world salaries and have to pay off sky high rents. Expats still live pretty much like this today anyway, going to western style pubs in Wan Chai and only making friends with other expats. They don’t see what happens just down the street where locals are poisoned by food they buy in street markets.

[@andro7862]

Thanks for this sharing this. Your life reminds me of the life of westerners in Shanghai 1930s. If you haven't you should watch Empire of the Sun (1987).

[@cheese-df1yx]

hi, Daniel, great to see these kind of talk. I am from Singapore. I used to transit from HK airport once during a trip from US back to Singapore in 2018. Even in HK airport (supposed to have world class service), I bought some HK cookies in airport shop since it was my first time I visited HK. I used mandarin to communicate with shop staffs for payment, then I saw the black face and freezing cold attitude from the shop employees. That made me shocked and very uncomfortable. Later, my friends told me it was because I did not use English. I can not speak Cantonese. Really a bad experience! Last year, I saw many stupid things happened in HK from Singapore news. Attacking people, burning things, blocking trains... HK seems become lawless city. I really feel sad that many higher educated people in HK also have such narrative view and wrong impression on China. I will not have any plan to visit HK again.

[@user-nw5bn9gi7c]

这样的例子很多，所以大陆人对香港的观感极差。香港没有经过革命，受财阀和国外势力影响，从上到下很多地方都保留殖民地意识，包括崇尚英语。 如果没有中国，如此小地方哪能在世界上引得什么注意呢？香港人的政治观很幼稚，历史也很糟糕。 共产党才能救中国，深以为然

[@sichuan385]

I think it is a good think hk people take their destiny in their own hand and fight for their future. It has become clear what china is trying to do with hk which is to further impose it's will on hk people and ignore hk people. I do believe china need to be more flexible with its approach with hk. To grant them universal suffrage will be a good start. I am sure it will be great success to have genuine democracy, it can work in hk. People have to fight for that in this day and age is just ridiculous

[@cheese-df1yx]

@@sichuan385 HK is part of China, it is special district. HK people have right (defined by basic law)to make choices but the right is not absolute to the level of a country has. HK is part of China, not a separate country like Singapore. so any democracy choice need to be link to region "大湾区” and whole China. I think the media and education is too bias in HK in general. And 2 million HK residents holding foreign passport can still vote in HK. that's a strange thing for me. In Singapore, we have also about 2 million foreigners, more percentage than HK. They are residents but they may leave any time, they can not vote and decide our counetry' s directions. They should love their own country more. HK people should really think about what is better for normal people in next 20 -30 years. drop your preassumptio first and review youeself, Guangdong, China and also other economic zone. For me, I care most is good education and fair/equal working environment. Making a living and having happy family life in the safe environment is my wish. I got it in Singapore. But what HK people will choose? To be honest, I do not care how HK people choose. I just love to see the good progress and fast improving in China. Best wishes to China and Chinese people, including Chinese in HK.

[@sichuan385]

@@cheese-df1yx why u make universal suffrage sound like conflicting to achieve all the good things in a society like safe street and good education. I don't think it is a binary choice, u can have one or the other. Japan Taiwan and Korea that have very comparable development level and achieved both. Your answer highlighted the plight hk people has. What hk people can have not have is dictated by Beijing. They control the narrative and this is goes to the centre of the conflict between hk and Beijing. Also I can assure u if Taiwan is going to unify with China, china will promise Taiwan everything hk people want. This just seem unfair to me. I guess the universal suffrage and democracy thing is only whether it is politically convenient to CCP. This is the reason why hk people needed to fight for their future and never let up. If hk people don't fight for their own future, ccp will dictate it for hk people in the future. To many people it may be a good thing as ccp always knows the best. I personally don't believe so

[@cheese-df1yx]

@@sichuan385 if you believe this kind of fight and burn on street is good for HK. Go ahead, it is HK people's own choice. I am outsider, you are comparing a city with South Korea. HK is a city with more rights than normal city but it does not have the country's right. it is a fact now.

[@opticandersonopticanderson3364]

Daniel, thanks for all of your hardwork and effort. A very insightful discussion. Liked.

[@luckarl]

My uncle too was from HK and he detests those teens. And he was also speechless and non-political.

[@ayereash9105]

@John John and you are the fat ass which these mobs are licking

[@xueueux]

My aunt call these teens crazy..I believe if my late uncle who is pro democracy will call these teens damaging all facilities and disturb people life will call them idiots

[@mi2-c035]

Then he should respect more what these teens are doing, that's their only window (a windows that is already closing, despite 26 years still of independence!) to ask for more freedom or at the very least to honour the freedoms mentioned in the joint declaration. Once that window is closed entirely, HK will be just like any chinese city, under the same system, same rules, no alternatives, no rights to speak up.

[@dannyw985]

Eric is 100% correct to trust the mirror. That is how other people perceive you! Black hair, skin color, eyes; all these physical features pronounce to the whole world that you are Chinese. Denying that, you are fooling yourself. Pity!

[@shaoxinran]

Danny W Well said. The same thing goes to many American Chinese. I wish they would look at the mirror too.

[@ash9280]

I think that's the major flaw of the HK protest movements and Taiwanese independence groups. They want to disassociate themselves from the mainland and mainlanders. They see becoming close with the mainland as an attack on their identity. It has become so bad that many even deny that they're ''Chinese''. In the end of the day, Taiwan and HK is fated is tied to the mainland. They can't escape it. HKers and Taiwanese should have reached out their fellow mainlanders to help in their cause. Mainlanders also have some blame. They should do a better job at pressuring the CCP to say that the central government doesn't oversteps its boundaries and make HKers/Taiwanese feel anxious.

[@luckarl]

Ash Overstepped?!?! What the heck are you talking about? I am Vietnamese-Chinese-American. HK and Taiwan people are arrogant SOB. They will crawl back to China. Give it times. Or come to the US and face racism.

[@ash9280]

@@luckarl Regardless of it happened or not, clearly in the people of HK feel that way. CCP should have done pushed for their plans in a different way. Instead of that pushing reform from the top but do it from the bottom up.

[@ash9280]

@@luckarl You're Hoa?

[@donga2000]

Man, I can't wait to see your conversation with your aunt in NJ. Keep up your honesty work.

[@Jake-om9no]

Oh my god...! This is amazing. Don't know how long this (your being a high quality video producer) is going to last, but I am grateful for what you have done. It is already very amazing.

[@kenjohn38]

Interesting and frank discussions between the host and an old-time Hong Konger on Hong Kong and China about the past and present. Kudos on uploading this video!!

[@laoben1231]

When Daniel said: “ I am doing it “ with laughter, It hits me so hard by the power of his loyalty to his own heart !!! I am a strong man, but there was tears in my eyes at that moment.

[@kuentse5452]

Very good interview, I am another one the Hong Kongers that grew up in the 70's and now live in Canada Fun story with the ICAC, I was in secondary school then, and one day the school announced that the school day is over from lunch time, and no one is to return to school, turned out the the police force top management had borrowed the schools gym/hall, for an emergency meeting on how to deal with the ICAC, the result of that meeting is in the news the next day ;-) I became a civil servant for about 4 years in the 80s and being a clean public servant was pretty much in everyone's DNA by that time, it was an amazing transformation One thing we know is that people who are around my generation, or may be even a bit older had suffered during the dark times of the cultural revolution, and that anger, resentment is almost impossible to erase. The sad part is these people are also in a position or have the means to transfer, and perpetrate that anger to the young generation, it was almost another version of the red guard, but on the opposite side, but essentially the same thing I have the honour and privilege to work with many talented IT people from China, one of them jokingly said that we are both descendants of dragons, we had a good laugh and deep down I feel the emotions

[@ylyon84]

"I trust a mirror" :D that line is amazing, ahahah

[@Nayuk2010]

So I just heard that line, but even within the context, I still don't understand what it means, could you share your understanding? Thanks!

[@garmenlin5990]

@@Nayuk2010 He looked in the mirror, and see's an East Asian man that speaks Chinese. He is Chinese. He is not not gonna claim that he is British or a Hong Konger just because he is from Hong Kong.

[@rage8kage]

I just know Eric has tons of stories to tell but he's being kinda reserved and giving very brief answers. His experience building a business in the mainland must be awesome

[@rage8kage]

@kl wies plenty of people make a very good living in hongkong. Don't expect the place you live to accommodate and provide for you if you have nothing to contribute. Infact There is social housing and help in hongkong healthcare also. It's up to you to be competitive. How many places on earth give so much assistant to their citizens. Alot of poorer Europeans actually travel abroad within Europe to make a better wage. Mexicans go to America. What makes hongkongers so privileged?

[@jasperc8615]

@kl wies Burden of proof huh, why don't you try proving otherwise, like his life sucks and yours is awesome

[@rage8kage]

@kl wies your questions does not explain anything all cities around the world have expensive properties. If you want to live in a first tier city they you have to pay the going rate. You can't compare hongkong house prices with buttfuck gwangxi. Otherwise you'd move da fuck out.

[@rage8kage]

@kl wies people drive two hours to work in LA. They can't afford to live in the middle of LA. Same in hk if you can't hack the city life get out just because you're born there doesn't mean you belong there

[@rage8kage]

@kl wies don't think so brain trust. There's no first class city that's cheap to live in. If you can't make it work for your self. I don't give a fuck about you. Nobody's going to give you the answers you like. So you're just out of luck tosser

[@ant-seeker4502]

One of the slogans which the mainland Chinese students recite is “Without a safe country, how can you have a safe home.” It is a duty of every citizen to safeguard his own country before he can safely be at home and be contented to eat his “rice.” It is sad to see many Chinese are indifferent, “inarticulate” and leave the safety of their country to be defended by other people including foreigners like Daniel and many others. Does one have to wonder why Hong Kong is in such a political mess?

[@user-yu4bb6cs5e]

This statement + I trust mirror really hit my heart. Dont blame Daniel though.

[@maryjeanjones7569]

Hong Kong is not the only country that's a political mess. The US is right up there at the top of the list.

[@chongeiktong3426]

Agree. They are proud that the British and Gurkhas defend them.

[@TY-ob7fz]

Thank you Daniel and Eric, a very familiar prospective.

[@Flipstar1986]

Thanks for the wine recommendation! I think this kind of setup (Q&A and enjoying a good glas of wine) is quite nice.

[@xelkim9666]

True hero mr Dumbrill, I will start doing what you do. Not fair that you are doing for us alone.

[@bboystretch7788]

Your comment about how the locals viewed the Portuguese in Macau versus the British in HK has a very deep meaning and you should explore it further. Why are the locals in Macau less arrogant than those in HK based on their perception of class.

[@bernardfong1019]

Class system ingrained into the English character.

[@huili3088]

Bryan Chan because Macau is smaller than vegas yet it generates over 50 times more revenue which makes vegas the Macau of the west. They depend on mainlanders business too. China brings them business and the locals know that. Also historically speaking Portugal's political influence is far less than British colonial influence in hk. Xenophobic views is passed down generation to generation in hk.

[@maryjeanjones7569]

@@bernardfong1019 - Absolutely wirh 156 yeas of ingrained English character. Safe to say that Hong Kong is English not Chinese.

[@vister6757]

@@maryjeanjones7569 they just try to be British but they are still very much Chinese in many ways. They just pretend to be more upperclass because of the British influence. They do look down on the people from mainland Chinese. I was a tourist there many years ago and they love teasing the mainland Chinese as Kong Chan from the earlier Ah Chan (made famouse from a series long ago). I think that's not very nice. These people can to Hong Kong to work hoping for a better life so why the need for such discrimation?

[@jefftjon2475]

I am a Chinese from Surinam (South America) living in the Netherlands nowadays. I also have experience that Hong Kongers think they are more educated and "better" than other overseas Chinese and mainlanders.

[@renawong8249]

Daniel as always is a great interviewer, Eric a true HKer, not big on ideology , pragmatic like most of the HK people I know, very characteristic of HK people. It almost get to the point of being selfish and shrewd. But this is a failed interview in general, although you did try like pulling tooth out of Eric, trying to talk about politics with a person who just wants to enjoy life. After all, HK for a very long period of time, 3 generations maybe, was a place of political void, no country, no position, no politics. It's just like what Eric said , it's about survival. Most of the HK friends I know, they thought the same way about way of life never changing for 50 years, but it is exactly this kind of thinking, making them silent in the initial stages of the protests, and even more to it, they actually secretly would like to see there would be some benefit coming out of it, some of my HK friends actually joined in the beginning until it turned violent. Because it has worked before with 占领中环. You protest, government cave in, then life goes back to the old ways. They want things to be exactly the same as the short period of the so called good old days, but they never really appreciated that the good old days HK used to have is largely due to its geographical position with China. Once China opened up, HK was bound to fall for a couple of decades. Macau is an opposite story. Macau's life line rise and fall with mainland China.

[@jingxinliu2010]

Well said!

[@murphymurph8282]

HK has had her days because of the industrialisation. Now the boot is on the other foot. It's just the time for the mainland to shine

[@Amidat]

I thought it was a good interview... why does he need to be political?

[@renawong8249]

@@Amidat Yeah, but you can see Daniel was trying to navigate the conversation to the politics, several times. And Eric himself is pretty held back, after all, this is an interview of him, but Daniel talked most of the time.

[@mikewazowski2063]

can't agree more

[@pensieri2596]

This is a very interesting channel for non-Chinese audience that really deserves more views!

[@joc9971]

Eric is a person who went through a lot in his life and realized the most essential things in life: Eat and Drink.

[@terryh4169]

Am curious how old your friend is as all trains to Lowu at the time embarked from Hung Hom. I know this as I had taken the train to Lowu from Hung Hom in 1977 and your friend does not appear to be that old. Prior to 1975 trains departed from TST. Shenzhen was another world indeed. We traveled to Canton White Cloud Airport from Lowu and boarded a Russian made Tupolev jet to Beijing. In Beijing stayed at the old Russian apartments, known at the time as the Friendship Hotel. I recall we couldn't even find ice cubes for drinks and was told by our guide (everyone had to be accompanied by a guide) that the Peking Hotel was the only place in the city that had ice cubes for drinks. This was the hotel facing the Forbidden City. This was how backward China was and Guangzhou at the time relatively more sophisticated though still 50 years behind HK in 1977 and Beijing even more primitive. Very lucky to visit 5 cities as one would never see China in that state again. This was the time of the Gang of Four and Chairman Hua Guofeng. Every man and woman wore a Mao suit regardless of status and women had either short hair or pigtails. Giant red banners with slogans and portraits of Chairman Mao and Huo were everywhere. Treasured memories of another era. This is why I've come to respect China and the transformation over the past 40 years.

[@tungli2827]

I think he said he was about 5 years old at the time, he couldn't walk after he had been bitten by mosquitoes. So that would make him born in 1971, same age as my daughter and she's 49. I was 19 when I left Hong Kong in 1969. I used to get the train to 上水 with my dad to visit a cousin from the same village. He was a watercress farmer, and my dad loved watercress, fried with fresh beef. He was involved in the riot in the 50s and my dad saved him from jail. I remember the train from 尖沙嘴 to 羅湖 well.

[@prasitkoysiripong5150]

I​ visited my​ parent families many times.I am​ appreciated in​ progression in​ China. China​ is​ a safe​ country.

[@birdyashiro1226]

Where are you from？

[@mcast4962]

Great personality and such a good interviewer Daniel... Go go you! ✌🏼

[@thinkcritically9745]

Enjoyed the chat you guys had. Thanks

[@jessicaw8682]

An interesting conversation. I agree with you guys. Observing the world change considerably over the recent years is an eye-opening experience. It's amazing how some people can be so disconnected from the reality when China is concerned. In this day and age, they can easily access information using technologies and visit places via convenient transport to find out the truth. Perplexing, isn't it? Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher once said: "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true. Another is to refuse to accept what is true." Some people want to remain fools, only because the truth requires change.

[@thomascapie3178]

It's been long time. And I'm looking forward to your Saturday on-line chat also.

[@maaccountant]

an examplary manifestation of human nature-- truth seeking, an intelligent, inquisitive mind, and compassion. Appreciate Daniel and his guest for bringing some sanity into this chaotic world.

[@user-fx9eh9jw6p]

Came across your videos recently. You're an effective speaker, with a good sense of humor.

[@TheJajangmyun]

Nice chat, I like the format. I bought a bottle of the wine, hopefully its good. I'm not much of a wine person. Next time do a QR code for beer. I'd order some High Level Wu Mao if you could ship it to Shanghai.

[@annm2075]

Haha ....”trust the mirror” ..exactly what my mother used to say to me, “look in the mirror, trust the mirror” lol Interesting interview! 👏👏👏 from Canada 🇨🇦

[@FerMuBe]

Hi, Daniel, interesting format. Coincidentally, next week on OCC, we will have a foreigner who grew up in HK before the hand over.

[@aznpwnsalot]

Daniel, I love Eric, such lucidity. You guys just vibe together really well. You should really do a podcast with him!

[@tungli2827]

No one was interested in politics when one was born a colonial subject, there was no point, you were not allowed.

[@BenjiSun]

exactly. it's not that different than when the US forced Japan to not be allowed an offensive military, which resulted in turning to economics and Japan's copycat->manufacturing boom of the late 60's to most of the 70's then financial boom of the 80's, buying out real estate in places like Hawaii. that somehow also attributed to Hong Kong's ICAC fugitives bringing their riches to places like Amsterdam, then later the financial boom of the late 70's to mid 80's "first wave" of emigrants to places like Vancouver, prior to the Tiananmen incident, Expo 86 made Vancouver a very exciting spot for that fearful "second wave" of Kongers to emigrate to between 89 to 92 along with Taiwanese. the McLehose-Youde-Wilson era that actually fixed some issues with a more educated population they ruled over, which was screwed over by Patten's thievery and self-interests... Kongers of that era cared more about finding a suitable Filipino/Indonesian maid than give a shit about the dying UK Imperialist politics while Reagan was playing cowboy and Murca cared about the biggest, most gas-guzzling Lincoln or Chrysler they could drive to "get away from those black men bringing AIDS from Africa". politics, only mattered when it comes to who can take advantage of it to make money.

[@BenjiSun]

also a 3hr wait to cross the old tunnel to Kowloon side for dinner was normal back in the 80's. who had time for politics when half our days were stuck in traffic and the other half at work (or in school)?

[@damnzlx6777]

Damn. What a fact.

[@yeungnanami9100]

Hi Daniel, the White House just published a US strategic approach to PRC document on May 20. Would be great to hear your thoughts on it. Cheers!

[@unifieddynasty]

Kudos to that considerate lady for keeping her footsteps quiet. 😃

[@tristans7153]

Hi Daniel, huge respect for what you are doing by speaking out and showing the west the real China. It’s a hard work! I am pretty sure that you are not alone. I follow you not only because you are “pro-China “ but also you simply speak the truth just like the previous content that addressed the discrimination issue in Guangzhou. Please keep doing what you are doing. Really hope I can meet you at your beer pub one day. Best wishes for you and your family from Melbourne 👍

[@thermo_123]

Hi! Thanks for the great interview. I am from northwest China and now currently studying in Tx, I never being in Hong Kong, but there are some writers I like are from Hong Kong, I read their understanding as being a HKer, and from my point of view I thought HK people are really into politics. I kinda got mad and frustrated in the middle of interview finding out actually (maybe) the normal General people in HK actually don’t give a sh*t what’s going on and what they can do about it instead of trying to maintain their own lifestyle lol! Yet I think in the end of the day as the old saying was 百姓根本不在乎谁在执政，只要能吃能喝过得开心就行。只有真正日子过不下去的时候，人才会反啊！Thus I think as a mainland Chinese, what I really find those youngsters HK protesters funny when they are yelling a revolution is that, I think for revolution it is common sense in mainland China that blood and lives sacrifices are gonna be made, but the young HKers don’t have that common sense. No very detailed what kind of HK they want to accomplish after independent and no exact reason why they are against the central gov instead of a very fragile argument of losing a western style freedom. Just my point of view!

[@jingxinliu2010]

Highly respect to Daniel! Thank you so much for being honest and speaking up truth about China. Because there're so many HKers like Eric, they enjoy the benefits from the Mainland China but keep silent to the anti-China HKers. And that encouraged those protests/riots becoming more and more violence and it's continuing ....

[@user-be1yl3bs3t]

They just want earn the money, but in the other side anti and blame the China and Chinese.

[@Michael-kv9pp]

He is not anti Chinese... Watch his TED talk

[@sharkamov]

Thanks for uploading this very interesting talk (with my namesake!) Daniel! What an exquisitely interesting country, today it's a world apart from the China I visited in the mid-70's. Gee, I wish I was fluent in Chinese ('standard' version), what a _place_ to explore! . . . . (PS: You got yourself a brand new sub - from Norway! 👍 )

[@user-it8gk3ke7h]

great podcast Dan!

[@haojiang2928]

A slow motion lady just sneak out behind you guys😂🤣

[@bingx3044]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@user-yu4bb6cs5e]

I trust mirror is strong statement. Hitting the heart.

[@angelbaby373]

Don’t be frustrated. We’re always here to support you. And there are 1.4 billion people behind us.

[@Michael-kv9pp]

Eric was on TED talk and did a fantastic presentation...standing ovation from the crowd.

[@DanielDumbrill]

Different Eric, lol, but now that you mention it, they do look very similar

[@Amidat]

Good interview. It is interesting that you ask your friend why he's proud to be Chinese. The reality is that prior to the late 1980's Hong Kong people called themselves Chinese even though they were under the British. There was no confusion then. They may not have been proud about the state the mainland was in - but they firmly called themselves Chinese. Now things are almost the opposite. The world is strange isn't it...??

[@Amidat]

@Lee Roy yes understood. the older generation can't compete with western propaganda. it's sad.

[@olivialou990]

Hey Daniel, I recently became a fan of your videos and a new subscriber. This interview sort of resonates with me on many levels. I know a lot of HK people who live in SZ/SH, earning good salaries and enjoying their lives, however they are still very supportive of the HK 'pro-democracy' protestors. I just don't get it, they do NOT need to necessarily defend the gov but even to just admit life isn't so bad in the mainland is hard for them. They are enjoying huge amount of subsidies/special treatments for living/working in the mainland, but they still secretly hate it. No one is forcing you here! If you hate it / be ashamed of it so much, why not go back?????? This just boggles with my mind.

[@user-up4ze5fs2q]

According to my understanding, they will get better benefits if they support those people. When the government compares them to those HK losers, they look like a great citizen. Good Children get more candy, bro.

[@user-tm3ii3db2x]

有一句话：anti-china是工作，living in china是生活

[@aklee123]

Thank you Daniel for your efforts...Jia Yu! The world needs more people who are fair n balanced n who stick with truths. Thanks much!

[@nigelcowie6883]

Really interesting, thanks for posting.

[@limonmon7378]

I can give up Hong Kong , but not China

[@kezia9694]

Eric was a great guest and stated several times that he isn't into politics. It would have been interesting to hear more of his stories on how China and HK have rapidly changed and grown over the years. I don't understand why Daniel didn't push the conversation in that direction rather than always trying to push generalised, simplified and negative views that he thinks HK people hold. If he wants to have that conversation he should invite someone who also wants that conversation.

[@alangilmour1341]

Hi Daniel. I sat thru your interesting Podcast. Hong Kong was my first impression of China, when I spent a few days with my parents (as a kid in the 70's). It was really interesting to hear Erics' opinion as a Hong Konger who lived in "both" periods. (Before and after '97) Either its a coincidence that you two have been neighbours 3 times or he is following you ;-) What I kept from your discussion (apart from watching the movie "a great year") , if you distrust China & you feel that your liberties will be taken away from you....just go to Shenzhen. Great one. And the 2nd "You seem to be very inarticulated" .... or speechless. Great one. I enjoyed every second of the Podcast. Don't know how you managed it, as I usually fall asleep after 10 mins.of any podcast.. Keep them coming. Take care & stay healthy.

[@xtownlil9082]

I really appreciate your content !

[@itpiao]

Unlike others who are blind of all the things happening out there, you tell the truth. We are so proud of having a wumao like you! Jiayou.

[@ericyangyx]

Thanks daniel for this interview. But eric seems not sharing much of his thoughts or perspectives or his views. Nor his analysis and understanding of the current status. Instead you talked and shared more. Hopefully interviewees can give more inputs.

[@jyashin]

Business must be booming for Daniel :) His video equipment seems to have received several notable quality upgrades since March.

[@dionydonny]

this business man looks excatly as a friend of mine. also a business man. humble, but you can not ignore any words out of his mouth. he is trustworthy.

[@walterkooy1307]

I am surprised that you are surprised that politics are not an important subject to talk about in China and Chinese culture. They don’t look for confrontations but common grounds.

[@Wangshu1006]

I can hardly agree with you on politics are not an important subject. Chinese people actually love to talk about politics and trashing about public figures(especially after drunk). The thing is that the society is not divided. The conversion won't go to the place that you can not stay in same room with each other. After all it is an opinion instead of believe.

[@walterkooy1307]

She Yu you made my point. Children and drunk people speak the truth. A well thinking person will avoid controversial subjects in China. Conversation might turn into discussion. Been here for the last 17 years.

[@Wangshu1006]

@@walterkooy1307 I mean it is an important subject. Just at what situation that they talk about it. If you know beijing Taxi drivers, the only thing they talk about are politics.

[@walterkooy1307]

She Yu sure they do, because the risk of negative consequences is very low and there is no long lasting relationship. But would you criticize the government in front of your boss? I don’t think so. This was an interview on KZbin, so very public. Off course he is not saying anything controversial which can have to potential to harm him in any way.

[@Wangshu1006]

@@walterkooy1307 well, I never had a boss in China thus I guess I cannot speak from my experience. I would say depends on how close you are with your boss. But surely no one would start a conversation with politics.

[@Senng3d]

How old is this guys? need it for the context about the period he was talking about

[@seasonedpeople5472]

He should in his late fifties to early sixties. I am 65 this year. I don't look that much older than him. You'll be surprised how young to a Caucasians a Chinese can be.

[@wingshek2614]

The period he is talking about paying the postman is pre-70s before the formation of ICAC. And from what I hear, back in those days, everyone is at it. Even nuns in Catholic schools take brides as well!

[@Reporterfy]

great concept daniel

[@YP-yu1ge]

38:46 "That's why I'm doing something about it at least." Daniel, big thank you for doing this tough job 👍

[@lostnfun]

Am I the only one distracted by the slow motion background? Lol

[@stevenle8517]

She is sneaking out of the house.

[@Jackbyl]

haha... I'm sure you are not alone!

[@williambenedictalava2634]

Sneak 100

[@tinyhowie]

She should have used a cardboard box.

[@hysokaxvinsmoke4489]

No booze no talking show... Very Chinese way! Lol Boozed up 60 mins. Good job

[@speedstriker]

As a possible future topic Daniel, why do you think the LegCo wasn't able to introduce a own security bill for Hong Kong? Do you think it was unfortunate that the NPC had to step in and do it for them?

[@justc3863]

Shoutout from T.O. Great videos! Thanks for telling the truth about China 🇨🇳. Keep up the good work.

[@tanjim4487]

He isn't really chatty,is he? i guess in front of cameras it's different. I wish you could get another Eric, Eric Li on your podcast

[@olivialou990]

YES, get Eric LI on the channel!!!

[@unifieddynasty]

I like the pragmatic philosophy of Eric. Realistically, the vast majority of Chinese people, Hong Kongers included, would tangibly benefit from China's growth trajectory. The freedom to vote is as inconsequential to them as it is to the homeless person living below an American overpass.

[@theolich4384]

It was the same approach shared by Deng Xiaoping and that generation of Chinese people. China reformed, opened up, and flourished. Sadly though...everyone's been taking the big, downward, populist turn toward nationalism, and the Chinese (youth in particular who have never experienced the hardship back then - not unlike their counterparts in Hong Kong) is no exception.

[@jiamingmao4527]

Daniel, what you are doing is really noble, balancing the uneven narratives between China and the West. I think the reason why a lot of mainland Chinese are less prone to speak up is that our identities naturally discredit us in the eyes of Westerners and Hong Kongers. A Chinese youtuber who does the same thing you do will probably have much less influence. It is sad but it's true, which is why I really appreciate what you do.

[@hellonleo483]

Great talk，two logical and smart people

[@yky6835]

40:40 食飯 this is the Chinese words that he is talking about 食=eat 飯=rice (but it contains 食=eat and 反= against, rebel, or in this case is riots). To ordinary Chinese folks, 民以食為天 meaning that regular people are always putting eat/foods first, as a living human being. It is only when the government or governance are so bad that people can't eat or have foods on their table, that's when people riots (because飯 lose the 食=eat is 反=gainst/riot)。 But we are living in a peaceful times, especially Hong Kong isn't a backwards place but a pretty modern city, so all these "freedom fighting" BS is just ridiculous. I don't disagree that there are problems ( especially living problem, like people live in those bunker bed or small room inside one unit). But, calling it no freedom? That's just bullshit. Hong Kong folks can scold a cop for however long they want when the cop pull them over for a traffic ticket, and the police can't do sbit about it. Here in America, I dare you to try it.

[@lynth]

"I don't disagree that there are problems ( especially living problem, like people live in those bunker bed or small room inside one unit)." Haha, but that would be a problem they could solve by adopting communism! The people who want Hong Kong to become a Western country hate communism!

[@yky6835]

@@lynth that problem exists for a very long time , ever since the British was still the governance of Hong Kong, and they didn't even care to fix it.

[@michaelliu4773]

If this protest was happening in us, those American police would shoot them to death.

[@sayit2198]

@@michaelliu4773 why would these protest happen in USA? USA don't hate each other.

[@yky6835]

@@sayit2198 What he meant is that if the same kind of protests/riot happen in the US, police will open fire. Matter of fact, while I don't know if any police open fire or not, but the US did moved in the national guard to replace the police a few back when a protest happened in a town ( Baltimore ).

[@natureaiaiai880]

i visited Hongkong 3years ago. the people there are very jealousy of inner land's fast growth. it is funny

[@annie4963]

They couldn't catch up, then they destroy it.

[@newtongsm]

That ok me su gung but some mainlanders don’t behavior in proper manner push people talk loud since I live in Shenzhen and hongkong also but is human nature of other person progress to get Jeolous

[@alinazang6651]

They're jealous because they think they're entitled to success, and think that because they assume they're superior. This is just another form of racism. HK is in great need of social reform.

[@mewhy826]

They can’t even supply themselves with water 😂 if Shenzhen cut off the water supplies 😂😂😂

[@jameslee2465]

They had a sense of psychological superiority many years ago when China mainland was poor, but lost this sense now.

[@jisiu5495]

Nice interview. hope to visit your bar in SZ soon!

[@dragonfly02490]

Thank you Daniel for doing something about it...

[@brainwashington1332]

LOL the maid silent crept across the room in the background 4:39

[@AmelieZh]

his wife I think, not maid.

[@shaoxinran]

Amélie Zh No, his wife is more petite.

[@CharlieLinCN]

At 4:50ish you can see a woman coming into the scene tiptoeing (to avoid making any noises) to get her helmet and handbag, a typical example of Chinese manners, respect!

[@shiwang7666]

Funny to see Eric's facial expression when Daniel says "I don't want to get to politics" but actually go deep

[@TOPouw]

I walk across the Lowu bridge in 1972. Coming to Kowloon was a real culture shock.

[@LD-gp5hm]

I'm a mainlander studying in the US. I feel Hong Kong is such a strange place nowadays that they have conserved most Chinese traditions, but they don't want to admit they’re Chinese. While most HongKongers have never been to the US and they have such a fantasy about American culture. I feel if they have really been here, they would never hold an American flag on HongKong Street anymore. 🤣

[@sbloh8106]

🤣🤣🤣🍻

[@kleobabyerma7549]

yeah， I am mainlander who grew up here. Dont know anything about chinese history until recently. 我喜欢看穿越小说，不过书龄大了后就只看男频了. 看男频穿越时候学了很多， 因为作者每次说了好多典故. 让我震撼的入门小说 秦吏， 汉阙 by 七月新番. Nowadays what I see on the news is so biased that all lies become truths because everybody tells it. If you dare say anything good about China, you’re either a ccp bot, paid by the ccp, or your brainwashed. Gesh, I grew up here, how would they brainwash me. For mainlanders studying abroad, they end up liking their country more. How strange is that compared to North Koreans that got in contact with the western world. All they wanted to do is escape, do you see the same reaction with the Chinese. The Chinese students knows what’s going on I their country and how the western society is like. Of course Chinese government did some shady stuff, I wouldn’t expect any government to not be shady.

[@limonmon7378]

香港國安法將成立, 太好了, 香港將回復平靜

[@htlow3598]

Daniel, your friend is a very difficult to interview. His short (usually a single word) answer makes hard work.

[@Jackbyl]

A note for non-Chinese viewers who are wondering about what Eric is talking about with the character. 飯, the part on the left 食 means 'food' or 'to eat', and the part on the right means to 'rise against'. So the saying goes 'when you have things to eat, you won't rise against the authorities', or those who do rise up because they don't have enough to eat.

[@skipleapfrog9874]

Finally finished watching. Daniel's guest: '..I don't really want to talk, don't want to debate, don't want to express my opinion...' Ahhh, so intellectualy brave. Now, run along and go chase some money.

[@ClouDistrict31]

Ironically, when you tried to be sarcastic you actually hit the jackpot. It is intellectually brave to not want to debate useless ideals and focus on the one's career. Still, kudos for watching the whole thing just to try so desperately to find an argument against him.

[@limonmon7378]

其實也不對, 我父親是做工程的, 當年已有ICAC, 但國際工程公司某些負責人員依然要我父親給好處才做嘢, 否則拖延

[@treez.9917]

what a impressive conversation

[@ywdq9721]

My friend went to China for family reason and then returned back to Canada. She was escorted to the quarantine hotel in Shanghai and stayed there for 2 weeks which cost her about 3300 RMB ($650) including 3 meals per day. When she returned to Toronto. She had to find a cab to go to the hotel which cost her $1000 for 2 nights until her negative test results coming back. She said it depends on the individuals to follow the government COVID rules. She believes there are travellers that go straight home. She also complained about the expensive hotel costs.

[@dianakanlee]

38:00 Jackson Wang is also another person born in HK and is very happy to be Chinese, but he doesn't really get political too 😊

[@dianakanlee]

@@ThomasWong54 uhm... I don't see Jackson overcompensating on being Chinese? He's just not afraid to say it. JJ Lin also? Maybe a lot of people on Twitter who's ancestors immigtated to the US, yes? However, I don't really understand why you're upset about people whose ancestors got taken away by colonial powers, like Jackson, saying they're Chinese? From my personal experience (新加坡华人, 福建＋香港后代), racism never made me more proud to be Chinese.. It made me realise how important the preservation and existence of my blood & body, and 5000 years of Chinese civilisation and culture is, but I don't feel the need to go out there and convince people, I just need to embrace it. In terms of war, I would do what it takes to preserve the existence of my ancestral home and the diverse culture and people who live on it, as well as our ancestral wisdom... But that's beside your point I guess? I'm not sure who you mean by "westernised", because the way I see it, my ancestors were stolen or made into coolies and then forced to survive in a British system.... So I'm just curious who or what it is you're upset about?

[@dianakanlee]

@@ThomasWong54 *immigration. Also Jackson's mom is Shanghainese?

[@alexzhong2002]

Highlight: A masked lady sneaked in and out on helmet.

[@user-xu6sb6ix1g]

Exactly. And the way she tried to make any noise is very cute......

[@dejavue3013]

Dan could you also upload your brilliant videos to Bilibili? Particularly those concerning HK etc. Thanks for your amazing work!

[@mi2-c035]

Just putting things in context: - When he says no mainland people in HK at the time, keep in mind mainland China was extremely poor (Shenzhen was literally a meadow) and very restricted, while HK was thriving. - When he says HK was a town back in the british colony, for those days that was still a huge town, go check that town HK in the 60s, there is footage on KZbin. - As for the foreigners, again, at the time it was a lot more difficult and expensive to travel for anyone, right now you can book everything from your phone in 2 seconds.

[@limonmon7378]

Really , I don't like Japan, I love to travell in China & Thailand

[@user-fw1qr3ui4p]

I like japan,china,thailand😁

[@jagdpanther2224]

Those who dont like to live in Hong Kong now can LEAVE this city forever!

[@BenjiSun]

i wish you had asked about the time frame of that travel to Dongmen... his experiences using currency for foreigners (the FEC or wai-hui), and white rice was only available to foreigner tourists and local officials, many regular Chinese were only allowed to eat unrefined brown rice.

[@chinanhuang4870]

You are misleading people who don't know about Planned Economy period of China. In that period of time, everybody needed coupons or tickets to buy almost everything, like meat coupons(tickets), grain coupons(tickets), cloth coupons, even bicycle tickets and television tickets etc. For the grain coupons, there were fine grain coupons (which include what you said white rice and white flour) and coarse grain coupons. The government distributed these coupons based on age, gender, job categories and skill level and so on. Everybody had fine grain coupons to buy white rice or white flour, but tended not to. Fine grain was kind of expensive. People used fine grain coupons to exchange money or other coupons they need. You also misunderstand the Foreign exchange certificate. That was not currency (money). These certificates were used in special stores for those luxurious goods that ordinary Chinese could not buy.

[@BenjiSun]

@@chinanhuang4870 thanks for the detailed explanation. i have not had the chance to use it so i have very little info on it. not trying to mislead anyone, just wanted to know more.

[@kimseonglau7956]

This is s very good guest.Should have more interviews with him on other subjects.