The rise of localism in Hong Kong : a study of discursive formation

Abstract

This research adopts a post-structuralist approach based on the theory of discourse to study the discursive formation of localism in Hong Kong. Utilizing the discourse theory of Ernest Laclau and Chantel Mouffe and the discourse-analytical tools of Louise Phillips and Marianne Jørgensen, it studies the change in the hegemonic discourse on Chinese nationalism constructed by the party-state and the antagonistic discourses constructed by the traditional pro democracy groups of Hong Kong. The discursive construction of the identity of Hong Kongers by the Chinese party-state and the pro democracy camp as well as the events leading to its resulting dislocation will be traced and linked to the rise of localism. The history of Hong Kong as a British colony began as a fishing village without a significant pre-colonial past, subsequently developing into a metropolitan global city, and transitioning to a special administrative region of China. Hong Kong has always been seen as a temporary residence and stepping stone for a large population of refugees, expatriates and immigrants. The handover is often described as the "reunification" of a city long separated from the "motherland". However, culturally and politically, Hong Kong Chinese are different from mainland Chinese despite their common ethnicity. The handover has failed to unify Hong Kong Chinese and Mainlanders. Instead, conflicts and differences have arisen that shook the political identity of Hong Kong people. Contrary to general expectation, greater integration and more economic interaction with the mainland have not raised Hong Kongers' identification as Chinese. Rather, a localist movement has developed. There is even support of separatism. This blossoming localism with the formation of a new political identity as Hong Konger is unprecedented. According to the Public Opinion Programme, The University of Hong Kong, there has been a significant increase in interviewees identifying themselves as Hong Konger over Chinese, particularly from 2008 onwards. The myth of China as a strong nation is in contradiction with the dislocatory factors and reality. The undermined principle of One Country Two Systems and the value of civil liberties embedded in the identity of Hong Kong people have generated a ground for the search of a new identity and the rise of localism. Localisms in other parts of the world such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, Quebec, Scotland and Taiwan have shared the same dislocation of local identity, failed representation by the central government, and deprived civil elements built on civic nationalism. Localism and the subjectivity that emerged are the results of dislocated Hong Kong identity. The four major localistic discourses include the discourse on heritage preservation, the reconstruction of Hong Kong identity amid Hong Kong-China conflict, the discourse of self-determination and the discourse of independence. The Umbrella Revolution in 2014, the Fishball Revolution and the disqualification of localist Legislative Councilors in 2016, and the latest social movements on anti-extradition legislation in 2019 have each witnessed further encroachment from the party state, intensifying the conflict between Hong Kong and mainland China.