The semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong has recently been rocked by protests after a controversial extradition bill, which allows 'suspects' to be taken back to mainland China for questioning, has now reopened old wounds and grievances.
The former British colony, which was handed back to Chinese rule in 1997, has endured an uneasy relationship with the mainland while attempting to keep its special status in a “one country, two systems,” agreement.
Attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to further impose its will on the city have led to pro-democracy protests and civil disobedience, with activists finding their voice in the 2014 'Umbrella Movement' that occupied large parts of Hong Kong for 79 days.
Hong Kongers are now out on the streets once again, heading out in even larger numbers this time. It's estimated that around two million people, 25 percent of the population, have taken part in the protests so far, and they've forced both the local government and Beijing to rethink their stance.
However, these are no wild, violent insurrections. Hong Kongers do their protests differently! Showing unity, discipline, and respect for their city, this is an expression of peaceful people power at its finest. Something we could all learn from when facing oppressive policies from those in power.
Scroll down to check out how Hong Kongers are respectfully standing up for their civil rights, and share your thoughts in the comments!
Level Of Tidiness In Hong Kong After A Protest Of 1.3 Million People!
Level Of Tidiness In Hong Kong After A Protest Of 1.3 Million People!
Hong Kong Protestors Giving Way To Ambulance Like Crossing The Red Sea
Rayman Cheuk / USP United Social Press
Hong Kong Students Studying For Their Finals While Protesting
Exam time is coming up and while Hong Kongers need to fight for their collective autonomy, they also have to take care of their individual futures too. Combining their responsibilities to their city with their need to succeed at school, these students were able to show their support without interrupting their exam prep.
Hong Kong Protestors Cleaning Up The Field After The Protest
According to Bored Panda, notable feature of the protests has been the eagerness of those who take part to clean up after themselves. Large scale protests like these can quickly turn into riots, with more extreme elements of society taking advantage of the chaos to loot, steal and vandalize property.
These protests seem to have largely avoided this phenomenon as they are essentially self-policing, a perfect example of people looking out for each other to protect the greater good. They love their city and show it the respect it deserves, unlike recent riots in Paris, London or Athens, just to name a few.
Protesters Shield Themselves With Umbrellas Against Pepper Spray Used By The Police Outside The Government Headquarters In Hong Kong
Volunteers In Ponchos Marked With A Blue Cross, Wearing Surgical Masks And Goggles, Form A Human Wall To Protect The First Aid Area Right Outside Admiralty Station, Across The Street From The Hong Kong Central Government Offices
A Small Crowd Is Back Outside The Hong Kong Government Offices...to Clean Up The Rubbish. To Sort Out Recyclables And Unused Materials, And Clean Up The Rubbish. Incredible
We’re Hong Kong People, We’re Crazy People. There’re 2 Millions People Protesting But Still Very Disciplined
Impressive How Thoughtful And Organised These Protestors Are. Bottles Of Water Are Left Along Pavements And Other Strategic Areas So People Can Douse Themselves, And Put Out Teargas Grenades When Police Move In
Notes Of Remembrance Cover A Sidewalk Outside Pacific Place, A Luxury Mall From Which A Protester Fell To His Death Yesterday Night
Social workers set up this station for people "to commemorate a martyr, to express their feelings and emotions."
Hong Kong Press Wears Helmets, Eye Masks And Reflective Vests To Express Discontent Towards Local Police's Actions
Hong Kong Protesters Helping Journalist After Tear Gas Deployment
These Hong Kong Protesters Run Around Putting Out Fires Instead Of Starting Them
At Times Square, Causeway Bay A Guide On How To Fold Origami Lilies For Those Who'd Like To Pay Tribute To The Protester Who Fell To His Death Saturday Night
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