31-03-20
It is more than a self-consolation. Men do not have to be handsome. A charming man gets more proposals than a handsome man. Men in Hong Kong, a female-dominating society, often feel small as we may not have a face with clean-cut features such as the Japanese. We are not as tall as the Koreans. We cannot be as rich as the Mainlanders. The Taipei men are more cultural than us. We are nevertheless charming in our own Hong Kong ways. Are you ready to know why, brothers?
A young, polite, smiling, intelligent and well-educated singer and action star Andrew Pong(龐景峰) who had lived in Britain, America and Korea for a long long time comforted us that we should not feel inferior because Hong Kong men are still unique and charming. He told us when he is obviously handsome but we are not. Andrew also got other quality assurances which we did not have: a ballet dancer, Kung Fu master and ice-skating performer.
Andrew said, “Hong Kong is tiny. A lot of us study, travel or work abroad. We are proficient in Chinese, English or even a third language. Many can speak French, Japanese or even Korean. Emigration to Canada, Australia, America and Britain is a common thing here. We have plenty opportunities to an overseas network of friends and relatives who have left. The best part about Hong Kong is that it is a culturally and intellectually free zone. We can learn, think, write or talk freely, just like any western country. Unrestricted access to internet is guaranteed. Men in Hong Kong are therefore very international. We developed racial and cultural sensibility. We understand international issues and trends from more than one angle. The global outlook of Hong Kong men has made us enjoy a very special edge.”
I agreed, “In education, indoctrinating by means of an ideology, especially to imbue with a one-sided belief or point of view, is easy, efficient and productive. But, it is not the best way to instill true wisdom among the people.”
Andrew continued, “Men here also understand lifestyles and trends. We do not follow fashion trends as closely as the Japanese but we know why and how trends start in the first place. This is the beauty of us: we are never out-of-date and on the other hand, we will not become fashion victims who look silly and inappropriate. Let me give you an example. The sneakerhead culture here is very reasonable. We collect sports shoes only when they are good, not because they are expensive or garish. In many ways, Hong Kong men acquire the real and balanced taste.”
I laughed, “Super-duper! Do local men behave properly in a love relationship?”
Andrew rubbed his hands and got his vibe across, “Of course! In America, men and women prefer a loose relationship in which both are not tightly bound for an anticipated marriage. Casual dating is almost a norm so that a man’s choice of women remain wide open. Men in Hong Kong tend to be more sincere and respectful. I may say it is a better Chinese attribute. Even among the young, we, more often than not, are willing to believe that it is morally undesirable not to put some commitment in a relationship. We think real love has a lot to do with commitment.”
I was touched but sad, “At my age, true love is hard to find and commitment is hard to honour. However, I want my date to disagree with me and treat me well.”
Andrew was amused immensely, “Your reply shows the 4th kind of charm of a man in Hong Kong: a humorous way of looking at or treating something that should be serious, sad or bad.” I was flattered, “Andrew, please elaborate.” He did, “Our world famous comedian Stephen Chow (周星馳)’s selling point is called ‘zany humour’ (無厘頭幽默). The humour is composed of 4 elements: readiness to compromise, nonsensical reaction, illogical body language and funniness out of proportion. Chow is very representative of many men in Hong Kong. Our dark humour is despite the harsh reality, we should have the heart of a smart bottom dog. While we accept a very unpleasant situation, let’s make some possible ironic fun out of it. I remember when Chow was bullied in the movie, he would ridiculously dance, grimace and mock at himself. Such funny ways manage to destroy the anger of the villain who ends up with embarrassment.”
Most middle-aged people in Hong Kong live with the mentality of a ‘CFA’. They enjoy being a cynic who ‘knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing’. They enjoy cutting cost but forget the importance of investment and re-investment in a declining society like Hong Kong. The young and positive energy from Andrew Pong picks up my little head. If a man can learn the fair and realistic ways to accomplish, your dreams will never be dead!
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