Recently, quite a number of demonstrators in Hong Kong were seen to be wearing V masks (the mask worn by the V in the movie “V for Vendetta”) during protests. They participated in the demonstrations in anonymous identity, and even engaged in fierce protest. In this issue, Prof. Daniel Shek of PolyU’s Department of Applied Social Sciences will share with us his views on this social phenomenon.   

1. Please share your insight on the social phenomenon which demonstrators wear V masks during protests.

This is not a social phenomenon unique to Hong Kong. If we look at demonstrations in other parts of the world, fierce engagement is commonly involved. The wearing of V masks can capture public and media attention. It also gives the demonstrators new identities such as liberators and fighters.

2. What is the symbolic meaning of wearing V masks while participating in social movement?

There may be different reasons for the participants to wear V masks. First, they may wear V masks because of fun. It is just like going to a carnival. Secondly, they may wear V masks because of ambivalence. That is, they wish to protest but they have the fear that they will be identified. Thirdly, they wish to establish a new identity which is characterized by justice and supernatural power. By adopting this identity, they can then “judge” the Government or even fight against the Government to liberate the oppressed people. Lastly, I believe that a few of them wear V masks to avoid being identified and caught if they do something unlawful.

3.   Some people think that demonstrators wearing V masks actually hoped that the police cannot identify or testify them against their violence act or breaking the law. In fact, some European and American countries have legislation to ban demonstrators from wearing masks during rallies and demonstrations. What is your view?

For fairness, law and order reasons, I support the view that we should have legislation to ban demonstrators from wearing masks during rallies and demonstrations. Besides, it is noteworthy that as wearing masks will increase the sense of “anonymity” of the demonstrators, the probability of having violence will increase.

4. Recently, a group of middle-class people initiated a “911 Anti-violence Ribbon Campaign”, condemning violence and calling for rational expression of opinions. Please share your views on this move.

I think it is perfectly legitimate to express different opinions. Basically, violence should not be tolerated in demonstrations as it will lead to more violence and crimes. Besides, the quest for rational expressions of opinions is important. When one is too emotional, he/she will say or do things that are impulsive. Rational expression of opinions has been the cornerstone of Western democracy in the past few centuries.

5. Hong Kong has always been a pluralistic society. Nowadays, people express their views and demands in many different forms. Will this urge the Government to actively deal with social issues or deepen social conflicts instead?

I think it is a good phenomenon that more and more people openly express their ideas. While it may give an impression that there is too much noise in society, it helps to surface and release the deep-seated discontent. Whether it will lead to deepened social conflicts depends on how the Government reacts and channels such negative emotions.