Abbas’s critique on the “disappearance” in Hong Kong in “Hong Kong: Culture and the politics of disappearance” intrigues me to look at our cityscape in a different way. As Hong Kong paves it’s way for urbanisation due to it’s growing prosperity, many old heritage buildings are replaced with highrise buildings. As these historic buildings are taken down, many of the original features are demolished, and replaced with only a hint of the old remnants. Abbas’s critique that how preservation is posited on the disappearance of the historical site is worthy of a note. Does a “place” still hold historical/cultural value when it is replaced with a new, modern building which serves a completely different function than it’s original function? Do modernised replicas of historical buildings still carry historical or cultural value? Can we still preserve our historical and cultural heritage sites whilst Hong Kong continues to pursue it’s economic goals? – These historical buildings should not only act as a reminder of the past, but we should embrace it, as it is our sense of identity.
Fergal Yau Wai Tse
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Excellent reflection questions posed here – you are clearly swayed by Abbas’ critical commentary on the idea of preservation. Keep it up!