Opinion | Like Hong Kong, the United States must learn this lesson: Corrosive politics breeds hatred

But the modern political environment is increasingly characterized by partisan posturing, media spectacle and a focus on short-term gains, rather than meaningful political dialogue or proposing solutions to the country’s problems.

THE assassination attempt Donald Trump’s announcement at the Pennsylvania rally shocked everyone. Afterward, both political camps called for calm. Yet, a few days later, vitriolic rhetoric, demonization and personal attacks returned to the campaign.

In a society grappling with violent crime and mass shootings, a history Despite the political violence, assassinations, and intense political divisions that took place that afternoon, the tragic events that unfolded that afternoon are unfortunately not entirely surprising. Yet Democrats and Republicans alike continue to denounce this act as un-American.

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Even with an event as heinous as an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate and a former president, the New York Post couldn’t seem to miss an opportunity to spread a false narrative about China. It published an article online report claiming that the attacker was identified as Chinese, which is false.

The Committee of 100, a nonprofit organization that aims to encourage constructive dialogue and promote the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life, immediately highlighted the harm done to Chinese and Asian American communities.

I have experienced competition and rivalry in politics. I understand how tense and stressful situations can become, especially in an election race. I was Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s wife campaign manager when she ran for the position of CEO.

I also remember the race for the CEO position in 2012. Leung Chun-ying, Henry Tang Ying-yen and Albert Ho Chun-yan were competing for the position. Scandalsdirty tactics and smear tainted the campaign. This was an unprecedented situation in Hong Kong at the time.

Recognizing the public’s desire for humor and escapism, a local designer seized the opportunity and created figurines depicting two of the city’s political rivals. The figurines were designed to interpret a selection of their most memorable quotes, reflecting the public’s appetite for satirical and ironic depictions of the city’s political drama.

Chief executives candidates (from left) Albert Ho, Henry Tang and Leung Chun-ying attend an environmental policy forum for the first time ever at City University in Kowloon Tong on March 3, 2012. — Candidates for the post of director-general (from left) Albert Ho, Henry Tang and Leung Chun-ying attend a forum on environmental policy for the first time at City University of Kowloon Tong on March 3, 2012.

Even in China, there can be strong internal competition within the political system. But once the final decision is made, the party presents a coherent voice that reflects unity and consensus, even if there were disagreements and difficult negotiations before getting there.

Unfortunately, the divisive and demonizing nature of politics in many countries prevents competent people, especially the younger generations, from entering the political arena.

But I fear above all that we are creating deep-rooted hatred between different ideological parties. The inability or unwillingness to engage in genuine dialogue, to compromise and to recognize common interests across partisan divides can foster an environment conducive to radicalization.

The violent ones storming of the united states capitol The example of state building in 2021 is a striking example of how the degradation of democratic norms and the demonization of political opponents can have catastrophic consequences. When citizens view their fellow citizens as mortal enemies rather than as actors in the political process, the risk of political violence increases dramatically.

We experienced something similar in Hong Kong in 2019, when many young people took to the streets to commit acts of violence, and we saw a breakdown of civil society.

While citizens may disagree with some policies, the opposition demonized China, which was not a constructive approach. It further polarized social divisions and prompted some protesters to target mainland Chinese nationals or those sympathetic to Beijing.

Ultimately, restoring a sense of common purpose and recognizing our common humanity, despite ideological differences, may be crucial to strengthening the resilience of democratic governance. Only then can we hope to attract the brightest minds to public service and prevent the descent into the abyss of political violence.

Bernard Chan is a Hong Kong businessman And former President of the Executive Council