Desiring Hong Kong, Consuming South China

Book excerpt: This is a study of the complex and changing cultural patterns in Hong Kong’s relationship with the neighbouring mainland. From interviews, TV dramas, media representations and other sources, it traces the fading of Hong Kong’s once-influential position as a role model for less developed mainland cities and explores changing perceptions as China grows in confidence and Hong Kong encounters a powerful nation culture in the mainland. Part One (‘Desiring Hong Kong’) examines the history of cross-border relations and movements from the 1970s, focusing on Hong Kong as an object of desire for people in South China. Part Two (‘Consuming South China’), moves to the turn of the century, when, despite increased communications and a ‘disappearing border’, Hong Kong is no longer a powerful role model; it nevertheless continues to be a resourceful node in the chain of global capitalism. This is a timely and provocative discussion of a topical issue, and one written in an approachable style using lively case studies. In contrast with the popular theorization that Hong Kong shows her true colour in “the politics of disappearance”, this book argues that Hong Kong returns with a politics of reappearance in a dense network of ‘fear and excitement’, differentiating and assimilating with the mainland at the same time. It will be of interest to scholars and students in cultural studies, political science, sociology and cultural geography. It will also have some general appeal to policy-makers, journalists, and the concerned public.