Chat Time 19 - Cultural Activities in Hong Kong

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Questions

1. Do you agree that Hong Kong is a cultural desert?
   a. Hong Kong is by no means a cultural desert because many cultural events ranging from literature to fashion take place here.
   b. Hong Kong is still considered a cultural desert. There is no concert hall in Hong Kong and no permanent stage performance. Financial support for the arts comes almost entirely from the government.

2. Are most Hong Kong people interested in cultural activities?
   a. Most Hong Kong people are preoccupied with making money and are not interested in arts which do not lead to financial reward.
   b. Many Hong Kong people are interested in cultural activities as witnessed by popularity of concerts and plays and success of the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

3. How can cultural activities be promoted in Hong Kong?
   a. The government should allocate more public spaces for artistic performances or exhibitions.
   b. The government should establish more regular venues for artistic events and encourage greater public participation in cultural activities through publicity, education and provision of subsidies.

Individual Response

1. What cultural activities do you enjoy – for example, plays, dance, music or exhibitions?
   a. I enjoy listening to music because it reduces stress and keeps my mind calm. I think music can have a positive influence in our life.
   b. I enjoy watching movies as it is both amusing and relaxing. Movies also give us insights about human activities and a better understanding of people of the world.

2. Do you think cultural activities are important? Why/Why not?
  a. Cultural activities can broaden our horizons, increase our understanding of different communities and enhance our knowledge of foreign cultures.
  b. Cultural activities not only broaden our horizons but also help us gain insights into our own communities as well as the world’s diverse cultures.

3. How can cultural activities be promoted in schools?
 The school should host more cultural activities such as cultural dances, mural paintings and cultural festivals. This can give students ample opportunity to take part in cultural events.

4. If you were asked to pick two cultural activities for your classmates to enjoy, what would you choose and why?
  I would choose a visit to Hong Kong Museum of History and a live performance of Chinese folk dance. The two cultural activities will broaden students’ life experience and develop awareness and interest in the students towards their own culture.

5. Some people say that cultural activities are only of interest to a small group of people. What is your opinion?
  I think the benefits of cultural activities are increasingly recognized and the general public have ample opportunity to take part.