Your Voice: Modest fashion gains momentum, pet abandonment crisis (long letters)
This week, students talk about the challenges Hong Kong teens face finding modest clothing and how the number of stray animals is rising in the city each year.
Modest fashion is rising globally, promoting inclusivity and cultural respect. Photo: Shutterstock Have something to say? Send us a letter using this form.
Rise of modest clothing
Amina Seyd, HHCKLA Buddhist Leung Chik Wai College
Modest fashion, which emphasises clothing that covers the body while remaining stylish, is not just a trend but a movement that promotes inclusivity, self-expression and cultural respect.
In Hong Kong, where fashion trends are heavily influenced by global and regional styles, teens who dress modestly often struggle to find clothing that aligns with their cultural or religious values.
Many mainstream brands prioritise revealing or form-fitting designs, leaving modest dressers with limited options.
This can lead to feelings of exclusion and frustration as these teens are forced to compromise between their identity and societal fashion norms.
Research shows that clothing plays a crucial role in self-esteem and social integration among adolescents.
A study on Hong Kong teens, conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong, revealed that a higher socioeconomic status often correlates with greater experimentation in fashion. However, modest dressers, regardless of their background, often face barriers in expressing themselves through clothing.
This lack of representation can make them feel invisible or misunderstood in a city known for its vibrant fashion scene.
The rise of modest fashion globally, however, offers hope. Brands like Uniqlo and H&M have introduced hijabs and modest collections.
Events like Modest Fashion Weeks, held in various parts of the world, have gained traction in cities like London and Dubai.
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These developments show that modest fashion is a niche market and a growing industry valued at over US$484 billion (HK$3.76 trillion), according to the textbook, The Garment Economy. As a global hub, Hong Kong has the opportunity to embrace this movement and cater to the needs of its diverse population.
Promoting modest fashion in Hong Kong is not just about clothing; it is about fostering inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity. By offering more modest options, brands can empower teens to express their identity confidently.
Schools and communities can also play a role by encouraging discussions about cultural sensitivity and the importance of representation in fashion.
In conclusion, modest fashion is more than a style choice – it is a way to celebrate diversity and empower teens to stay true to themselves.
No animal cruelty, please
Kathy Kwong, St Paul’s Secondary School
I want to emphasise that the abandonment of pets has serious consequences for both the animals and society. It is heartbreaking to see stray dogs wandering the streets alone.
The increase in pet abandonment has led to a rising number of stray dogs and cats in Hong Kong, highlighting a serious issue. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) manages between 5,000 and 7,000 stray dogs each year. In 2011, they handled 5,800 stray dogs and 3,557 stray cats. If these animals cannot find new homes, they are put down.
There are many abandoned dogs and cats, and the housing situation is a major reason for this issue. In Hong Kong, homes tend to be small and lack sufficient space for pets. As a result, some pet owners are unwilling to take on the responsibility of caring for their animals and choose to abandon them irresponsibly. I have witnessed the suffering of these abandoned pets, many of whom end up in rescue organisations.
The abandonment of pets raises significant ethical concerns and issues of compassion. Pet owners have a responsibility to care for their animals. When they abandon them, it can lead to the suffering or even death of these pets due to changes in their environment and difficulties in finding food. This issue extends beyond individual pet owners; it reflects a broader societal responsibility. Abandonment increases the workload for animal organisations, such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which often struggle to care for the many animals they receive.
This issue also poses serious health risks, as abandoned pets may spread diseases and create hazards on the roads. They can disrupt traffic and may even cause accidents or injuries due to wandering without supervision.
As a community, we have the power to address the issue of pet abandonment. Related organisations should organise workshops, talks, or programmes for schools and the public. These initiatives are crucial for educating both children and adults about the responsibilities of pet ownership. By providing this education, we can reduce the rate of pet abandonment and effectively tackle the problem. Additionally, we can encourage people to volunteer at local shelters, assisting the staff and improving the lives of the animals in their care.
Stricter regulations for abandoning pets can lower the rate of such incidents. These measures serve to penalise irresponsible actions and provide better protection for animals. Additionally, animal protection laws should be considered to ensure the safety of pets in shelters, creating a more secure environment for them until they can find new homes.
Pet abandonment is not just an individual issue; we all have the power to save these pets from being seen as “unwanted.” We should unite to support our community and help these animals in need. To address this problem, we require collective effort. By offering assistance to both pets and their owners, we can take action and make a difference now.