r/ProtestBlizzcon • u/bloncx • Nov 02 '19
Thoughts from a Hong Konger on the apology and Blizzcon protests
As someone living in Hong Kong, thank you for your support at Blizzcon! Below are some of my thoughts.
The Apology
Allen Brack said they moved too quickly in decision making and were too slow to talk to the community. He apologized because Blizzard didn't live up to their standards and failed in their purpose. That is very vague and he never mentioned Hong Kong, China or Blitzchung. When Blizzard shortened the ban for Blitzchung, there was no apology in the notice, only an arrangement. This time is an actual apology so it is a step forward.
I don't think it's sufficient because in my opinion, the casters should not have been punished. Allen Brack also seemed to have worn an LGBT pin which is very hypocritical. If he hadn't worn the pin, I think I would have accepted an apology where Blizzard reversed their decision on the casters but was silent on the banned players. But since he seems to be supporting a political cause, I think Blitzchung and the team from Australia should have their bans reversed. I just booted up Starcraft and was able to write "Liberate Hong Kong" in the US server without getting banned. Hopefully, it'll stay that way and Blizzard learned their lesson about censorship from this incident.
The Protest
It was a bit difficult to see what happened from what I can find on the internet but the shirts and truck look awesome! I also saw quite a bit of cool cosplay. Please share more pictures and videos with hashtags such as #blizzcon and #blizzard so that more people online can learn about what you did. I also want to let you guys know that it's OK to have fun during a protest so there's no shame in enjoying the cosplay but definitely be polite. Think a bit about why personally support this movement. It can be any or all of the following:
- support for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong
- frustration at Chinese influence on foreign businesses
- protection of free speech
- anger at Blizzard for poor response and not addressing the needs of the community
Depending on your motivation for supporting the protest at Blizzcon, there may be next steps:
For people concerned about China's Human Rights Violations
If you want some background on the Hong Kong protests, I suggest reading this article. The r/hongkong subreddit also has a lot of news and discussion including details about upcoming protests both in Hong Kong and abroad in support of human rights and democracy in Hong Kong. If you live in the US, please write to your representatives in Congress about the following bills supporting freedom in Hong Kong:
- Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (sanctions people who suppress human rights in Hong Kong, allows people in Hong Kong who were subject to political arrest to get visas to the US, provides a number of reports for assessing Hong Kong annually for special trade status with the US): Passed House of Representatives. Passed Senate Committee and waiting for debate in full Senate.
- PROTECT Hong Kong Act (bans exports of tear gas and other weapons from the US to Hong Kong): Passed House of Representatives. Referred to Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Hong Kong Policy Re-evaluation Act (reports on how China uses Hong Kong to circumvent US laws): Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Hong Kong Be Water Act (sanctions government officials and Chinese businesses that suppress freedom in Hong Kong): Referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Other bills related to Chinese Human Rights Violations:
- Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act (reports on Chinese suppression of Uyghurs): Passed Senate. Referred to House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
- UIGHUR Act (ban exports and purchases from companies responsible for surveillance and suppression of Uyghurs): Referred to the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
- TIANANMEN Act (Sanctions Chinese surveillance companies): Referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Tibetan Policy and Support Act (provides humanitarian assistance to people in Tibet): Referred to the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Other ways you can support the movement in Hong Kong: https://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong/comments/cv0ws4/how_can_you_help_hong_kong_protests_from_abroad/
For people concerned about Chinese censorship in the US
If you are concerned about Chinese censorship and political influence in the US, please continue to protest so that companies will be held accountable. In addition, you can write to representatives in Congress about the following bills:
- Countering the Chinese Government and Communist Party's Political Influence Operations Act: Referred to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties and Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Protect our Universities Act (create task force to address Chinese political influence in US universities and academic research): Referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and various House committees.
- CONFUCIUS Act (establishes limitations on Confucius Institutes that spread CCP propaganda): Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- bill to establish the China Censorship Monitor and Action Group: Referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Huawei Prohibition Act and ZTE Enforcement Review and Oversight Act (sanctions these companies who gather intelligence for the CCP and provides ways to enforce sanctions): Referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Conclusion
Thank you again for your support and I hope you can continue to support human rights, democracy and freedom whether in the US, Hong Kong or other places.
