On the Necessity of Ritual Sensibility in Public Protest: A Hong Kong Perspective

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is a well-written, interesting and informative paper. The blend of theoretical discussion and practical, auth-ethnographic reportage and discussion is excellent.

There is a need for a thorough proof read, as there are some minor typographical, grammatical and spelling errors. For example

• The phrase "out of manifesto" in line 208 is unclear
• Line 214 has 1 July but line 225 has I July
• Does "step-down" in line 217 mean "resignation"?
• Line 269 "rare" is the wrong word here
• Line 272 there appears to be an incomplete reference (32-33)

These are all minor points; once it has been properly proof read, this will be an excellent article.

Author Response

Thank you for your thorough reading of my paper. Kindly see below for my responses:

Point 1:

There is a need for a thorough proof read, as there are some minor typographical, grammatical and spelling errors. For example

• The phrase "out of manifesto" in line 208 is unclear
• Line 214 has 1 July but line 225 has I July
• Does "step-down" in line 217 mean "resignation"?
• Line 269 "rare" is the wrong word here
• Line 272 there appears to be an incomplete reference (32-33)

Response 1:

I have undertaken a thorough proofread and made necessary corrections. For line 208, it refers to the recitation of the manifesto, and I have changed the wording accordingly. For line 217, it does mean "resignation," and "resignation" should be a better word. For line 225, I have corrected the typography. For line 269, it should be "rear." For line 272, it refers to the same source of the previous citation in the same paragraph (i.e. Chan 2017).

Reviewer 2 Report

This article offers important and valuable insights into the democracy protest movement in Hong Kong. The author provides a well-thought out examination of the ritual of protest, utilising the consciousness of a native Hong Kong citizen combined with the rigour of academic analysis.

The author confirms effectively the underlying Confucian philosophy of the ritualised protest. The author argues that despite perceived failures of the movement, it is necessary to maintain that fundamental “xingli ruyi” (ritual sensibility), the essence of which gives energy and vitality to the protest movement. The author rejects abandoning this principle and moving towards violent action, as it is this ritual sensibility which provides a long-term vision of success that ultimately ensures the continuation of the process and long march towards democratic rights and freedom.

The author could further develop a commonality with his/her analysis and Christianity, whereby the people anticipate the fulfilment of a long-term vision. For Christians, it is Christ prevailing through his love and the fulfilment of the apocalyptic vision. For the people of Hong Kong, it is the long awaited enshrinement of democratic rights and freedoms into law. Within the link between the Confucian mindset of xingli ruyi with an apocalyptic vision lays a new sociological approach that the author could explore for his/her research.

It will act as a reference point for democracy in Hong Kong.

Author Response

Point 1: The author confirms effectively the underlying Confucian philosophy of the ritualised protest. The author argues that despite perceived failures of the movement, it is necessary to maintain that fundamental “xingli ruyi” (ritual sensibility), the essence of which gives energy and vitality to the protest movement. The author rejects abandoning this principle and moving towards violent action, as it is this ritual sensibility which provides a long-term vision of success that ultimately ensures the continuation of the process and long march towards democratic rights and freedom.

Response 1: Thank you for your appreciation of my article and your succinct summary of my main arguments.

Point 2: The author could further develop a commonality with his/her analysis and Christianity, whereby the people anticipate the fulfilment of a long-term vision. For Christians, it is Christ prevailing through his love and the fulfilment of the apocalyptic vision. For the people of Hong Kong, it is the long awaited enshrinement of democratic rights and freedoms into law. Within the link between the Confucian mindset of xingli ruyi with an apocalyptic vision lays a new sociological approach that the author could explore for his/her research.

Response 2: This is a very thoughtful suggestion. I agree that a comparative study of Confucianism and Christianity will bring further insights into the issue. Thank you for this inspiring and useful idea.