Amidst the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong, no, I can’t, but I can let some of that energy fuel my usual business. Plus personal reflections on systemic change and accountability mechanisms.
I’m currently writing Riverbed’s November newsletter, roughly a day after a deadly fire has struck Hong Kong. For reference, it’s the worst fire my home city has seen since the Second World War. Eight apartment buildings engulfed in flames. Dozens dead, hundreds missing, thousands displaced. It’s made international headlines.
(On a personal level, my grandmother spent most of her life living a couple blocks away. I’ve also got friends in the area.)
As I’m writing up Riverbed’s newsletter, I’m full of questions—do I address the losses? Should I add links to aid efforts? How much depth should the newsletter cover this with? It doesn’t feel right to act like nothing has happened…
Which brings us to the most pertinent question of all—how can I do business as usual?
To answer your question…
To answer your question, no, I absolutely cannot do business as usual. It’s completely valid to feel horrible, and we all mourn differently, so I could never fault anyone for feeling paralysed.
I am, however, trying not to let the hurt and pain swallow me alive. It’s valuable energy that can be channelled. These painful lessons reminded me of the need for accountability and transparency within my own work, where I try to channel the rage into rigour. I’ve been experimenting with using my audience as an accountability mechanism—although now’s not the time to discuss that—and am exploring other ways where systems can hold those in power accountable.
Systemic change and accountability mechanisms
If I may bring the discussion to my longtime interest in systemic change: the disaster in Hong Kong confirms the dangers of negligence. It further confirms my belief in the importance of regulations, compliance, and, most importantly, accountability mechanisms.
There were multiple checkpoints where accountability was vital. Here are the consequences: because of cost-cutting, fire-resistant netting wasn’t used. The building’s fire alarm system completely failed.
We put our trust in institutions to keep us safe. While it’s generally good to be efficient, these deaths pose an uncomfortable question: if we’re cutting costs, who’s paying the price?
Definitely not business as usual, but
So, definitely not business as usual, but I’d like to let some of the energy from this tragedy fuel my usual business, rigour, and standards, as well as how I participate in local community efforts.
I encourage you to do the same. Watching our community rally to support those in need is both comforting and inspiring, so I want to see the same energy brought towards holding our people and systems accountable.
Stay safe and take care. Hong Kong, my thoughts are with you.
More info on how to help; an article by Hong Kong Free Press
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