According to a survey, Hong Kong citizens are saving all their love for foreigners. The findings indicate a lasting affinity to the city-state’s colonizers, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The survey, conducted by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, asked 240 single Hong Kong men and women between the ages of 20 and 35. Around 57% responded that they prefer to marry a Western expat, while 45% said they would marry someone from mainland China. The survey did not ask respondents their feelings about marrying a fellow Hong Kong citizen. Local media described the survey as “shocking”.
Local politician Elizabeth Quat told the Journal that the figures tell us that Hong Kong’s colonial past has somehow found its way to the present, saying, “Hong Kong is very Western, and many of us grew up with the UK education system”.
The controversial reality show “Bride Wannabes” prompted the survey makers to ask the questions. They felt the need to prove that not all women were materialistic or desperate when trying to find love. “Hong Kong women are branded in the media as very materialistic, like they’re used to being treated like a princess and only use men for money,” Ms. Quat told the Journal.