Your Voice: Delivery drivers deserve our empathy; the hits and misses of teen love (long letters)

For years, the chime of a completed food delivery order on my phone was a welcome sound. It meant a delicious meal was arriving at my flat – a treat after a long day.

Lately, however, that chime has taken on a different meaning. It’s a reminder of people who are often underpaid and overworked – the delivery drivers who speed around Hong Kong’s streets on motorbikes, often underappreciated and even racially discriminated against.

Watching The Sunny Side of the Street, a 2022 film, can help you learn more about the severity of racial discrimination. It highlights the lives of ethnic minority individuals in Hong Kong and their struggles to survive in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Ethnic minority drivers form the backbone of the delivery system. They face not just the daily grind of long hours, unfriendly environmental conditions and unforgiving traffic but also the sting of prejudice.

The convenience of food delivery comes at a cost we likely haven’t fully considered. These delivery drivers are people, just like you and I. Some may have migrated to Hong Kong for a better life; others may have spent their whole lives here. They are all doing a job to sustain their families and deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else.

The invisibility of delivery workers is part of the problem. We rarely see their faces or interact with them beyond a quick exchange at the door. The food arrives seemingly by magic, a product of technology and a faceless corporation. This disconnect allows prejudice to fester.

The social struggles of ethnic minorities

It’s time we bridge this gap. As users of these apps, we are responsible for holding ourselves and the platforms accountable. A genuine “thank you” and a smile can go a long way. Acknowledge the effort it takes to get your food to you, especially in bad weather or peak hours.

Perhaps we could be more patient if a delivery is delayed. We should be more considerate before placing the blame on a lack of effort on their part.

While some platforms factor tips into the driver’s pay, others don’t. We might consider leaving a small tip to show appreciation for their service.

The platforms themselves also need to do more. Better anti-discrimination policies with precise reporting mechanisms would help minimise incidents and protect riders, deterring racial attacks.

Restaurants should also be required to undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training before they can start selling on the platform.

The government can also help solve this crisis by promoting policies to protect the rights of ethnic minority workers and foster a more inclusive society.

The delicious curries, steaming noodles and juicy burgers we enjoy wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of these drivers.

Hong Kong ethnic minority children with special needs face delayed diagnosis

Their days are long, the work is hard, and their health takes a toll due to the nature of their job.

So, the next time you hear your phone chime to let you know your order is at the door, think for a moment about the person who rushed to deliver it.

We need to remember that society is built on respect, fairness, and appreciation for all.

Chloe Chan Man-kwan, Valtorta College

In today’s society, young love evokes both admiration and concern. While it symbolises purity, passion, and self-discovery, it also poses challenges for adolescents navigating emotions and forming romantic bonds at a young age.

Puberty is a pivotal phase for adolescents, shaping their character and development. Youngsters draw inspiration from their partners as they foster a shared aspiration to become better versions of themselves. These partners enhance each other’s abilities and widen their horizons as they venture beyond the confines of the classroom and explore the world.

Moreover, being in a romantic relationship encourages teenagers to learn to care for others. They are trained to be more mature and show compassion towards their partners. Undoubtedly, they learn to share people’s turmoil and shoulder responsibilities.

Teenagers often display egocentric tendencies as they are used to being pampered by their parents. However, romantic relationships offer a chance to enhance communication skills and empathy.

Tough parenting can harm teen mental health

While conflicts are inevitable in relationships, couples can learn to navigate disagreements respectfully while managing their own emotions appropriately during these moments.

However, engaging in romantic relationships at a young age can also have detrimental effects on the psychological well-being of teenagers.

Firstly, it is inevitable that such relationships will encounter disagreements and sometimes even betrayal, leading to disheartening break-ups. These experiences of heartbreak can leave a lasting impact on their mental health, potentially resulting in a range of mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.

Additionally, it is distressingly common to witness youngsters becoming victims of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse within these dating relationships. It may leave a lifelong scar embedded in their bodies and minds.

In the most severe cases, the distress caused by these relationships may drive some teenagers to contemplate or even attempt suicide.

We cannot disregard the detrimental effects of youthful romance on teenagers’ psychological health, and we must emphasise the need for awareness and support systems to address these pressing concerns.

What is one thing that most teenagers don’t worry about but really should?

Furthermore, we cannot overlook the way romantic relationships can distract students from their studies. It is crucial to recognise how these relationships can serve as distractions, diverting their attention and focus from their schoolwork, especially during exams.

As a teenager, I am inclined to embrace the opportunity to understand better how people perceive young love. We must acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of perspectives on this contentious issue.