Idealism needs to be grounded in reality

THIS week marks the beginning of the fifth straight month of protests in Hong Kong. The million person march on June 9 was focused on opposing the government's extradition bill. That goal was finally achieved on Sept 4, when Chief Executive Carrie Lam finally announced the withdrawal of the Fugitive Offenders Bill.

Since then, however, protests have continued. Indeed, the level of violence has gone up, with the first police shooting of a protester, 18-year-old student Tsang Chi-kin, on Oct 1, China's National Day. Now, the government has invoked emergency laws and announced a ban on face masks during all protests. This marks a turning point in the protest movement.

It is time for protesters to consider their future course, especially where violence is concerned. What can be achieved by pressing ahead, continuing and - in all likelihood - intensifying the protesters, followed inevitably by government escalation?