Power and Politics at the Colonial Seaside: Leisure in British Hong Kong

The book explores the complex role of the seaside as a leisure space in colonial Hong Kong, arguing that British sports served as an instrument of cultural association and change, shaping the racial relationship between Westerners and the Chinese population and the Chinese peoples perception of the female body and the seaside.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted significance of the seaside as a leisure haven in colonial Hong Kong reveals a profound interplay between British sports, culture, and the evolving dynamics of power and identity. In contrast to literature, music, art, and religion, which often played secondary roles in the empire, British sports emerged as powerful agents of cultural association and transformation. They served as vehicles for promoting imperial unity and fostering post-imperial goodwill, shaping the very fabric of the British Empire.

Poon's insightful analysis delves into the intricate ways in which British colonists and Chinese leaders, supported by the rhetoric of public health and nationalism, respectively, transformed the Hong Kong coastline into a vibrant leisure space. She argues that the growing popularity of seaside resorts and sea bathing, embraced across social and ethnic spectrums, played a crucial role in shaping the racial relationship between Westerners and the Chinese population. Moreover, it influenced the Chinese people's perception of the female body and the seaside during the colonial era.

It is important to note that the popularity of British leisure forms in colonial Hong Kong should not be interpreted as a mere victory for "Britishness." Rather, it reflects the complex and multifaceted interactions between different cultures and societies. This book holds immense appeal for historians with a keen interest in leisure, Empire, and Colonialism, as well as those who specialize in the history of Colonial Hong Kong and Modern China. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which sports, culture, and power intersected, shaping the colonial landscape and leaving a lasting legacy.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367648077