To Kit

East versus West

By Alice Tong

Alice Tong

To Kit, 42, says that university students are less concerned about the world and simple-minded.

Having spent 16 years in England and being fond of English litera-ture, Chinese writer To Kit has a charisma blended of Western and Chinese culture. To Kit is a penname. His original name is Tsao Chip. He went to England at 17 to further his studies. He disliked the local education system because there was too much pressure. He came back to Hong Kong in 1992. He is now a columnist at Ming Pao, a part-time lecturer at both The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong, a radio programme host and a TV talk show host. He also writes books. With such diverse interests and good educational background, he said that he is not ambitious but just produces what he likes-literature works. Question: Why are you interested in literature? Answer: I have loved reading since I was about 7 years old. I can learn a lot about life, society and the world through studying literature. I would like to produce English literature; therefore, I went to England for my tertiary education. Reading Shakespeare's plays would be more beneficial than working for 10 years. These masterpieces have a very deep insight into the nature of mankind. Literature in different time periods reflects a unique historical background. Doing literature is a training of thinking and creativity. I enjoy Shakespeare's history and tragedies, George Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm, and Graham Green's spy stories most. They let me know how the British see the world and how the British Empire has changed. Chinese literature is confined by politics and religion. But I still love it. Q: How did studying abroad change you? A: To me, China had been the center of the world. The cultural difference I experienced in England aroused my introspection into China. I became more critical and sympathized with China. In foreigners’ eyes, I represented Chinese culture. People got an impression of China from what I had done, so I had to be responsible for my every act. Studying abroad was a turning point in my life. After graduation I worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation for 8 years. I learnt a lot about British culture there. Q: Do you think you are a Westernized person? A: It is shallow and simple to draw a line between Western-oriented and Chinese-oriented people. The whole world is Westernized. People are crazy for Western brand names. I don’t mind wearing made-in-China clothes. I love foreign writers, but I also love Chinese food. I protested McDonald's being set up in Tiananmen Square. How would you classify me? Q: People say you are too radical. What is your reaction to criticism? A: Let people criticisize me. Any advancement of civilization takes place in a radical way. Also, I am not that radical, according to global standards. Sometimes I say what people bury deeply in their minds. I will go on like this as long people as still read my work. Q: What is your motto? A : Try your best in everything.

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