Hong Kong protests spark new memes: umbrella revolution, yellow ribbon

By Phil Wen
Updated October 1 2014 - 2:13am, first published September 30 2014 - 1:12pm

The viral nature of the internet and globalised news ensure that new demonstrations often produce a set of iconic images that turn to memes. In no time, those images act as a shorthand for the movement itself. Think of the Guy Fawkes mask employed by Anonymous hactivists. In Egypt four fingers held upward signified opposition to the military regime that took over after Mohammed Mursi was ousted from power in 2013. And now, as the democracy-minded citizens of Hong Kong take to the streets to oppose Beijing's grip on local politics, a new iconography of protest has emerged. Below are four of the most popular memes and cultural touchstones seen and heard on the streets of Hong Kong.

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