Mattering on the margin: Thoughts on cultural participation in creative digital media

This essay examines the cultural participation of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, focusing on their experience of marginality and pursuit of “mattering” through creative expression, particularly within digital media. Culturally speaking, the term “ethnic minorities” in Hong Kong typically reflect the underprivileged status of South Asians, while rarely encompassing Anglo or European expatriates. Drawing on the interconnected concepts of marginality and mattering, the essay explores how ethnic minority digital creators address power inequalities, navigate their identities within a predominantly Chinese society. It highlights the complexities of digital participation, considering both its potential for empowerment and its susceptibility to reinforcing existing inequalities. Based on observations and social trends that highlight the diverse engagement of ethnic minority youth and their quest for recognition, the essay outlines several provocative questions for future investigations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between creative practices, power dynamics, and the pursuit of comprehensive mattering.