The Bus Uncle

The Bus Uncle: A Viral Video That Sparked a Cultural Debate

Imagine stepping onto a bus on April 27, 2006, in Hong Kong, and witnessing an altercation that would soon become the most viewed video of May 2006. This is exactly what happened when a young man tapped the shoulder of an older man who was chatting loudly on his mobile phone, leading to a heated exchange that was captured by a nearby passenger and uploaded to YouTube. The incident, known as ‘The Bus Uncle,’ quickly went viral, sparking debates about lifestyle, etiquette, civic awareness, and media ethics.

The Incident

It all began when a young man asked an older man to lower his voice during their bus ride. The older man, Roger Chan Yuet Tung, turned around and started a monologue, ranting about being provoked under stress. The younger man apologized but warned him not to use maternal insults, which only resulted in more profanity. This altercation was recorded by Jon Fong Wing Hang, a 21-year-old accountant who filmed the incident to prevent potential violence from the older man.

The ‘Bus Uncle’ Title

The term ‘Bus Uncle’ was coined by Internet forum members as it is common in Hong Kong to refer to an older man as ‘Uncle.’ This nickname quickly gained traction, making its way into the public consciousness and becoming a symbol of the broader issues at play.

Media Attention and Public Reaction

The video became a cultural sensation in Hong Kong and attracted media attention worldwide. Reports on TVB, Cable TV, Channel NewsAsia, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal highlighted the incident, bringing it to the forefront of public discourse. The participants were identified as Roger Chan Yuet Tung, a 51-year-old restaurant worker, and Elvis Ho Yui Hei, a 23-year-old property agent who claimed to be the younger man involved in the argument.

Ho said he forgave ‘Bus Uncle’ and sympathized with whatever stress the older man was suffering from. His patience throughout the ordeal was inspired by tai chi, showing how personal values can influence one’s response to conflict.

The Aftermath

Roger Chan lived a solitary life, estranged from his family and spending most of his adult years dealing with gambling debts and legal troubles. The sudden exposure and negative media attention led many of his family members to change their phone numbers and further distance themselves from him.

Chan reported that he once won the lottery but ended up heavily in debt due to a gambling problem. He was incarcerated in Belgium after being caught smuggling heroin, where he learned to create fruit sculptures. After his identity was revealed, Chan was criticized for reportedly demanding money for interviews, highlighting the complex dynamics of public scrutiny and personal privacy.

Impact on Society

The video sparked discussions about stress in Hong Kong and the phenomenon of ‘Bus Uncles’ – individuals who are prone to anger and violence due to high levels of stress. Experts warned that the video highlighted issues such as civic awareness, apathy, and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions.

A survey found that many young people in Hong Kong did not consider it wrong for someone to speak loudly on their phone on a bus, indicating poor civic awareness among this group. Some commentators criticized Ho Kwok Leung’s behavior as a reflection of a broader societal issue, with journalist Chip Tsao describing it as an example of the ‘noise raping’ that was prevalent in Hong Kong at the time.

Chan’s runner-up announcement as ‘Person of the Year’ by Radio Television Hong Kong sparked public reaction due to loud conversations in public places, attributed to TV screens broadcasting programs loudly in vehicles and trains. This incident highlighted how media coverage can influence societal norms and behaviors.

Calls for Better Civic Education

Experts suggested better civic education to make people considerate of others. Teachers should distinguish between genuine stress and students following trends, ensuring that the younger generation understands the importance of etiquette in public spaces.

Critics argued that the frenzy was artificially created by sensationalist newspapers for circulation and profits, with some suggesting journalists fabricate news or prioritize verifiability over sensationalism. This debate underscores the complex relationship between media ethics and public discourse.

The ‘Bus Uncle’ incident remains a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between personal freedom and public responsibility. It serves as a metaphor for the broader societal issues that continue to shape Hong Kong’s cultural landscape, prompting us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others.