Exploring the Dark Wah Fu

Wah Fu has always been a place with positive images, including ‘having full of sense
of belonging, ‘a remarkable place nurturing outstanding people’ (地靈人傑) and a ‘self-
sufficient community’. However, interpreters often neglect the dark side of Wah Fu, which
has a former body as the mass grave and lots of ghost stories. It shows that the ‘dark’ Wah Fu
can be a new part of the existing interpretation.

The interpretation of the positive impacts of Wah Fu Estate is saturated.

Communication is effective when it captures and maintains an audience's attention long
enough to make a point (Sam, 2013). The interpretative products of Wah Fu focus a lot on the
societal level, which may sound repetitive to the audience and fail to attract attention. For
example, three of the four issues of the newsletter posted by the Housing Authority are
related to the living experience of Wah Fu residents, which are similar topics. Therefore, it
shows the saturation of the interpretation of the positive impacts of the Wah Fu Estate.

Interpretation relating to dark heritage is not common in Hong Kong. Although some
interpretations might not be uplifting or light-hearted, it simply pleases the mind to pay
attention to it, at least for a while (Sam, 2013). Some residents have reported that they have
witnessed UFOs and ghosts of dead residents, which are intriguing and refreshing
interpretative topics in Hong Kong. These stories can give a rapid shock value and attract
suspense enthusiasts efficiently, which has a high potential for interpretation.

In conclusion, the dark side of Wah Fu can be explored and used as a new path to
interpret the audience in Hong Kong.

(271 words)

Reference:

Ham, S. H. (2013). Interpretation Making a Difference on Purpose Chapter 1 Interpreting and

Communication.

Ham, S. H. (2013). Interpretation Making a Difference on Purpose Chapter 2 TORE