Free Hugs
I find this story about Juan Mann from Sydney, Australia who decided to dedicate one day a week of his life to giving free hugs to strangers inspirational for a few reasons. One is that it is a story a man being affectionate to strangers where it has nothing to do with unwanted sexual attention or child molestation (although if it does end up getting that angle I’ll scream!) Two is that he spent his own free time on brightening people’s day, in a very modest way (he simply holds up a sign that says "free hugs").
Another reason I find it inspirational is that the idea spread around the world: Russia, China, Japan, Portugal, South America and all over the US. They got a lot of media attention, including a spot on Good Morning America and Oprah. You can see a site that they built here: www.freehugscampaign.org. It is an example of someone other than a multinational making an impact on a world scale. Doesn’t that have implications for the rest of us?
Free hugs is a great idea. I wrote about this on my blog, b/4 I took it down.
Glad to see others have done likewise – written about it. A great concept.
I was downtown Victoria two days ago and a young vivacious young girl was holding up the sign “Free Hugs” as she walked around. I saw her hug one guy and he went back three times. I thought it was touching!