Free Hug Campaign

[IlsaLund]

I have seen this video a thousand and one times, but I am still moved each time. Check out this link.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2874839352749552222


Feedback, too! I'm giving a speech on this topic tonight.

-IL

 

[GOK]

Aww I got very goosebumpy watching/reading that. How wonderful. There was a guy on Venice Beach giving out free hugs when I was there. (I loved VB) We need more hugs! One of my friends bought two dozen red roses and randomly gave them out to strangers in London!

Where are you giving the speech and what's it in aid of, Ilsa? Do tell!

 

[IlsaLund]

@--->----> (It's a Rose)

One of my friends bought two dozen red roses and randomly gave them out to strangers in London!

Where are you giving the speech and what's it in aid of, Ilsa? Do tell!

That is beautiful that your friend did the rose thing. What a great idea! I think I might try that out here some time.

I am in a public speaking class, and the last speech of the semester (tonight!) was assigned only as a "Persuasive Speech." Everyone in my class is really nice, though a little stuffy sometimes, if you know what I mean. Throughout the semester, I've been the one that has delivered speeches on outrageous topics (brushing teeth while having a conversation, Dr. Seuss' commentary on growing old, etc...), but I thought that maybe I should bring myself down to earth and present a topic with a little more validity.

I actually made a shirt that says FREE HUGS, and I wear it at random. It has been an amazing, inspiring experiment!

There is actual scientific evidence to support the health benefits of hugging.



We all are familiar with that photo of the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square...

 

[Serial Hero]

Weird and creepy. I felt like my personal space bubble was violated just watching the video.

 

[GOK]

That is beautiful that your friend did the rose thing. What a great idea! I think I might try that out here some time.

He got a real kick out of it. Both from the POV of seeing people's reactions (pretty much the same as the hugging) and seeing them smile. He's a really lovely person (although I suspect the people he arrests don't think so!), and this was just another example of his fab nature.

I am in a public speaking class, and the last speech of the semester (tonight!) was assigned only as a "Persuasive Speech." Everyone in my class is really nice, though a little stuffy sometimes, if you know what I mean. Throughout the semester, I've been the one that has delivered speeches on outrageous topics (brushing teeth while having a conversation, Dr. Seuss' commentary on growing old, etc...), but I thought that maybe I should bring myself down to earth and present a topic with a little more validity.

Sounds excellent. Do you have a set amount of time in which to deliver your speeches or is it up to you how long you take? I love the idea of the conversation whilst brushing teeth - if it's anything like singing at the same time...lol

I actually made a shirt that says FREE HUGS, and I wear it at random. It has been an amazing, inspiring experiment!

As I can imagine. What's the ratio of positive to negative responses? Do you get many people responding at all? I have a badge that says 'bite me' - I'm amazed at the people that comment on it...always middle aged to old men! I think there's something in that!

There is actual scientific evidence to support the health benefits of hugging.

Yes I know. I was reading about it a little while ago. Stroking pets too. But then it stands to reason, doesn't it? If we feel sad, a cuddle often makes us feel better. If we're happy to see someone, we hug them. If we're overjoyed, we often reach out to give someone a hug. Babies are soothed by cuddles too. So yes, hugs and cuddles are great! Vive le hug! lol

We all are familiar with that photo of the sailor kissing the nurse in Times Square...

And the Vettriano one with the soldier hugging his sweetheart.

Weird and creepy. I felt like my personal space bubble was violated just watching the video.

Why was that? I'm quite fussy about who enters my personal space but I do think that was a lovely thing to do and I loved seeing all the different ractions. I'd have given him a hug!

 

[Samsa]

Weird and creepy. I felt like my personal space bubble was violated just watching the video.

I think I'm with Serial Hero on this one.

 

[IlsaLund]

Sounds excellent. Do you have a set amount of time in which to deliver your speeches or is it up to you how long you take?

Unfortunately, there is a very tight time limit -- between 5-7 minutes. I really wanted to show the entire video at the close of my speech, but I only have time for maybe 30-40 seconds. I'll probably go over the time limit (I have for every speech I've given), but I hope my professor won't ding me too much.

The brushing the teeth thing, haha..... it was a speech about a pet peeve. The entire speech in a nutshell: Don't get me wrong -- I'm stoked that people have good dental hygene and they brush their teeth. Super. HOWEVER, don't try to have a conversation with me while you have suds dripping down your chin. Didn't your mother teach you not to talk with your mouth full? My sister and I live together, but invariably, she doesn't think to start a conversation until she's brushing her teeth at night. WAIT TWO MINUTES, then talk to me. I did a demonstration, too. It was disgusting. Oh, and that sister? She's in the speech class, too. I'm so mean :eusa_doh:

-IL

 

[IlsaLund]

I think I'm with Serial Hero on this one.

Hmm, that's interesting. Did you notice that he didn't go up to people and force himself? Rather, he stood with a sign, providing the opportunity for the stranger to come up to him. I just walked around with the shirt on. Some people walked by. That's fine. Some people asked first, then gave me a hug. Super. Some people came running up to me and gave me a big hug. That was great, too. It wasn't me (nor was it J.Mann). Rather, we just provided the opportunity for someone else to do so.

 

[GOK]

That's what struck me too - the fact that everyone came to him...or whoever had the sign. They chose to be hugged, not had it forced or coerced.

And the toothpaste thing? Reminds me of rabid dogs! lol

 

[IlsaLund]

I'm Dressed for Success..

and off for my speech-giving! I really hope that some of y'all give some input on this. Am I crazy for thinking it's a great idea? Do you think it is the most disgusting action one could do?


-IL