A couple of days ago I came across a group of people walking around giving Free Hugs in K-town. I love the whole concept and was ecstatic to see it live especially in a small town like Kingston 😀
Did you ever come across a Free Hugs campaign in your city/town?
Here’s the video for the third time on SmartCanucks:
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Free Hugs is interesting, but not for everyone. My friend’s brother who went to U of Florida used to have a free hug sign at his on-campus bicycle repair shop. Hugs are offered free with no purchase necessary. They have regulars who drop by just for hugs.
A lot of people find it sexist and racist. It made the school newspaper. (Which my friend framed as “the 1st Walter to be on front page”) The female students think it is an excuse for the guys (there were only guys working at the shop). It was seen as anti-Muslin. And many people from East Asia don’t like hugs either. The student union had to issue a protocol of free hugs: they are only allowed to give hugs when people ask for it. The sign needs to stay inside the shop.
I heard the Free Hugs campaign in NYC is very successful. I walked by a Free Hugs in Miami and felt very uncomfortable because they look at you like you are terrorist if you don’t let them hug you. If it is “free”, I should be able to choose!
Hey, mind sharing who it was or atleast what they look like and age range? A couple of the guys in my youth group love walking around giving “free hugs” (and they liev in Kingston). What were you up to in K-town? Love the new site,
Honestly, I would think it was freaky is someone tried to hug me that I didnt know. But im an old maid (haha kidding)
I guess if they just carried signs and people could take them up on it then its ok.
How many hugs did u get Boo?
Fred, I hope they don’t get into any trouble because of me. I think it’s a wonderful idea and it puts a smile on many people’s faces. You can even consider it positive marketing for your church.
They were holding a large sign (It was bright… I think orange or yellow) and yes they were in a group. I remember seeing 2 people but maybe there were more.
I live in K-town and know the downtown area by heart. It was a pleasant surprise to see a Free Hugs campaign here. Keep up the good work 🙂
Sally you perv j/k 😀
Adora, I can see how it can be abused and turned from something nice and simple to something racist or sexist. But if done with good clean intentions and people aren’t “forced” to hug it’s a beautiful campaign.
As I understand it, the Free Hugs campaign is based on the idea that a person or group of people holds a sign or signs and people can choose to go get a hug. No obligation.
Here in Edmonton, a group of girls were giving out free hugs at West Edmonton Mall. I think that it was very sweet and courageous of them…I was too chicken to join them, but I did get a hug.
Since people decide whether or not they want a hug, how can it be sexist or racist? Just out of curiousity, why did people find it anti-Muslin? Did you mean anti-Muslim?
IMO, people will always find something wrong with anything.