FREE HUGS!

There are many obvious issues that come to mind when one thinks of public advocacy. I wanted to write about something not many people have heard of, so I choose the Free Hugs Campaign. The campaign is a unique one in which individuals go out and hold signs or wear shirts to give free hugs. It is an attempt to reach out to our negative society and just simply give a hug. In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal. The campaign is a social movement to brighten up the world. The hugs are meant to be random acts of kindness- selfless acts performed just to make others feel better. Juann Mann was the compelling man who started the campaign in 2004 because he wanted to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.

Unfortunately, the Free Hugs Campaign was banned because of public liability fear and red tape. There are different local laws throughout the world, which allow the campaign to follow on in certain areas.

Even though, there is not speaking involved in this advocacy, the action is what does all the talking. This relates to our class because advocates need to be aware of their audience and in a sense use the communication process. Since many people have a strong sense of personal privacy, they need to be careful of who they approach. They need to encode the public’s symbols such as body language. Those who are interested will most likely be smiling and walking towards the free hugs, while those who aren’t will be avoiding the signs. Thus those who participate in the campaign need to be aware of the public and not cross certain lines.

The campaign also has a video which furthers their cause. It uses a strong sense of pathos to attract viewers and capture their hearts. You are able to see how a simple hug can brighten ones day, and that there is hope in this world. The campaign is truly inspiring.