I’ve read an article entitled ‘A Call To Arms’.
This article is about the Free Hugs movement, a campaign which started in Sydney, Australia, aiming at bringing human contact back to isolated urban lives. The movement was originated from a crusader using the pseudonym Juan Mann. Mann’s video dispensing hugs in Sydney posted on YouTube a year ago sparked an international drive and similar action in cities like Chicago, Geneva, Singapore, Taipei and Tokyo.
The campaign has been tried in Hong Kong over the past few months. Some volunteers gathered in Mong Kok and Causeway Bay to reach out to strangers. One difficulty for the Free Hugs campaign in Hong Kong lies on Chinese conservative traditions. We tend to be more reserved in having physical contact with others, making the movement difficult to promote. Cultural differences explain why Hong Kong people lack interest in this event.
In my opinion, the idea of the movement is brilliant. It can make joy ‘infectious’, spreading from one to another. Our society needs such harmony. Joining this event is very meaningful. I will definitely join it if there is a chance. Carmel is still a conservative school. Schoolmates are quite reluctant to accept such campaign. There are many other ways that can help to build up a loving and harmonious environment in Carmel. We can hold a shake-hands campaign. I guess this will be well-received.
In conclusion, the Free Hugs movement is worth joining because it can help to spread the messages of love and care in the community.