I was at the city center a couple of weeks ago and that’s what happened... I was walking up the metro station stairs and just right before the exit a man was lying on the floor. a homeless who seemed to be in a coma. a security man was standing next to him talking on his walkie talkie radio, asking for aid. and there, just a few steps away… free hugs! yeeeah! you know, the free hug campaign. half a dozen young boys and girls, holding placards, smiling and offering free hugs to strangers who happened to pass by at the time. lots of people stopped and enjoyed a ‘spontaneous’ moment of ‘sincere’ affection. The hugs are meant to be random acts of kindness - selfless acts performed just to make others feel better. international free hugs day is celebrated on the first Saturday of July. ah! that’s why…
and there, me standing, watching and thinking… damn, there is something wrong with that picture!
ofcourse
a. none of those young people or anyone passing by, was either responsible for the situation the man was, or obliged to do anything. he made his choice in life. and if he was lucky enough to escape death this time no one could help him next time unless he decides to help himself.
or
b. we were all responsible for his shitty life. our choices in some point of our lives could have pushed him, or anyone in his place, in the dark or prevent drag him out in the light. and we were all obliged as human beings, citizens of a civilized society, to take care of him.
choose whatever suits you best. for me the truth lies somewhere in between. bottom line… the one who really needed a hug, an act of kindness to make him feel better, didn’t get it at the time. I only wish he got it eventually.
into the madhouse again…
