Juan Mann - One Mission - Free Hugs
The power of the media never fails to impress me. It was over 2 years ago when I first heard about Juan. He was the new mate of Bojan, a close friend of mine. Bojan's new mate had gotten him into walking around the city holding up signs with 'Free Hugs' printed on them. This sounded like a crazy idea, so I decided to go and check it out.
What I saw was nothing short of amazing. The majority of the time was exactly like what you'd expect, odd looks, parents sheltering kids, occasional abuse. However every so often, someones face would light up as they accepted something for free. A hug.
This went on for quite a while during 2004, Bojan almost became Juan's right hand man. Then one day Juan disappeared.
Bojan went to Pitt Street Mall, no Juan. The following week, no Juan. Eventually the movement petered out, it seemed like the cynicism of the world had engulfed this renegade group.
But no, someone made a video clip and posted it on YouTube (see above). 5 Million views later and Juan was on Channel 10 news, then the Opra Winfrey Show. What an achievement!
But more importantly than that, he started free hugging again.
I haven't had a Thursday afternoon free since learning about this (stuck in a full time job in another part of town), however, I eagerly look forward to going to Pitt Street mall and hugging the man I thought dissapeared.
This is a timely reminder to us all, its all well and good to look at these actions and go "Wow what a great idea, I wish him all the best." However without support and encouragement great ideas can fizzle and fade. So Juan, you have my support and I look forward to catching up with you soon, thanks to the unlikliest of heros.... YouTube.
What I saw was nothing short of amazing. The majority of the time was exactly like what you'd expect, odd looks, parents sheltering kids, occasional abuse. However every so often, someones face would light up as they accepted something for free. A hug.
Foreground: Juan Mann, Centre: Bojan, Background: Mark
This went on for quite a while during 2004, Bojan almost became Juan's right hand man. Then one day Juan disappeared.
Bojan went to Pitt Street Mall, no Juan. The following week, no Juan. Eventually the movement petered out, it seemed like the cynicism of the world had engulfed this renegade group.
But no, someone made a video clip and posted it on YouTube (see above). 5 Million views later and Juan was on Channel 10 news, then the Opra Winfrey Show. What an achievement!
But more importantly than that, he started free hugging again.
You have a good reason to smile mate
I haven't had a Thursday afternoon free since learning about this (stuck in a full time job in another part of town), however, I eagerly look forward to going to Pitt Street mall and hugging the man I thought dissapeared.
This is a timely reminder to us all, its all well and good to look at these actions and go "Wow what a great idea, I wish him all the best." However without support and encouragement great ideas can fizzle and fade. So Juan, you have my support and I look forward to catching up with you soon, thanks to the unlikliest of heros.... YouTube.
To embed video check out www.orble.com/embedding-videos-and-other-html-code/
cheers,
jasmine
Mediated
Thankyou so much,
I'll go and check that out now
Mediated
Enjoy everyone
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Great post!
Someone was only telling me about this fellow a couple of days ago... can you believe it, he was arrested within the first two hours of putting up his sign...I'm really glad he made Oprah and reminded us all that it is okay to hug each other....
Go Juan.:>
Lilla...
Mediated
The battles he had with the city of Sydney council were astounding. Essentially they insisted he get a buskers permit, but he wasn't making any money, therefor making him inelligable.
They also changed the rules for Pitt Street Mall to try and keep him out!
I think those guys were in need of a hug