In the slightly edited words of Jack Black in “School of Rock I like to hug — is that a crime?” Common sense laughs and says no but last issue’s article on hug abuse would say otherwise. Since when has hugging become a crime? Well apparently since the newly elected hug police Brendan Fereday started writing tickets.
In his article Fereday states that when hugs “aren’t sincere or really wanted they’re awkward.” I’d like to say the opposite; regardless of sincerity hugs help overcome awkwardness. Hugs are the perfect tool to say “Yes I remember you from Facebook and know who you are even though this is our first real interaction and it’s nice to meet you.” So in the name of sanity I want to say thank you to hugs thank you for bridging the gap between awkward and semi-awkward. Thank you for going where few Pepperdine boys have had the guts to go before.
Secondly the article states that a hug “indicates laziness.” Really? You want to know what lazy is? Lazy is when a friend walks in the room and you give him or her the wave or a forced smile. That’s really sending the message of “No way am I going to rock my body out of the sitting position to embrace you — not worth it. Instead I’ll move my arm or bare my teeth to show you that I appreciate you.” Now that’s lazy.
In the wake of the events in Egypt societal uprising has reminded us that those who have a problem with something (say maybe a hug) are usually those who have been excluded from the thing they are seeking to change. Or its the “have nots” making a statement against the “haves.” Are you hug-hungry my friend? Well brush the cobwebs off of your bony elbows and spread your arms wide. Not hug-hungry? Perhaps you’ve had a scarring hug experience that has left you feeling vulnerable like a piece of man candy or even as your article stated like “a piece of meat.” Maybe take a more graphic approach next time. In fact I hear Gaga is renting her meat dress out and I guarantee no one will hug you then.
I hope my response doesn’t come off as too hostile my friend. In fact I know the perfect tool to show you that we’re still good — a hug.