Juan Mann is not a familiar name. However, he is the genius – perhaps I use that word loosely — behind the adorable, “Free Hugs Campaign.”
The Campaign, which began in 2004, began an international phenomenon of PDA. Sadly, I get the distinct impression that if most were to encounter Mann offering a hug they would assume him to be a bizarre, socially awkward gentleman or even a sexually dangerous pervert.
I believe, however, hugs are the easiest way to a happier world. Is it sappy, hyperbolic idealism? Maybe. Yet, science has repeatedly demonstrated the overwhelming benefits of physical contact, like hugs, between people.
Consider the evidence from a Feb. 22, 2010, New York Times article: “The evidence that such messages can lead to clear, almost immediate changes in how people think and behave is accumulating fast.
“Students who received a supportive touch on the back or arm from a teacher were nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class as those who did not, studies have found. A sympathetic touch from a doctor leaves people with the impression that the visit lasted twice as long, compared with estimates from people who were untouched… A massage from a loved one can not only ease pain but also soothe depression and strengthen a relationship.”
The Telegraph of June 4, 2010, recommends holding hands as a simple way of easing feelings of isolation, particularly for the elderly because, “by holding hands with a friend, relative or someone you care for you’re sending a hugely important message that the individual is valued, important and noticed.”
If your favorite basketball team is terrible (Pistons, anyone?), perhaps a way to help is by encouraging them to be more physically supportive. After all, in a series of studies, Dr. Dacher Keltner from UC Berkeley demonstrated that more “touchy” teams in the NBA are successful. Among the touchiest in 2010: the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. I will be sending the Cleveland Cavaliers a letter voicing this information.
Clearly, the benefits of physical contact are many, which goes to prove two things: 1. The Beatles are clearly one of the greatest bands ever for correctly prescribing that “All You Need is Love” and 2. We need to be more affectionate.
There are reasons we aren’t huge huggers, however. An Oct. 2010, article in Psychology Today diagnoses digitized communication and legal complications as obstacles to physical contact. The article elucidates: “A large majority of the connection among people today is done through social digital media, rather than real physical contact. In addition, in response to compliance and legal issues, both schools and workplaces have instituted clear restrictions over physical contact.”
Obviously, I am simply advocating supporting, loving gestures. After all, the article closes by pondering, “In our desire to have a politically correct and safe social environment or an environment of instant communication, have we lost sight of the most important aspect of human development and culture — physical touch?”
I certainly understand the need to respect everyone’s personal space; that space should never be violated against a person’s wishes. Yet in my personal experience, most people smile when offered a hug.
Evidence aside, this is the broader message: You can make someone’s day by simply offering him or her a reminder they matter. Maybe that part is sappy idealism.
Juan Mann likely never will be a household name. Hopefully, he will live to be a reminder to hug people and to acknowledge
their humanity. Whether it is a supportive pat on the back (or butt, for all of you football players) or a romantic massage, our physical contact sends a message to those around us. The sad reality is, for most of our day the only message of this kind we receive is non-existent.
