Free hugs! I've done this in all kinds of places, and have had 99.9% success! Only once, in ONE town (near an international border) did ONE man wait til we were hugging before he threatened me. He laid no hand on me other than that, tho. So I recognized that it was only a psy op attempt!
That's pretty good for all you cynical folks to hear, I bet! HUNDREDS of people loving the hugs i gave and only one sourpuss!!!!
Imagine if anarchists tried this from time to time. Going solo (like I did) or in a small group! Do you know how this form of caring REALLY REACHES folks?!! Unlike so many other anarchish tacts! (Do you REALLY think reactionary hate is going to solve a damn thing???)
Now a few related words from an inspiring elder woman whom shall remain anonymous:
"There are forces in our society that intend to break the connections between us. They condition us to look at each other as strangers and adversaries not family. We all are impacted by it. The people who think differently than you feel your judgement. It makes them feel defensive and ready to disrespect you.
"You may be able to surprise them with your acceptance and your intention to rekindle connection and maybe even joy. It is not necessary or even possible to work out every disagreement. That does not mean it is not possible to find ways to connect in meaningful and healthy ways. We must actively seek ways to view each other as human and as family again.
"Alex Pretti's murder fills me with grief and anger. Some people I know have shared opinions and made comments that make me feel like lashing out. Maybe at some point I will, but I hope I can find a better way.
"This is the lesson I took from Mr. Pretti: I don't think he expected to be murdered that day, but he brought a gun, so I think he understood it would be dangerous. I do think he expected to get beaten. He had been beaten by ICE agents before. He stepped in anyway. He put himself between the woman and the attackers. I'm sure he was scared and he did it anyway. That is bravery. That is a hero.
"Apparently his last words were to ask the woman if she was ok. That tells me what his intentions were. More than any anger he felt toward the attackers, he felt love and a desire to protect his sister. Yes, his sister. Whether he knew her before that moment or not, he loved her enough to put his body, his life in danger to protect her. "
(...)
"We are trying to protect the bonds of love and life that connect us as a human family. There are many people who once supported the way force is being used against immigrants and our fellow citizens who are now looking for a way out. I hope we can be a welcoming voice to allow them to step away from that and back into connection with all their relations. The ultimate victory will not be found ...on a battlefield... It will be found when we learn to live together with love and respect. Let's put our love and respect right out in the open for all to see and share."
==
Yes, we can "respect and love" people in those small rural towns (where they recruit fascists) and everywhere else in this really basic way of giving free hugs! (and "breaking ice".) We don't know "who" those we hug are, but to reach out to people in this way has a way of "touching hearts" so that bridges can build! And what better way to initially try to incline people towards your anarchist ideals than to connect in such ways, eh?!
To do such in a BIG way, perhaps as a national march x-country? Or next time when you're driving x-country, stopping for a rest and trying hugging out?! Up to your imagination!!
(True, the covid hysteria has scared many away from hugging, so I began to try creative forms of hugs, without touching! And had a lot of fun with that, too! What alternatives? Perhaps you can GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO IMAGINE?!)
Comments
thanks for posting this.
anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/19/2026 - 08:02
thanks for posting this.
A Hug March from coast to…
anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/19/2026 - 11:23
A Hug March from coast to coast seems like a glorious idea! And nobody knows where it can get, but it's got such a stellar potential.
Might be dismissed as hippie by our dear Workerists, tho what better practice have they gotta teach us?
Isn't this the ending of "Us…
anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/19/2026 - 14:55
In reply to A Hug March from coast to… by anonymous (not verified)
Isn't this the ending of "Us" (movie)?
Same, except the Russian…
anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/20/2026 - 14:34
In reply to Isn't this the ending of "Us… by anonymous (not verified)
Same, except the Russian Reversal version... where YOU are the bad guys, and hippies are the good guys.
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