Sorry, Can't Hug Ya

Teens get detention for hugging

Well hugging and kissing has never been an Asian thing, but I would never imagine that hugging would be banned. But wait, it isn't banned in Asia, but here in the middle schools within the States.

Apparently hugging and holding hands among students are not allowed anymore. One school claims this activity is disruptive and create chaos in hallways, other schools says hugging encourages inappropriate touching. "Counselors have heard from girls who are uncomfortable hugging boys but embarrassed to tell anyone. And in a culturally diverse school families might have different views of what is appropriate."

This morning while watching The Today Show, a girl got detention for hugging a friend who's family member just passed away. Shall we raise our children to be heartless, emotionless human robots? And then their children can complain that they never got enough hugs because this rule has traumatized their parents in the realm of displaying affection. "My dad never hugged me, that's why I'm a cocaine addict!" Cries the young starlet of 2037.

Meanwhile, back in the bat cave... The free hugs campaign is spreading throughout Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, UK, France, Brazil, Spain, and even Israel. "Hug a stranger", they say. "The campaign is an example of a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better." What about germs? What about getting sued for sexual harassment? "I'm afriad we'll need you to sign this consent form here, here and initial here before we can give you that hug." "Can you also fill in this questionnaire about your health profile and recent sexual history too, while you're at it?"