Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Free Hugs Campaign

This post is in accordance with the post "One World."

I feel the reason these two videos became so incredibly successful is because there is a disconnectedness in the lifestyle we are growing accustomed to. For many of us, the only way we can communicate with our closest friends is through text messages, voice on a cellphone, or instant messaging. These videos find a way for us to come together. To create and collaborate. This video is nothing but optimism at its best, and I think it is a great way to speak in ways 'One World' can not.

I feel both these videos contribute to the read/write web through enhanced media literacy. You read (watch video) and then write (create your own video in response). Things like this are truly a spectacular contribution to web 2.0.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Phil,
I really like this video. I agree with the fact that students could benefit from watching this video and writing about it. It reminds ome of the lesson that Chris sperry gave on the movie A Beutiful Mind. Students would look for different literary elements in this video too.
Thanks for sharing.

Chris said...

Phil,

I feel that the free hugs campaign, first off, is semi-related to a comment I left on Bridget's blog (http://changingmindsinachangingworld.blogspot.com/).
She posted about how the NY Times reported on a man who made millions in China using lessons he learned through MIT's free lessons on their website. The free hugs are similar. If you are encouraging free education (or hugs) you are promoting happiness and education. The best part of obtaining a degree is the education, not just the piece of paper.