Get closer.

Jung von Matt Limmat. (2011, March 25). Jung von Matt/Limmat: Pro Infirmis Get closer. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWr-CKMWGY&feature=share

Surfing through Facebook and saw this video shared among my friends. And it inspired me to be thoughtful, and leads me to think. 

It's a video filmed by Pro Infirmis to conduct an experiment: small part of the society doesn't have empathy on disabled people. Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian (the disabled person who dressed up as a mascot in the video) often stays empty. The message that they filmed this video is to remind public that handicapped people are a regular part of our society. 

In the video, it might be regular and normal at the beginning. A bear mascot giving out free hugs. Seems regular right? But at the end, when he took off the mascot, then I only realized it's a disabled person dressing as a mascot. I started to think the purpose of this video, the message that the author wanted to tell.

"Do we need to disguise ourselves to get closer?" - It's a line appeared when he took off the mascot. So I wonder, is it true when they disguise themselves, hide themselves, only can get hugs from the public? Why is it so? How if when he doesn't wear any mascot and offers free hugs on the street? Will he get equal responds as when he is in the mascot? I doubt.

We always say out loud that we're giving the disabled people love and caring. But when the last time we give them one? Or have we even started? If you're in the situation - a disabled people giving out hugs on the street - will you hug them? Without thinking twice? 

I'm also asking myself.