In Western culture, people hug one another as a sign of greeting. Friends, family, acquaintances, even strangers sometimes. But if an old man in dirty, raggy clothes comes up to you, will you hug him? I doubt it. You wouldn't even notice him in the first place. Honestly, I wouldn't hug him either.
But let's twist the situation a little. Imagine you're the newly crowned Miss World (or Mr World for the guy readers). Three hours ago, in your well rehearsed answer to the all important finale question, you pledged that if you're crowned Miss/Mr World, your mission would be to help the poor, homeless and the old. And oh, World Peace. And whaddya know? You won. Obviously it's not because of your out-of-this-world dramatic speech.
After all the blowing kisses in the air, you're whisked to your first press conference. In teary mascara smudged face (with trademark white teeth) you say your thanks, etc. (you mean you're unaware that Mr World pageants wear mascara too?!) Yadda yadda yadda and you're ready to start your reign as Miss/Mr World.
As you're preparing to step into the waiting limo, grinning with pearlies on display (and making a mental note to thank Dr. Smith the dentist) who should come by but the old man in dirty, raggy clothes. Your eyes met his briefly and you didn't like what you saw. He's standing 30 feet away and you could smell his mothball rags. And all of a sudden, a member of the press has a brilliant (or twisted) idea. What better to mark your reign as Miss/Mr World than a front page picture of you hugging the homeless chap. Tomorrow's headlines: Miss/Mr World serious in her/his pledge.
After much hugging (breath held), niceties exchanging, lengthy snapshots, it's finally over. You give out one last pearly smile and steps into the limo. Oh boy! The things you have to do as Miss/Mr World.
Sigh, are we shallow people afterall? Of course there are indeed people who genuinely do what they pledged. But the majority of us, we wouldn't hug the old chap unless we're in the spotlight. This is food for thought. Especially we'll all grow old in time to come. Some of us will age gracefully, some might end up like the old chap. I'm afraid to think further.
