Laura Ingraham and the "Man Hug"

On a recent Laura Ingraham radio show, she talked about a concept called a "Man Hug". She introduced the topic stating a trend in current culture, that men are hugging more and more. She then asked callers to call in to the show to share in the discussion. She stated several times in requesting callers that she meant hugs between men other than family, which she often stated is "very cool".

Several men said they would never hug another man, for no reason whatsoever. One of her male co-hosts shared in that sentiment. Other callers stated that a hug between men is a common Christian greeting. Callers stated that men in other social circles also commonly used hugs in greetings.

Starting out with a negative tone toward the "Man Hug", Laura concluded that hugs between men are quite common.

All my life I have seen women hug each other. I personally do not have any problem with men who hug. I think a hug is a respectable behavior to display, even in public. And I believe everyone should participate. I do not think hugging is a display of homosexuality. Now if any public affection gets carried away, I think it is distasteful, even if it is being displayed by a married couple.

If a man feels uncomfortable in hugging another man, I do not have a problem with that. I'm not going to say that I feel I should hug every time I greet another man. Just as with anyone who may hug in a greeting, it is something you do with family, close friends. I'm also not so worried about my hugs, I'm not worried if I pat him twice or three times ("I'm not gay"), a hug is a hug, do it naturally.

For example, as I was introduced as a National Director at the "Come Alive in 2005" Eniva conference on Saturday, June 25th, and came down the runway under flags waving with cheers, applauds, handshakes, and hi fives, at the end Randy Allen and Bob Worman stood and I hugged them both before taking the stage. At the same event, many of us, male and female, hugged Dr. Benjamin and Andrew Baechler as we were recognized to take the stage for various awards. I would say the reason for these hugs fell among the close friends qualifier I stated above.

Thanks,
Brian Lathe