This video is going viral for its ability to transcend language and differences. A Finnish man named Janne only has one question to strangers on the street and it's leaving millions in tears.
There is a brief introduction in Finnish, but the rest of the video makes it clear: all we need is a little love.
"I didn't understand a word of what they said but I cried like a baby anyway. This was very touching," one commenter said.
"This is beautiful and made me cry my eyes out. You would have gotten a hug from me as well!" another wrote.
Janne is HIV positive, a condition with a lot of stigma all over the world. He writes on a poster board: "I Have HIV. Touch Me."
The question is: Would anyone dare? When LittleThings.com went out on the streets to give out free hugs, it was hard to find any takers at first
When the HIV/AIDS epidemic exploded in the 1980s, many didn't know what the disease was. All they knew was that it was contagious and that many of their loved ones were suddenly ill and dying. Decades later, the misconception about HIV/AIDS being contagious from any form of contact persists, though it isn't true. HIV/AIDS can only be transmitted through the bloodstream. According to the Center for Disease Control, "In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by having sex or sharing injection drug equipment such as needles with someone who has HIV." Many with HIV/AIDS live with the shame of others fearing physical contact with them. They're treated as pariahs in society. When Janne asks for a little contact…he got more than he bargained for. Watch the video below and SHARE if you found it touching!
