Vic's Bullshit Speech

You reflect on things that are goin' on... you know what I mean? Difficulties, where people... motivations... agendas, you know...? I had a thought, I wanted to share it with you guys. It's just a general observation, and I hope you'll take this home with you.

Our world is becoming more and more angry, did you notice that?

Audience: YES

More angry! People are angry.

And here's what I was thinking the other day: I watched a movie on an airplane a few weeks ago... uh, Five Feet Apart? Six Feet Apart...? It was about a girl that had, um, a disease that makes you very susceptible to germs and stuff, so no one's supposed to get within like-- you're not supposed to get within six feet, or five feet, and she... cystic fibrosis? Would that be it? I think that was what it was. So she was literally in the hospital, and she literally lived in the hospital, and she fell in love with this boy who was also in the hospital for the same disease. So they're not allowed to be near each other, but they really like each other.

The movie began-- this is the part I want you to hear-- the movie began with a little narration-- and it was the girl who played the main character girl, and she said this. She said... oh, hold on. I wanna get it right.

Audience member: Take your time.

She said something to the effect of, "Studies, actual studies have shown that children, especially babies and children, need human contact as much as they need air." So here's what I've been contemplating lately. Human contact is being vilified.

Audience: Yeah! etc.

In our culture, you don't dare reach out and connect with another human.  In our... do you see it? In our culture, you don't _dare_ reach out and connect with another human. Auugh, I'm too afraid, what if they're offended?! Yeah, that's why we're in the problem... that's why we're in the world that we're in now.  Because, I came from an era that-- I'm Italian, any Italians here?

Audience: WOO YEAH ITALIAN NEW YAWK ETC

I'm from heah!! Haha!

So... so... all my life, you hug people. You're open, and you're kind to people. And it's interesting to me. I believe that there is a direct correlation. I think there is a direct connection between what is happening in our culture, where you don't _dare_ touch somebody... and the anger. People feel so alone and isolated... and, people I've met over the years, at conventions, 500 at a time... appreciate the hug and the kindness, and that openness. And just a couple don't, you know? Just a few. But it ends up ruining it for everybody. Because suddenly, you're afraid... to just reach out and be kind to somebody. They may desperately need that, you know? This young lady-- I'm gonna pick on you--

Young lady: That's fine.

This young lady could be going through the worst time in her life right now, and it was all she could do, took every ounce of energy she could find to drag herself to this event to meet me. Okay? And she might be in such a bad place emotionally, been abandoned by a parent or a sibling or a boyfriend, and the fact that I came up-- may I? The fact that I came up and did this-- and looked her in the face, and acknowledged her, and connected with her might give her the strength she needs to continue. Whereas if I sat behind the table and said "Thank you for coming!"

Audience: hahahaha etc.

And then she goes home, and she is as lonely and feels as disconnected as she ever did. I.. so, I'm not even applying this to my situation. I hope you understand this. I'm talking about the world. People have become so angry and so easily offended by everything, and I really think that there is a connection between the culture that is telling us, "Don't you dare touch anyone. Don't connect, no human contact, because it could be offensive, or it could be misconstrued." But I think there is a connection between that and the isolation people feel, and the anger that they feel. It would never be my desire to offend anyone. I would never in a billion years go out to offend, or hurt anyone. That has never been my intention or my desire.

Audience: That's why we're here, etc.

I believe you guys know that about me. And so, I just wanted to take a minute, because like I said, I sit around my house alone thinking about these things... maybe too much. But I really believe that's true, I really believe that's true. So... if you have people in your lives, hug them. You know? Reach out, and just, you know? Acknowledge them. That little bit of human contact, right there. [He puts his hand on a dude's shoulder.] Now. He could go on and say I assaulted him!

Shoulder dude: blah blah blah something something? I can't make it out

And isn't that sad? Isn't that sad? This is not assault! And you know what? It's actually an offense to people that aren't actually insulted. I mean, think about that. You know? Um... so, I-- I just want you guys to know my heart. That's all. I want you to know that I-- that I love you. I appreciate so much what you guys do here, and your kindness and your support for me, for my work over the years. I have taken my position in this industry very seriously as long as I've been in it. I've seen it as something much bigger than just a job. I feel like it's been an opportunity to connect with people, and hopefully try to be a positive influence and encouragement to people. Um, that's been the greatest privilege for me.

And uh, I really think that our culture has changed, and not for the better. I think people need that human contact, like that movie said-- I think it's valuable to us as oxygen. So I, I really hope-- and you know what, there's so many more of us! Do you realize? There's so many more good people in the world than there are the... offended.  Offended. There's so many more of us! But we go about our lives. We're responsible, you know, we got jobs, we have families, we have relationships, we just go about our lives while this handful of people... changes the whole landscape. And the majority of us are standing there going, "What's going on? Like, how's this happening?" So you guys, be a voice... for good. Uh, be a voice for light and kindness, and connect with people. Because you never know who in your life needs it badly. You know? Sorry! Soapbox over.