Say Hi Vancouver takes a page from Seinfeld

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      Remember that episode of Seinfeld in which Elaine suggests all New Yorkers should wear name tags, and the idea ends up hurting the reelection chances of the mayor?

      Well, Vancouver resident Shelley Koorbatoff is proposing the same thing for Vancouver. Lucky for him, Gregor Robertson isn't up for reelection until 2014.

      Koorbatoff has created Facebook and Twitter accounts in order to promote Friday (February 8) as Say Hi Vancouver. The goal: to get every one of the more than 600,000 people living in Vancouver to wear name tags that day.

      On Facebook, Koorbatoff explains:

      Why do I want Vancouver to wear name tags? I've lived in Vancouver for nearly 2 years and like so many others have found it difficult to meet new people. I want to create a sense of community and connection in Vancouver; to live in a city known for embracing strangers and building friendships; to create opportunities to break through the barriers of social politeness and isolation in a fun and easy way by wearing name tags that say ‘Say Hi To …’. I want to make a difference, it's that simple!

      Will you be wearing a name tag on February 8?

      Name tags on Seinfeld.

      Comments

      3 Comments

      N.D.

      Feb 4, 2013 at 11:08am

      If you wanted to be friendly, it seems like all you'd have to do is smile and say hello anyway. This idea seems like it would make it easier for stalkers/identity thieves, IMHO, who may or may not say hello but would still have your name.

      AK

      Feb 4, 2013 at 3:18pm

      I met my wife in London, ON. but moved to Vancouver as she was living here. Having lived in Vancouver for 17 months, I've made a grand total of ONE friend. Truth be told, I really don't like him at all; I just put up with him as a sushi-friend since my wife is vegetarian.

      While I understand where this "Say Hi" campaign is coming from, it feels forced. You cannot force people to be friendly nor to acknowledge others. I go about my daily life: commute to work, come home, go for daily walks but through work and even internet meet-up groups, Vancouver is a terrible city to meet people.

      PendrellSt

      Feb 4, 2013 at 11:12pm

      If it hurts Gregor Robertson's chances of re-election, then I'm all for it.