WORLD SMURF DAY legitimated my sense of perseverance.

On the 25^th of June an army of blue minions were rounded up in over 10 countries to commemorate the legendary cartoon created by a Belgian known as Peyo. A minority of nutters including myself inhabiting countries such as Mexico, the US and the UK were herded like sheep in some of the countries biggest cities and most spacious venues before dousing themselves in blue paint, putting on Smurf hats and manoeuvring into the some what tight white Smurf pants.

The Smurf challenge was conveniently organised before the release of the new Smurf film which will hit the big screen in cinemas across the globe. The seemingly gullible participants were more than aware, that this spectacle was merely a publicity stunt by Columbia Pictures to promote the new Smurf movie. Never the less, I left the 02 centre having achieved my second Guinness book of world records in this case “The largest gathering of Smurfs at multiple venues” with a feeling of joy and elation. My 2 friends Akil and Nabeel were amongst the sea of blue people who experienced a sense of camaraderie and togetherness as we did the Mexican wave, jumped up and down to sound of the ‘Blue Coats from Pontings’. I clearly remember yanking my friends union jack and waving it around mercilessly until I felt I had got my face on camera enough to have a decent chance at appearing on the telly.

The one thing I couldn’t help but notice was the Smurfs reluctance to stick around after the event had finished as they all eagerly hopped on to the train in unison. My friends and I stuck around for at least an hour surfing the 02 centre for restaurants that weren’t full to the brim. We then decided to explore a little more before jumping back on the train to return to Edgware road. By now we were the only Smurfs in the underground and in isolation we were openly mocked, photographed and stared at. As time passed we were approached by nicer group of people including some hot young ladies who wanted a photo outside Tesco.

I had related this experience to my other simple achievements and breakthroughs where I stood up as a black sheep to begin a new experience or “try to do my own thing”. For setting up this very blog which is still in its early stages I’m constantly questioned about my motivations for its very creation and labelled as a person who has “far too much time on their hands” but my sheer perseverance has put me in good stead for a friendly and enlightened breed of supporters (not fans just people who appreciate this humble website). I enjoyed the journey dressed as Smurf far more then joining hands in unison with other Smurfs since it allowed me to strengthen and legitimate my sense of perseverance – I believe it is essential that we all strive for what we believe in and learn to embrace any criticism, laughter or love that may come our way.

For me Smurf day greater held a much greater significance than promoting another Disney animation. Smurf day allowed people, particularly adults to find their inner child and enjoy the presence of others during these times of austerity, conflict and fragmentation of political paradigms as well as financial markets.

I would like to congratulate all those who took part including the individuals who worked tirelessly to make this event happen.

By Mohammed Hasan

              

Trailer for Smurf movie