Humans of New York: Illustrating the World
November 12, 2015
Taken in Lesvos, Greece, a photograph depicts a father and his young daughter seeking refuge after fleeing from danger in the Middle East. Apprehension fills the girl’s eyes. The caption below reads, “[My daughter] saw her mother being crushed by the crowd, and she screamed: ‘Please don’t kill my mother! Kill me instead!’”
This chilling photograph is only one of many that photographer Brandon Stanton captures daily on his photoblog, Humans of New York (HONY). Since 2010, Stanton has shared with the public the snapshots of individual lives in New York City. In his early posts, he only shared photographs of New Yorkers. However, as time progressed, Stanton began interviewing the individuals to include short stories with the images.
One post features a woman who works ninety-five hours a week in three different jobs to send her children to college. Another showcases an immigrant from Yugoslavia who worked as a janitor for twelve years while simultaneously going to school, eventually receiving his degree from Columbia University. Another post features a dejected young boy living in fear because of his homosexuality.
These posts, with their profound stories or down-to-earth reflections, enthrall many around the nation, and the Facebook page boasts over 15 million likes. Some communities have initiated similar Facebook pages, such as Humans of Basking Ridge. The posts certainly spark discussion among viewers, evident within the comment sections. Yet what specifically about HONY attracts the viewers?
Caroline Bedrosian ’19 thinks students find themselves most intrigued by the featured stories: “I believe that Humans of New York is a popular page because it displays the wide diversity of New York’s citizens. Their unique stories give us insight into their authentic lives.”
The stories are certainly unique, and many HONY fans admire the steadfast personalities of the individuals. Stanton has now ventured overseas to depict humans outside of New York, most recently covering refugees from northern Africa and the Middle East in Europe. Last year, he also traveled for fifty days around the world in order to visit diverse countries like Iraq, Ukraine, and India. Still, as unique as the stories may be, the sentiments and emotions expressed in each post are universal and relatable for the wide range of readers that follow HONY.
Brian Fields ‘16 believes this reliability is what makes HONY so popular: “Living in such an affluent community as Basking Ridge, I feel a curiosity to examine the experiences and hardships faced by others. Although they seem different and more interesting than us, these men and women featured are people just like us.”
Due to the popularity of his photo blog, Stanton has branched out and published books with more of his work. In fact, his most recent book, Humans of New York: Stories, debuted on October 14, 2015, featuring never-before-seen photographs and quotes.
Overall, HONY has become very popular with students and adults across the nation. As Fields puts it, “It’s absolutely fascinating to see this.”
Ashley George • Nov 16, 2015 at 1:40 pm
I liked how this article spoke about something that is happening right now. And it also touches the lives of those who are suffering around the world. The author also describes the drawing very well. Overall I liked the topic of this article because it took a current event from the world and described it using a touching drawing.
Caitlin Haggard • Nov 16, 2015 at 1:35 pm
Personally, I believe that HONY is so popular because it shares peoples experiences who have grown up in different areas of the world and lived in different conditions. It uses social media to spread awareness. Everyone has a story, however most of the time they are not shared with the public.
Sikata Sengupta • Nov 16, 2015 at 1:24 pm
I found that this article accurately depicted the way in which HONY captures so many different aspects of life. The diversity in the stories told in the posts allows people to explore such drastic contrasts in life. In addition, because HONY has a very popular social media page, they manage to get their message across to a very large audience, unlike certain news stations.
Joshua • Nov 16, 2015 at 12:44 pm
I enjoyed this article because I always see photos on HONY and really like reading others stories! I think the photographer had a great idea coming up with the facebook page.
Maggie • Nov 16, 2015 at 12:43 pm
I enjoyed this article because I always see photos on HONY and really like reading others stories! I think the photographer had a great idea coming up with the facebook page.
anna • Nov 16, 2015 at 12:28 pm
I agree. I think it is crazy how one woman works 3 different jobs and works for 95 hours a week.
Vamsi Talasila • Nov 16, 2015 at 12:27 pm
I think that the Humans of New York is a great page as I also follow it and I think that article really captures and describes the power of the Humans of New York posts. Great article.
Krista Webster • Nov 16, 2015 at 12:17 pm
I really enjoy looking at the pictures of Humans of New York. They are often very inspiring and uplifting. I think your article accurately shed light on why the page has become so popular!
Emma Aird • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:48 am
I also agree with your opinion. Basking Ridge is a town in the wealthier part of our nation, and a lot of us have not experienced poverty. It’s a great way to feel appreciated for what we have, and an even greater way to become more aware of the world around us.
Evan Zhang • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:43 am
I think HONY is a great way for people who live in a small town like Basking Ridge to be able to see different experiences and people from all over the world and all walks of life
Kimberly Castillo • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:08 am
I really like this article. i follow HONY on both IG and FB and I love the stories that are posted. We really are shown to how everyone is going through something, even if they just seem normal and happy
Neha • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:02 am
We need to stop cutting the arts spending programs in schools. We are destroying the culture of future generations.
Neha • Nov 16, 2015 at 10:59 am
I agree with you completely. The HONY photos give everyone insight on the wold and, even in a world that seems to be selfish, allows people to feel for one another.
Neha • Nov 16, 2015 at 10:57 am
I agree with you completely. The HONY pictures give everyone insight on the wold and, even in a world that seems to be selfish, allows people to feel for one another.
Neha • Nov 16, 2015 at 11:00 am
justin bieber is a terrible role model and needs to get kicked out of the country!