Why Humans Of New York Is The Best Thing On The Internet
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Humans Of New York Is The Best Thing On The Internet

Brandon Stanton captures the true nature of being human.

10
Why Humans Of New York Is The Best Thing On The Internet
Laughing Squid

People are always saying things like, "Don't judge people because you don't know what they've been through." We are so absorbed in our busy lives, technology and self-centered media universes that we tend to simply ignore people that we don't know. While I do not think that the Internet will initiate the downfall of the human race, we could all stand to take a few minutes out of our day to gain a new perspective on life. Brandon Stanton, creator of the inspirational Humans of New York movement, gave us a platform on which we can gain insight about the joys and struggles faced by people every day as well as proof that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

Starting in the city of New York, Stanton began using his camera to capture what seemed like simple pictures of people -- sometimes faces, sometimes their hands or sometimes them holding a phone showing an important personal photo. With each photo he posts online, Stanton writes a snapshot of the conversation he had with the person or people. By doing this, he has captured the raw emotional stories of thousands who have won the hearts of millions.

As Stanton's blog gained popularity and followers, he traveled to several impoverished and conflict-ridden countries, capturing the emotions and struggles of those he met along the way. What separates Stanton's work from prominent activist work is that he frames issues in a way that resonates with readers rather than just telling us why we should care. He appeals to people's natural inclination to make a difference.

One of his more recent series was on children suffering from cancer. This one stood apart to me from other news on this subject because it focused not only on the children, but also their parents and the medical staff. It touches on the pain doctors and nurses feel when they are not able to save a child's life and the guilt that ensues. There are several pieces in which the subjects talk about the constant fear they experience, the masks people wear to hide their pain and the long hours spent searching for a cure after having experienced so many dead ends. Stanton also shares the innate goodness of people by sharing doctors' late-night stories of fighting to save lives. He points out the nurses that spend their days striving to make these kids even just a little bit happier. This series proved to me that I should be thankful for and take advantage of every opportunity I have because there are so many who dream of having what I sometimes find myself taking for granted.

By spotlighting so many honest perspectives, Stanton keeps onlookers enthralled by showing that we, as human beings, can understand and empathize with each other on the most basic levels. Some stories are deep and tug on our emotions, while others are humorous and relatable, but they all have one thing in common: They prove that everyone's perspective is unique and vital in the whirlwind that is this world.

I owe Brandon Stanton a thank you for reminding me to appreciate who I am and to never give up on who I aspire to become.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

19672
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

947566
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

124050
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments