Humans of New York

            Last semester my creative writing professor suggested that we follow the Facebook page “Humans of New York” since it showcases people’s stories. The founder, Brandon Stanton, created a blog called Humans of New York (HONY) in 2010. He walks around New York City and stops people he comes across and asks if he can take their picture. He also asks them questions like, “What was the happiest moment of your life?” “What advice would you give to a large group of people?” or “What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?”

            He also posts the pictures and answers he receives to the Facebook page, and since I’ve started following HONY, I look forward to the pictures he posts every day. Some are funny, some are heartbreaking, and most of them are incredibly inspiring. He doesn’t comment, doesn’t judge, doesn’t discriminate, he just allows people to tell their story. 

            Brandon commented on one of his pictures a few days ago. “I get nervous as the blog grows that the culture will fall apart,” he says, “but with 2.7 million and counting, the HONY comment section remains a sort of rare internet jewel where everyone, for the most part, is really nice. And when there is a mean comment, it sticks out as an anomaly, instead of the other way around. So thanks for that.”

            It warms my heart every time I see someone offering encouragement on the pictures. The internet is a vicious place, so is so awe-inspiring to see an online community that builds people up instead of tearing them down. I could write pages and pages about this blog because I love it so much. It celebrates the very best of humanity, and I think everyone needs to be reminded that we are all humans and we need to stick together.

            I encourage everyone to check out the HONY Facebook page. It always makes me smile! Let me know if you find a post that really speaks to you.

"My parents have always been very dismissive of 

depression in other people. So I'm afraid to tell them that 

I think I'm getting depressed."

"I love crazy!"

"What's the hardest thing you've ever gotten through together?"

"I know. And he knows. But we'd rather not say."

"I'm feeling masculine today."

"I got it when I was young. I made the mistake of 

trying to stop someone from picking on me."

"I pretty much only read fantasy because I've 

had more than enough of reality."