Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the existential abyss of… Humans of New York (HONY). Yes, that thing you scroll through when you're supposed to be "working" or "adulting." Let’s be honest, we've all been there: a quick peek turns into a full-blown emotional rollercoaster, right?
The Great Existential Question: Why Are We Here? (And More Importantly, Why Are These People On My Feed?)
Seriously, what is the purpose of HONY? Is it to make us cry at our desks? To remind us that we're all just a bunch of beautifully flawed humans stumbling through life? Or is it a grand social experiment to see how many feelings we can cram into a single scroll session?
Let’s be real, Brandon Stanton, the mastermind behind this emotional vortex, probably didn't set out to solve world hunger (though he has helped raise a ridiculous amount of money for various causes). He just wanted to take pictures of people and hear their stories. And then, like a benevolent social media wizard, he shared them with the world.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: From "LOL" to "Sobbing Uncontrollably" in 0.2 Seconds
- The "Relatable" Moment: You see a person talking about their love for pizza, or their struggle with remembering where they left their keys, and you’re like, "YES! That's me!" You feel seen. You feel understood. You feel… hungry for pizza.
- The "Heartstring Tugger": Then, BAM! Someone’s telling a story about overcoming incredible hardship, or finding love in the most unexpected places, and you're suddenly questioning all your life choices. You're thinking, "Am I living my best life? Am I even a good person?" (Spoiler alert: you're probably fine, just maybe a little emotionally overwhelmed.)
- The "Wait, What?" Moment: And then there are the stories that are just… bizarre. Like, someone who collects toenail clippings (please tell me I’m exaggerating), or a pigeon who thinks he’s a dog. You just stare at the screen, blinking, wondering if you accidentally stumbled into a surrealist art exhibit.
Beyond the Feels: What HONY Actually Does (Besides Make You Question Your Life)
- Humanizing the World: In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with news about conflict and division, HONY reminds us that we’re all just people, with stories to tell. It’s like a giant, global hug. A slightly tear-stained hug, but a hug nonetheless.
- Raising Awareness and Funds: HONY has become a powerful platform for raising awareness about important issues, from poverty and homelessness to medical needs and education. And let's not forget the incredible fundraising efforts that have changed lives.
- Sparking Conversation: Those comments sections? A goldmine of human interaction. People sharing their own experiences, offering support, and sometimes, even debating the merits of pineapple on pizza. (Spoiler, it belongs).
- <u>Documenting the everyday</u>: Brandon Stanton is documenting the human expierence in a way that is incredibly unique. He is creating a living historical document of the people of New York, and now the world.
The Bottom Line: It's Complicated (Like Your Relationship Status)
So, what’s the purpose of HONY? It’s a lot of things. It’s a photo project, a storytelling platform, a fundraising machine, and an emotional rollercoaster. It's a reminder that we’re all in this crazy thing called life together, and that even the most ordinary people have extraordinary stories to tell. And it's a great excuse to procrastinate on your to-do list.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because You Know You Were Wondering):
How to get featured on Humans of New York?
- Be in the right place at the right time! Brandon Stanton often photographs people he encounters on the street. Be genuine, and if he approaches you, be ready to share your story.
How to donate to causes featured on Humans of New York?
- HONY often includes links to fundraising campaigns in its posts. Simply click on the link and follow the instructions.
How to submit a story to Humans of New York?
- While Brandon primarily finds stories through street photography, you can try reaching out through the HONY website or social media channels. However, there is no guarantee that your story will be chosen.
How to stop crying every time I read a Humans of New York post?
- Embrace the tears! Or, you could try reading HONY posts with a box of tissues and a comforting beverage nearby. Or limit your exposure.
How to use Humans of New York to improve my own storytelling?
- Pay close attention to the way Brandon Stanton conducts interviews and presents stories. Notice how he captures the essence of a person in a few words and a single photograph. Practice listening to people and finding the heart of their stories.