You HAVE to Check This Out!

written by Rachel W.

Humans of New York is a website many visit to find inspiration for their lives. Started in 2010 by Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York was originally intended as a photography project – one with the goal of photographing 10,000 citizens of New York. However, as Stanton took pictures, he began to interview people as well, posting their stories alongside their photos. Soon, the blog went viral, gaining over 20 million followers on social media and allowing Stanton to publish two books – Humans of New York and Humans of New York: Stories.

Clicking on this link to the website, you are immediately greeted by large photographs and text, giving options as to where you want to go. Scrolling down, you see the latest photographs along with their interviews – everyone from a father talking about his daughter to a woman who has just divorced are featured. Other tabs on the website showcase stories from other countries, series of interviews based on specific topics, etc. Looking for a baker? Or maybe a taxi driver? How about a regular businessman? Chances are, if you scroll down far enough you will encounter the person you are looking for.

However, what makes this website so special is not the variety of people you meet upon clicking on the pictures, but the stories they have to share. At first glance, a series about prison inmates might be perceived negatively, but reading their stories gives a true sense of what the goal of the blog is. It gives people a chance to speak their mind. Rant a little. Talk about their day, their month, or their life as a whole. People can share a funny story, a sad memory, or a piece of advice.

The website has been critically acclaimed by the New York Times and other popular journals, starting when the first of Stanton’s books was published and gained fame. The site and the stories on it have been shared millions of times. If you have some free time, the website is definitely worth checking out!