HUMANS OF OUR TIME

 

 

     According to the online “Urban Dictionary,” being a “hoot” is “Someone that does something funny, or does something out of the ordinary…” (“Hoot.” Def. 1). Even though my own meaning of “HOOT” is simply “Humans of Our Time,” I strive to find those individuals that embody Urban Dictionary’s “hoot.” This search has not been a difficult one because I gradually realized that if you just take a few moments to listen (and specifically listen, not just hear) each day, you’ll discover the extraordinary in what you once deemed ordinary. In the words of a thoughtful man that I so fortunately got the chance to speak to, “People are genuinely good people.” All it takes to unearth the extraordinary is an open-mind, an optimistic outlook, and the will to give others a chance. Now, unfortunately, this “extraordinary” that we all hope for has been lost amongst the narrow minds of today’s fast-paced society. The young, tech-savvy generation of 2015 has, in many ways, become a very blinded and misguided generation in being so invested in social media. Nevertheless, there lies a potential solution that even continues to use this “ever-so-mesmerizing” social media. Photojournalism.

          As a very undecided and curious senior at New Fairfield High School, I know that whatever lies in the future ahead, I long to make a difference in it, whether it is locally, or even internationally someday. With such a passion to stimulate a greater awareness amongst humanity, I decided to take on this photojournalism project called “HOOT.” The inspiration of it all was Brandon Stanton’s legendary “Humans of New York” (HONY), where Stanton roams about the diverse streets of New York City, capturing profound quotes matched with meaningful photographs to be published via social media sources. In displaying others’ stories, thoughts, and opinions alongside an image, it provides the rest of the world with not only a sense of hope, but also a sense of connection and inspiration. That is my ambition for humanity— to produce a once inconceivable awareness and positive perspective upon the humans of our time.