The Hunt for a Simple Conversation

This first week of directing the lens of “Humans of Our Time” has already been quite a moving one. I have only really gotten into twelve conversations within these first few days of SEE and I have surprisingly felt deep emotion at least four to six times during those conversations. I have already succeeded in learning so much about the humanity in the local area. For example, many claim that they’re boring and have absolutely nothing to share with the rest of the world, but by “taking a few moments,” I discover that they are doubting themselves. Almost every person I have spoken with thus far has either disclosed a negative strife or a positive achievement. Within each “strife” story I listen to, I often times hear the word “God.” From this, I have realized that more and more distressed people are just looking to God for answers because they are so lost and torn in our own complex world. Even though I have come across some phenomenal stories, I have also encountered many difficulties throughout this process too.

One would believe that carrying out a conversation with another human being could be accomplished in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, that belief is very untrue today. Anyone and everyone seems to be seeking out some form of trust, and without this trust, people are unwilling to communicate (which, in all honesty, I have concluded that communication is the most vital element of establishing a mindful and successful society). I will attempt to approach somebody in a light-hearted manner and almost as if we have met one another in the past. Yet, they remain very uncertain, hesitant, and they desire an explanation as to why we need to talk in the first place. I do understand that, yes, it is quite random and unusual for a strange, young woman to meet anybody with a camera in her hands and the intentions of listening to “their story.” However, at the same time, I feel that this proves how poorly our nearby communities collaborate, converse, and just relate to their surroundings. Even worse is when I near someone who appears to be merely sitting on a bench and thinking and then they avoid me at all costs because who needs to talk? As a result of such difficulties, I have determined the great significance of time, place, questions, and current activities of my “interviews.” Especially after discussing these obstacles with Mrs. Muratori, we were able to come up with a couple of improved and hopefully more stimulating interview questions and a few hotspot locations. I cannot wait to give these new, thought-provoking questions and popular places a try in the upcoming weeks! :)