The Idea of Photographing - Essay Example

The idea of photographing people and asking them about their life stories is certainly a very interesting activity as a passion, a hobby, or a profession. Brandon Stanton did a very original kind of artistic work which is not only unique but also helpful in making people do a better job of understanding other people. His photographic census of the people of New York City helped make its inhabitants (and people all over the world through his Web site) more receptive to people of other ethnic origins or nationalities. New York City is one of the most diverse cities on Earth and so a photographic essay of this kind is well and warmly received as it helps to break down cultural barriers born out of ignorance, prejudice, and bias. If only all people would be receptive to his message, then there would be less trouble and more peace. It helps to promote understanding and that behind every photograph is a real person who had the same worries, concerns, joys, and hopes just like everyone else (Stanton, 2010).

Brandon's uniquely refreshing idea of including snippets of quotes and life stories with the photographs of people he had met also invited copycats; in fact, there are several sites now on the Web with basically the same idea or intentions. On another note, perhaps Texas is not yet that ready to be totally receptive to the same concept of Brandon Stanton although there are several sites about the same topic, which is humans but of Texas (Lexicon, 2013) instead of New York. The sites do not feature the life stories of the people shown in the photographs, unlike that of the site of Brandon Stanton. The state of Texas is not that diversified yet in terms of people except perhaps it has a lot of people of either Spanish or Mexican descent. These Latinos are the only major ethnic minority in Texas unlike that of New York City where every nationality of the world is represented there by some immigrant community or neighborhood.