Humans of New York and the Cavalier Consumption of Others
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summary
This essay discusses the popular photography project "Humans of New York" and examines the ethical implications of consuming other people's stories. The author questions the voyeuristic nature of the project, which presents intimate and vulnerable moments of strangers' lives for public consumption. The essay highlights the potential for exploitation and the line between empathy and exploitation in such storytelling endeavors. It argues that the project's success stems from a collective desire for connection and understanding, but questions whether this desire is being fulfilled at the expense of the subjects. The author ultimately encourages readers to reflect on their consumption of others' stories and consider the ethical implications of such endeavors.