The Meaning of Humanity

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Today I have the honor of hosting the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge. When asked to come up with a theme, without skipping a beat I decided upon Humanity. Here is my own answer to the question and challenge below. To see the official WordPress Photo Challenge: Humanity and to respond, please click here. 

There is so much conflict and heartbreak in the today’s world: Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine and the raw memories of 9/11 to name a few. Sometimes it makes me wonder what on earth has happened to humanity and compassion for others. Has it all disappeared?

The more I see the world, the more I realize that although people are all different, we are also very much the same. We may speak different languages, have different cultures, religions, values and physical traits, yet we all share common hopes and dreams of love, family and survival.

When I travel, I am inspired to take photographs that show the common humanity of us all. I aim to capture images of everyday people around the world hoping to provoke compassion for others and an understanding of their differences. My favorite photos are the rare ones that capture the raw emotions of others and spark a curiosity about their lives. For me, these images reflect the common humanity the human race shares and creates a connection between us.

Some of my favorite photos of humanity are the ones where I feel as if my photograph is touching their souls like these ones below. 

P1020384-1

I met these two girls inside an unauthorized slum in the heart of New Delhi. Although their clothing was tattered and torn, their eyes were full of joy, innocence and curiosity about the  outside world and a tall, blond-haired blue-eyed woman asking to take their photo. They reminded me of my own children.

I met this woman in southern Ethiopia at Project Mercy, a not-for-profit relief and development agency working to alleviate human suffering and poverty in Ethiopia. Although she could not read or write or speak the same language, her pride at her handiwork was evident. 

I captured this woman sitting in Old Havana, Cuba and was captivated by her. I wondered what she had witnessed during her lifetime through the rise of Castro and the Cuban Revolution. I found the juxtaposition between her weathered skin and the aging tree where she was seated in the heart of Old Havana’s past grandeur, fascinating. 

We live in an interconnected world yet so many people are simply unconnected. Photography can be used as a means to bring the world together.

For this week’s challenge, share what humanity means to you.  It can be one simple photo or an entire collage like below to represent a sea of humanity. Use your imagination.

Girls in rural Ethiopia
A woman in Old Havana
Girl in red in Roatan, Honduras
Playmates in Honduras
Sister Love in La Ceiba
Old Cuban Friends
Mosebo Village, Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Mosebo Village, Ethiopia
Family in an unauthorized slum. Delhi, India
Mosebo Village, Ethiopia
Proud Grandma, Ethiopia.
Girl on an island monastery in Bahir Dar.
Woman begging outside the church walls in Guatemala.
Man praying inside a mosque in India
Maria, selling her handmade textiles outside a Spanish language school in Xela, Guatemala
Selling Coconuts in Honduras
Monk at island monastery in Bahir Dar

 What does humanity mean to you?

To enter the challenge, please click here at official WordPress Photo Challenge Site. 

 

 

69 thoughts on “The Meaning of Humanity”

  1. Nicole, you bring so much hope, light and love into our lives. Thank you for being you and showing us the world through your eyes. I am always moved by your words and images and look forward to each one of your posts. With warmest good wishes, as always 🙂

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  2. Cee Neuner – Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA – I'm visual and always have a camera with me, so photography is a natural way for me to express myself. As the saying goes, a pictures says a thousand words.
    Cee Neuner on said:

    Great topic this week. 🙂 Thanks.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Cee! It took some deep thinking!

      Reply ↓
  3. anotherjennifer – Brunswick, Maine – Jennifer Iacovelli is an author, blogger and nonprofit unicorn. Based in Brunswick, Maine, she’s a proud single mom of two boys and two Siberian huskies. Her books include The Mother Of All Meltdowns and Simple Giving: Easy Ways to Give Every Day. Her work has been featured on HuffPost Divorce, Maria Shriver, GOOD, BlogHer, ONE, USAID Impact, Feed the Future, PSI Impact blog and more. Her passions are writing, philanthropy, her awesome kids, bacon and lifting heavy objects, though not necessarily in that order.
    anotherjennifer on said:

    Love that you are hosting and your theme is perfect, Nicole. These photos are beyond beautiful!

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jennifer! I am truly over the moon to be hosting this challenge. 🙂

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  4. Nicole, this has to be my all time favorite weekly photo challenge. Your photos shine with humanity. I love you for that! Congratulations on hosting this week’s challenge. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh Debbie that means so much to me. I really put a lot of thought into this and took my time. It was actually hard to write and figure out but I’m so glad it all turned out!!! 🙂 Thanks as always for your amazing support.

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  5. Mara Eastern – I'm a sardonic blogger, snapper, scribbler and rhymer; a virtual space invader who indulges in cheerful negativism, morbid self-deprecation and bleak humour.
    Mara Eastern on said:

    This a powerful essay and equally powerful series of images! You did an excellent job with hosting the challenge. Thank you for it!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! It took a bit of reflection as I really wanted it to turn out how I imagined. Really glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet. I try my best. I just feel so emotional these days with so much war and hatred. It makes me sad.

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  7. To be honest, you are the perfect host for this week’s challenge – humanity can be felt on every step of the way, reading your posts and enjoying the photos. Inspiring…always!

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you so much. When they asked if I’d host, this was the first theme that came to mind. I have been feeling sad lately about all the hate in the world. We are all people. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • I am really happy you came up with this prompt.
        And true…compassion, tolerance and simply being human – all that and quite a few other important things are fleeting a touch on the background of increasing negativity.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you Sally. I was really excited when I was asked and spent a lot of time thinking about how and what I wanted to say. I’m glad it turned out well! 🙂 Sometimes it is nerve wracking put yourself out there. But it is worth it. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  9. Cardinal Guzman – CardinalGuzman.wordpress.com | articles on the History of Tattoo and photo related posts (street photography, model photography, cityscapes, night shots etc).
    Cardinal Guzman on said:

    Nice gallery. It’s interesting to see all the different people in the different parts of the world.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I enjoyed your entry as well. Very thought provoking.

      Reply ↓
  10. Biswadarshan Mohanty – Dubai – Biswadarshan Mohanty is a freelance writer based in Dubai. He writes fiction, poetry and travel narratives. His articles have been published in the E-zineArticles.com. He derives his inspiration from his experiences as a receptive traveller.
    Biswadarshan Mohanty on said:

    The darkest hour in the night is just before dawn.Do hope that humanity’s dawn is not far.People like you keep this hope alive…thank you!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks. I try to be positive as it is the only way I can be. Yes I get saddened and disappointed but try my best.

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  11. Each one of these photos reaffirms what I already know.. My purpose on this planet is to recognize and love humanity.. Such a wonderful post for all of us!
    Thank you for sharing these!
    lynne

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lynne! When I get down I remember these photos and the people I’ve met. When life can seem sad or hopeless it is good to remember the goodness of many others. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. Madhu – Madhu is an Interior designer turned travel blogger on a long sabbatical to explore the world. When not crafting stories on The Urge To Wander, she's probably Tweeting @theurgetowander or sharing special moments on instagram.com/theurgetowander
    Madhu on said:

    I agree with the others…the perfect choice of theme accompanied by a beautiful gallery! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Madhu! Your entry is breathtaking. So beautiful.

      Reply ↓

  13. Pingback: Liberated from laundry? Humanity and my take on this week’s photo challenge | Lola Jane's World

  14. Lola Jane – Monterey Peninsula, California – Advocate for planet Earth, grandmother, Philippine born, US Air Force Veteran. I blog about topics related to conservation and the environment, living in the California Central Coast, and Philippine-related development topics, to understand challenges faced by developing nations like my home country. I believe we are all connected -- no matter what part of the world we live in -- and positive that we have the capacity to solve our problems…if we know what they are.
    lolakojane on said:

    Captivating photos…well done and how wonderful to see the photos on this week’s photo challenge. I have not participated in a while, but you inspired me to do so, Nicole. The girls from New Delhi are beautiful.

    Reply ↓

  15. Stunning: those two young girls, particularly the one on the right, has a wonderful impish quality and yes, their eyes are full of wonderment and joy. The final image of the woman walking with the basket on her head, beckons you to follow with the hope of knowing her story – beautiful. And thank you for your lovely comment on my take on humanity… Jen

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jen! I appreciate it. I still think of those two girls, even now. It was a really wonderful day when I met them and as a mother of a daughter around that age, it was even more heartwarming for me.

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  16. Shelly Tennyson Taylor – Georgia – Who am I? I am a first time mom to an amazingly smart 6yr old. I am wife to my best friend of 24 years. I am 40ish going on 29.. ;) I am a writer... I finished my first novel in 2013 and I am currently seeking publication. I work for "the man" but he pays me well to work from home so I can't complain. My blog is simply about life and all aspects of it. I hope you will join me on this journey! http://oldmomsunite.wordpress.com/
    Shelly Tennyson Taylor on said:

    You captured more than humanity here, you can feel the soul and life in these pictures. Beautiful!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! These photos means a lot to me.

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  17. dimlamp – I am, among other things, a sojourner, a sinner-saint, a baptized, life-long learner and follower of Jesus, and Lutheran pastor. Dim Lamp: dimlamp.wordpress.com gwh photos: gwhphotos.wordpress.com
    dimlamp on said:

    The world definitely needs more peaceful means of communicating with one another, your photos underscore that, I think. Thanks for sharing them, well done!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I agree. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you very much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  20. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Congratulations Nicole on being chosen to host the WordPress challenge. Your theme comes straight from your heart. Thank you for your ongoing work in showing us humanity from the corners of the earth.

    Reply ↓
  22. Sas – Cardiff, UK – I'm vegan. I love to travel. I challenge myself to visit at least one new place and try at least one new activity every year. When I'm not writing, I like to ski, rock climb, keep fit and bodyboard.
    Sas on said:

    I knew you’d come up with a good theme for the Weekly Challenge Nicole, I’ll definitely be joining in today 🙂

    Reply ↓

  23. Pingback: Humanity of Children | 365 Days of Thank You

  25. Regina Martins – South Africa – I am a Certified Scrum Trainer® and Certified Scrum Professional® and enjoy my work as an agile coach and trainer. I am also a Kanban Management Professional® and an NLP® Practitioner – Masters. I have 15+ years of experience with managing IT projects in the financial services and telecoms industries. I discovered Scrum in 2010 and have never looked back from that. I get energized when I am involved in building self-organised teams and facilitating these teams to deliver value to business stakeholders. For fun, I engage in public speaking, reading, photography, travel and driving very fast. Visit my personal blog on http://reginamartins.com where I blog about things that make me look at the world with wide-eyed wonder.
    Regina Martins on said:

    I love the photo of the old woman in Havana, and the flowers in her hair. Such a youthful, hopeful thing to do. Such a feminine thing to do. It transcends cultures, ages and socio-economic status. I think I shall wear flowers in my hair from now on.

    Reply ↓
  26. colonialist – Durban, South Africa – Active septic geranium who plays with words writing fantasy novels and professionally editing, with notes writing classical music, and with riding a mountain bike, horses and dinghies. Recently Indie Publishing has been added to this list.
    colonialist on said:

    These are a real celebration of humanity. I love the way that the message from all of them is an upbeat one. To me, anyway.

    Reply ↓
  28. jules – Western Australia – I am an educator and published writer. I am a fully qualified Emmett, Reiki, MSTR (Scar Therapy) and AromaTouch practitioner. I am an active member of the Greens party and I believe we should be transitioning to a more sustainable and equitable world.
    jules on said:

    Beautiful evocative photos.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  31. charlieeasterfield – North West Ireland – I am an Artist, sculptor, calligrapher, photographer, teacher and environmental activist, living in the North West of Ireland, where I built a large timber home and studio in 2000, and developed a flourishing garden. Also: Bi-polar, veering between slob and perfectionist!
    charlieeasterfield on said:

    Beautiful faces, beautiful photographs! x

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      THank you so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! You are very welcome!

      Reply ↓

  33. There is no one I can think of who could have done this challenge more justice. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you LuAnn! 🙂 Hope you are well!

      Reply ↓

      • I am Nicole, thank you.

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the photos and the meaning behind them.

      Reply ↓

  35. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity | Say It With A Camera

  36. It is my honor to join the theme you shared with us. You must be a good people as well as a good photographer cause people in your photos seem to have a deep connection with the one who captured their images.

    Reply ↓

  37. Your words just nailed it. It is so true. I believe that this world is evolving and till the time, compassion is there among hearts, we are there to live and enjoy our blessed lives. I have read in Bhagvad Gita, the holy scripture of Hindus, that compassion is the ultimate gift that a human can give to his fellow being. And that according to me all about humanity. Your photos are so lovely and each of them has a strong, moving story.

    I feel so glad to mention that currently, i am living in Minneapolis with my wife – in your state. I would love to connect with you and talk more over this, as i run a non-profit organization in India for the education of underprivileged children in Hyderabad and Bangalore. Kindly let me know.

    Do visit my post as well, which shows the joy we have been able to share with the children through the work of our organization. Thanks a lot.

    http://suyashchopra.wordpress.com/2014/09/14/humanity-thy-name-is-aashayein-foundation/

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you so much. What a nice compliment Emily! I appreciate it.

      Reply ↓

  39. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity – Take 2! | Blessings through raindrops...

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes they are! Thanks for your comment.

      Reply ↓
  41. TheAmateurAdventurer – Sydney – I call myself an amateur adventurer. You don't need to be a "professional" backpacker, you don't have to drop out to travel. I'm an ordinary person with a 9-5 job and everyday responsibilities. But I've made a point to have extraordinary experiences. And so can you. Follow me on my adventures and find out how.
    Shelly on said:

    Was a great topic Nicole. Traveling certainly gives you the opportunity to see Humanity in all it’s glory, struggles, disppointments, hopes. And I think we come out the better for it on the other side.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Shelly! I love your comment. Yes traveling does as well as even looking right outside your doorstep. 🙂

      Reply ↓

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