In the age of social media, storytelling has evolved beyond traditional forms of communication. Platforms like Humans of Bombay and Humans of New York have taken center stage, offering a glimpse into the lives, dreams and struggles of ordinary individuals. These two hugely popular initiatives have touched the hearts of millions of people around the world, but recently found themselves in a bit of a feud. Let's dive into what happened between Humans of Bombay and Humans of New York.


Humans of Bombay vs Humans of New York: Here’s what went down between two popular platforms

Rise of Humans of Bombay and Humans of New York

Humans of Bombay (HoB) and Humans of New York (HoNY) emerged as revolutionary storytelling platforms in early 2010. Brandon Stanton founded HoNY in 2010 and roamed the streets of New York to capture portraits and stories of its diverse inhabitants. He quickly gained a huge following on social media by sharing snippets of people's lives and shedding light on their experiences and emotions.

On the other side of the world in 2014, Karishma Mehta launched Humans of Bombay, inspired by the HoNY model. The platform quickly grew to become an Indian sensation, allowing people from Mumbai and beyond to share their stories. Both HoB and HoNY have amassed millions of followers and demonstrated the power of personal stories.

The controversy begins

The controversy between HoB and HoNY began when HoB accused HoNY of cultural appropriation and a lack of diversity in their narrative. HoB argued that HoNY failed to accurately represent the diverse cultures and voices of New York, often focusing too much on specific demographics.

In response, HoNY argued that their platform was intended to reflect the stories of those who voluntarily shared them. They argued that their work never sought to exclude anyone, but rather depended on individuals' willingness to participate in their project.

Social media backlash

As the controversy unfolded on social media, it became a hot topic of discussion among fans of both platforms. Proponents of HoB have expressed concerns about representation and cultural sensitivity, emphasizing the need for responsible storytelling.

On the contrary, supporters of HoNY have defended the platform, emphasizing its positive impact on society and the fact that it has always been driven by people's willingness to share their stories. Many felt that the accusations of cultural appropriation were unfounded.

Reconciliation efforts

Amid the controversy, both Humans of Bombay and Humans of New York sought to address concerns raised by their communities. HoNY has announced plans to diversify their storytelling by actively seeking out a wider range of voices and stories. They expressed their commitment to more accurately represent the rich tapestry of New York City cultures.

On the other hand, HoB extended an olive branch to HoNY, acknowledging that they share the same mission of telling stories for social good. They suggested collaborating on projects that would bridge the gap between their audiences and foster a deeper understanding of each other's work.

Bigger picture

The Humans of Bombay Vs. Humans of New York serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities faced by platforms that showcase personal stories. As a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding, storytelling carries the weight of ensuring voices are heard and stories are told with respect and sensitivity.

While the clash between the two platforms generated considerable attention, it also initiated crucial conversations about the ethics of storytelling, cultural representation, and the evolving narrative landscape of social media. Ultimately, both HoB and HoNY have the opportunity to learn from this experience and use their platforms to promote greater diversity, inclusion and understanding in the world. The real winners in this argument are the people whose stories continue to be shared and remind us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience, no matter where it takes place.