Inspired by popular photo-blog "Humans of New York," The Humans of Al-Rashidiya photo series shifts the spotlight towards Palestinian refugees in a Lebanese camp, who have and continue to face immense obstacles such as difficulty finding employment and feeling disconnected from their family and friends.
The political project, which launched on both Facebook and Tumblr, sheds light on how refugees forced to leave Palestinian territories currently occupied by Israel are doing today. Many of the blog's younger subjects were even born in the Lebanese camps, which house over 30,000 people.
With the cult success of American blog Humans of New York marking an obvious space online for the sharing and understanding of a wide variety of human experiences, Humans of Al-Rashidiya has the potential to reach thousands if not millions of global citizens who may otherwise be uninterested in non-sensationalist stories from the Middle East.
Refugee Reality Portraits
The 'Humans of Al-Rashidiya' Blog Stars Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon
Trend Themes
1. Online Refugee Portraits - Creating online platforms that highlight the stories and experiences of refugees can help raise awareness and empathy towards their struggles.
2. Social Media Anthropology - Using social media platforms to document and share diverse human experiences can bridge cultural gaps and foster understanding.
3. Localized Human Storytelling - Bringing attention to marginalized communities and their unique stories can challenge preconceived notions and promote inclusivity.
Industry Implications
1. Digital Media - Incorporating refugee stories into digital media platforms presents opportunities for content creators and media organizations to engage wider audiences.
2. Social Impact - Creating initiatives that amplify marginalized voices can drive social change and inspire advocacy efforts.
3. Cultural Exchange - Facilitating cultural exchange through storytelling can open doors for collaborations, tourism, and cross-cultural understanding.