It’s the photo that has broken hearts across the world. But Facebook took it down.
Some of the posts on the Humans of New York Facebook page are funny. Some are thought-provoking. And then there are those so harrowing that they take your breath away.
This was one of those posts.
The post was incredibly powerful.
But Facebook’s first response was to remove the picture.
Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York, wrote:
Seems that Facebook removed the young man’s brave statement and is now preventing me from uploading any further photos. I’m hoping it was a mistake. It is currently still on Instagram and I’m trying to figure out how to get it back up.
Stanton’s FB privileges were revoked temporarily.
Thankfully, the picture was restored. Commenters immediately flooded the page with words of support for a young boy racked with so much fear and insecurity.
The image was so moving, it has attracted the attention of some big fans.
American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and talk-show host Ellen Degeneres both had words of support for the boy.
What advice would you give the boy in the photo?
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Top Comments
I suspect that FB took the photo down immediately because someone posted a photo of a child with the tagline "I'm a homosexual". I twould think that would require further investigation. It's worth removing a photo and investigating to ensure the statement and the photo actually match.
Separate to that I think is ridiculous that ANYONE can post a photo of a child (who isn't theirs), really though, I don't think anyone has any business posting a photo or anyone else in this world. how much heartache and embarassment would that save the world?
The Humans of New York Facebook page makes it pretty clear that permission is given to use use the photos and quotes or stories.
It's a great page.
But all of the posts have permission from the people in the photo to post it on social media platforms... thats the whole point of humans of new york
you are beautiful just because you're you