Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Kris Cunningham

Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity.  The more I see the world, the more I realize that although people are different, we’re very much the same. We 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’m inspired to take photographs that capture humanity — of everyday people around the world — and provoke compassion and an understanding of our differences. My favorite photos capture the emotions of others and spark a curiosity about their lives. For me, these images reflect humanity and create connections between us.

I am currently in Nicaragua in a place much different than the USA, and also quite different from western Panama where I have been for the last two years. But, as much as it is different it is also the same. People go about their lives doing the things that people do everywhere. Maybe the methods are different but the goals are similar – to survive, to care for their loved ones, and to enjoy life along the way.

The Nicaraguan neighbor leads her cow Princessa to our yard to graze. This cow provides important milk and calves for her family.
This beekeeper is on a long walk to town, to the ferry, and to the city of Rivas where he hopes to sell his honey.
These children playing in front of their house become shy when I talk to them, like many children everywhere.
These girls play and dance on the sidewalk while they follow their mother on her errands.
Enjoying a friendly stroll in town on a nice afternoon. Here affection between family and friends is just a bit more visible than in some other places.
A working guy struggles to push his cart up hill so he can sell his juice and snacks to the midday street traffic.
Some youngsters enjoy a bit of fun on the lake.
Others all pile in a truck to go somewhere together on a Sunday afternoon.
A guy keeps watch on the street traffic outside the door to his business.
A mom teaches her little girl to ride a bicycle.
People at a washing platform in the lake doing the laundry. This is quite different from what I am used to but still, anyone who wears clothes has to wash them somehow.
Boys are fishing with a net in the lake. They were having fun but I imagine the catch will be appreciated by the family at the dinner table.

When you move to a different country with a different culture, language, climate, and traditions you expect that your life will be quite different. A bigger surprise though is how much it is the same. We are all just people. There is far too much US vs THEM these days. Maybe if we can know THEM as people there will be more peace and cooperation in the world.

 

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About Kris Cunningham

We live in David, Chiriqui Provence, Republic of Panama! This blog is about some of our experiences in our new country.
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12 Responses to Weekly Photo Challenge: Humanity

  2. Felicia's avatar Felicia says:
    September 14, 2014 at 9:02 pm

    Me too! Absolutely love it Kris!!

    Like

  3. indacampo's avatar indacampo says:
    September 15, 2014 at 7:58 am

    My favorite is the man watching the street. Love the grumpyish expression on his face. 🙂

    Like

  4. Neva Miller's avatar Neva Miller says:
    September 15, 2014 at 10:28 am

    I’m very much enjoying your wonderful photos!

    Like

  5. Linda McKee's avatar Linda McKee says:
    September 15, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Great post Kris! Your writing just keeps getting better and better and your heart is already in the most wonderful of places.

    Like

  6. onbecomingmyself's avatar onbecomingmyself says:
    September 15, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    “There is far too much US vs THEM these days. Maybe if we can know THEM as people there will be more peace and cooperation in the world” I agree completely.

    Like

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