Humans of New York Photographer Writes Open Letter to Donald Trump Calling Him the ‘Hateful One’

The man behind the widely popular Humans of New York Facebook page has a strong message for Donald Trump.

Brandon Stanton wrote an open letter on the Humans of New York Facebook page Monday, which has already reached a viral audience.

Stanton wrote in the letter that he tries his “hardest not to be political,” but felt obligated to speak out regarding the subject matter.

“I’ve come to realize that opposing you is no longer a political decision. It is a moral one,” Stanton wrote.

In the letter, Stanton also called out Trump for his hateful words on Twitter, taking his time to address the Ku Klux Klan and support from white supremacist groups, and his strong influence for promoting violence at his rally.

“I’ve watched you retweet racist images. I’ve watched you retweet racist lies. I’ve watched you take 48 hours to disavow white supremacy. I’ve watched you joyfully encourage violence, and promise to ‘pay the legal fees’ of those who commit violence on your behalf. I’ve watched you advocate the use of torture and the murder of terrorists’ families. I’ve watched you gleefully tell stories of executing Muslims with bullets dipped in pig blood. I’ve watched you compare refugees to ‘snakes,’ and claim that ‘Islam hates us.'”

Stanton shared that over the years he has interviewed many Muslims and refugees and has had no issue with them. Stanton confirms that the only “hateful one” is Trump himself, regarding his plan to ban all Muslims from entering the United States.

Stanton’s post has been shared over 545,000 times and has over 930,000 likes as of press time. User’s shared their reactions in the comments, commending Stanton for speaking out about the situation.

Humans of New York was a project Stanton created five years ago to “create a photographic census of New York City.” The 2013 book reached the top spot on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestseller list within weeks of being on sale. The book and Facebook page have had major impact around the country sharing stories of inspiration and hope.

See the full text of Stanton’s open letter below:

An Open Letter to Donald Trump:

Mr. Trump,

I try my hardest not to be political. I’ve refused to interview several of your fellow candidates. I didn’t want to risk any personal goodwill by appearing to take sides in a contentious election. I thought: ‘Maybe the timing is not right.’ But I realize now that there is no correct time to oppose violence and prejudice. The time is always now. Because along with millions of Americans, I’ve come to realize that opposing you is no longer a political decision. It is a moral one.

I’ve watched you retweet racist images. I’ve watched you retweet racist lies. I’ve watched you take 48 hours to disavow white supremacy. I’ve watched you joyfully encourage violence, and promise to ‘pay the legal fees’ of those who commit violence on your behalf. I’ve watched you advocate the use of torture and the murder of terrorists’ families. I’ve watched you gleefully tell stories of executing Muslims with bullets dipped in pig blood. I’ve watched you compare refugees to ‘snakes,’ and claim that ‘Islam hates us.’

I am a journalist, Mr. Trump. And over the last two years I have conducted extensive interviews with hundreds of Muslims, chosen at random, on the streets of Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan. I’ve also interviewed hundreds of Syrian and Iraqi refugees across seven different countries. And I can confirm— the hateful one is you.

Those of us who have been paying attention will not allow you to rebrand yourself. You are not a ‘unifier.’ You are not ‘presidential.’ You are not a ‘victim’ of the very anger that you’ve joyfully enflamed for months. You are a man who has encouraged prejudice and violence in the pursuit of personal power. And though your words will no doubt change over the next few months, you will always remain who you are.

Sincerely,
Brandon Stanton