Are we one in 8 million or one of 8 million?

As humans we are compiled of years of break-ups, births, birthdays, graduations, boring summer days, walks in the park, fights with old friends and a multitude of experiences.

This week I stumbled across "One in 8 Million", a 2009 New York Times video project featuring 2 to 3 minute video portrayals of 54 New Yorkers. The online series showcases a wide variety of NYC "characters" with captivating imagery and a lovely, old New York feel.

The piece is touching in a way. When you watch the clips one after another after another "One in 8 Million" reminds us we are all human -- going about our lives the same way everyone else does. We all share something that binds us together, no matter how hard we struggle, to be noticed in the great abandon of the world. But, as captivating as the series is,  I'm just not sure if it captivates for the right reasons.

The series thrusts each individual into an "image" --  a mere representation of the most "important" parts of themselves. Surely we are more than the movie tailor of our lives -- a 2 to 3 minute visual representation of ourselves. Americans love to label people like they are a product. Once we are labeled -- identified as different from the crowd-- it is only then we can truly fit in amongst the crowd.

Have we become nothing more than an image we are trying to sell to the world? Are we one in 8 million or one of 8 million?

One in 8 Million - New York Characters in Sound and Images - The New York Times.