Jacob Riis/How The Other Half Lives Review

When was Jacob Riis born?

1849

When did Jacob Riis die?

1914

What were Jacob Riis' professions?

A writer and photographer

Where did Riis come from?

Europe (Denmark)

What were the little apartments or living spaces that immigrants lived in?

Tenements

How does Riis talk about the Italians?

They come in at the bottom, gullible, born gamblers, they are easily governed by the authority, and are dirty and comfortable of their living conditions; they embrace it and make the most of it.

How does Riis talk about the Jews?

They suffer from the diseases of wants of money. The literally diseased children can infect the domestic products they create and eventually sell in the markets.

What was the purpose of his work?

To wake up the upper class of New York to get them to help the people in need.

How does Riis talk about the Chinese?

Whatever happens in their homes happens behind closed doors; secretive people. "VAT YOU VANT?" (Mocks the way that they talk).

Was How The Other Half Lives biased?

Yes; Riis' race was the dominant race over the rest of the races of the immigrants, therefore it only gives the point of view of the race that is discussing the flaws of the others.

Has he had any experiences before he wrote about and took pictures of the poverty in New York City?

Yes; he was once poor and homeless