How The Other Half Lived Analysis

Throughout United States history , individuals have used writing as a way to focus attention on issues facing the American people. To resolve the issues raised in these writings , actions have been taken by the government , group , or individuals. Issues such as poor living conditions the immigrants faced when moving to America and complications with the meat packing industry were brought to light by individuals which implemented new laws within American society.

One issue during the turn of the 20th century in America was poor living conditions in tenements during immigration. During immigration, immigrants from Europe to America for a better life. Once they’ve arrived , they went sent to live in tenements. Tenements were dirty , unsanitary housing that were placed in run down neighborhoods. Tenements were designed by wealthy Americans that lived for greed and luxury. Tenements were an exhibit of how the rich took advantage of the poor. After numerous reports of immigrants becoming ill, a man named Jacob Riis went to document the immigrants lifestyle. As a journalist , Riis photographed the dwellings and logged the poor living conditions the immigrants were facing. After many investigations and gaining insight , Riis published “ How the Other Half Lived “. This document spoke on how terrible these immigrants were treated. Jacob Riis stated how
Jacob Riis and Upton Sinclair were two individuals who took the initiative to expose issues that were looked over as they were deemed unimportant. However , their pieces of writing showed America how terrible certain conditions are and that we should make a change to stop the oppression of immigrants and nourishment. These actions were then taken in by the government which regulated new rules to discontinue these conditions which is why writing that focuses on issues can make