The book details the state of poverty-stricken individuals in New York City. The author, Jacob Riis, narrates about the teething troubles experienced by poor people living in slums. According to Riis, higher levels of crimes and diseases witnessed in slums are as a result of poverty. The living conditions experienced by poor people amounts to injustice. Rich families once owned New York tenements described by Riis. However, immigration forced these families to move out of the city. New York tenements are filthy and overcrowded. People living in these areas are vulnerable to diseases.
Many wealthy families in New York do not understand the difficulties faced by people of lower-class status. Rather, wealthy families believe that these people are the cause of their problems. Indeed, middle and upper-class individuals believe that people of the lower class are lazy and weak. However, Riis notes that these people are normal and hardworking. People living under these harsh conditions are desperate, and they can do nothing to prevent their situation. Poverty and desperation have forced young people living in these areas to engage in crimes. Besides, young people get indulged in alcohol at a young age because liquor is common among these communities.
The author blames poverty for crime activities witnessed in these areas. As well, he defends commercial sex workers blaming poverty for their bad behavior. According to Riis, people of low social status find themselves engaging in unlawful activities due to their living conditions. Riis cautions wealthy families against ignoring the plights of the poor. He suggests that poor people will one day rise up in violence against the rich. Riis recommends the building of new models of tenements as well as empowering the poor. Such actions will reduce the tension between rich and poor people in society.
