Essay Questions

Deconstruct the connotation of the title, “How the Other Half Lives”.

In the introduction, Riis elucidates, “LONG ago it was said that “one half of the world does not know how the other half lives.” That was true then. It did not know because it did not care. The half that was on top cared little for the struggles, and less for the fate of those who were underneath, so long as at it was able to hold them there and keep its own seat. There came a time when the discomfort and crowding below were so great, and the consequent upheavals so violent, that it was no longer an easy thing to do, and the upper half fell to inquiring what was the matter.” The half alludes to the pervasive class system in the world which segregates the high class from the low class. The higher class is mainly oblivious of the challenges which the low class faces. Accordingly, the interactions between the high and low classes are not common. The upheavals are analogous to Marx’s revolution which is attributed to the difficult conditions; however, the upheavals are not sufficient to overhaul the deep seethed class system and its upshots.

How does gambling affect African Americans?

Riis expounds, “Of all the temptations that best him, the one that troubles him and the police most is his passion for gambling. The game of policy is a kind of unlawful penny lottery specially adapted to his means, but is patronized extensively by poor white players as well…Between the fortune-teller and the policy shop, closely allied frauds always, the wages of many a hard day’s works are wasted by the negro; but the loss causes him few regrets. Penniless, but with undaunted faith in his ultimate “luck,” he looks forward to the time when he shall once more be able to take a hand at “bleating policy.” The gambling backers swindle away the black people's earnings by convincing him of the chance of being lucky. Accordingly, an African American places his earnings in gambling, anticipating his luck. Addictive gambling is contributory to poverty, for it is not a sound investment.