Question

How do Riis's references to good and evil in How the Other Half Lives reflect the perspective of the Progressives?

Answer 1

Riis's references to good and evil in How the Other Half Lives reflect the perspective of the Progressives by highlighting the moral imperatives that accompany the social issues he is addressing. The Progressives were a movement that believed in the importance of social reform and saw poverty, crime, and other social ills as moral problems that needed to be addressed in order to create a more just and equitable society.

In the book, Riis uses language that frames poverty and suffering as evils that must be eradicated, while also pointing out examples of individuals and organizations working to alleviate these issues as examples of good. This moral framing aligns with the Progressive belief in the power of social reform to improve the lives of marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Additionally, Riis's references to good and evil serve to galvanize his readers to action, encouraging them to see themselves as agents of positive change who have a moral responsibility to help those less fortunate. This sense of moral duty and obligation was central to the Progressive movement, which sought to inspire individuals to take action to address social inequalities and injustices.