Chapter 17: The Street Arab
Introduction
A Street Arab is a child who has run-a-way from his home in search for a better life. These children break the law at every turn, and do not hesitate to resort to violence. They blame their predicament on society. Through his life on the street the Street Arab learns to be extreamly independent, and would do anything to keep his freedoms. The Children's Aid Society makes lodging and loans available to them. Though the society is for the benefit of these children, it is not a charity. They are expected to pay back any loans or expences they incur.
Chapter 17 Summary
A Street Arab begins as a run-a-way who is not missed by anyone. Their mothers go to the police once a week to see if they have turned up. Their family does not realy miss them, to them it is one less mouth to feed. In the opening paragraph Riis compares the Street Arab to the institutions of Newspaper Row. Together these Street Arabs are like a large institution taking advantage of the charity of others. These children are such scoundrels that they are not to be cried over. They are extreamly independent and have no regard for any public policies. They dislike owing anything to anyone, and will take any chance to blame their situation on society. The Street Arabs are not above violence and will fight for a warm place to sleep.
The Children's Aid Society offers the children housing and other forms of assistance. These homes are more like a hotel, and are definatly not charity. Those who stay here are expected to pay for their expenses. Through the CAS they can recieve loans to start a business, which must be repaid even if it is just a few cents. What makes the housing the CAS offers differant is the way it operates. It functions more like a hotel, where those in it can come and go as they please. Those living in the housing must follow certain codes. Some of these codes are no cursing and one must keep themself clean. Through the lessons learned it is the hope that these Street Arabs gain habits and skills to keep them out of poverty.
The Children's Aid Society offers the children housing and other forms of assistance. These homes are more like a hotel, and are definatly not charity. Those who stay here are expected to pay for their expenses. Through the CAS they can recieve loans to start a business, which must be repaid even if it is just a few cents. What makes the housing the CAS offers differant is the way it operates. It functions more like a hotel, where those in it can come and go as they please. Those living in the housing must follow certain codes. Some of these codes are no cursing and one must keep themself clean. Through the lessons learned it is the hope that these Street Arabs gain habits and skills to keep them out of poverty.
Key Terms
Bohemian - an immigrant from the Kingdom of Bohemia, which is located in central Europe.
Vagabond - a person with no permanent place to live, a wanderer
Vagabond - a person with no permanent place to live, a wanderer
Maps and Related Pictures
Bibliography
Riis, Jacob. How the Other Half Lives. New York: Penquin Books Ltd., 1890.
Riis, Jacob. How the Other Half Lives. New York: Penquin Books Ltd., 1890.