Jacob Riis
was a late nineteenth century social reformer who used his
camera to expose
parts of New York City avoided by the smart set. He ventured into the poor districts
ruled by gangs. Daily life for the unfortunate inhabitants was dismal and
violent … far more violent than the infamous Wild West. The film,
Gangs of New York, focused on a small
time frame covered by the
1928
book by Herbert Asbury.
.jpg "New York City") |
| Jabob Riis |
In
The Return, I
wanted to show New York’s explosive progress in technology and wealth creation,
while a few blocks away gangs and lawlessness dominated neighborhoods. A common
misconception is that the Wild West was ignorant, lawless and lacking in basic
comforts, while eastern cities were cultured and ordered, with the basic
amenities close at hand. Eastern city slums couldn’t hold a candle to safety
and opportunity on the frontier. For many, the West was a chance for a new start
in life, one with more promise than a bleak future in the East.
Hope drove the mass migrations to the frontier. People endured hardship on the chance of securing a
better future for themselves and their families. In truth, that is the great
story of the Wild West.
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| Jacob Riis |
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| Jacob Riis |
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| Jacob Riis |
.jpg "New York City")
