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Remembering Jacob Riis Today, we remember the great Jacob Riis. Riis endured much criticism in his time, being branded as a “muckraker.” Although even today, some criticize Riis tactics, there is no denying his profound influence upon the nation.

His prophetic articles on tenement life marked him as one of the very first photojournalists. These articles were published as How the Other Half Lives. It caused a sensation, describing in detail the terrible conditions of the unfortunate. Riis, along with being an activist, is considered a pioneer in the world of photography. Riis tried hard to have the slums around Five Points demolished and replaced with a park. His writings led to the Drexel Committee investigation of unsafe tenements; this led to the Small Park Act of 1887. Riis's concern for the poor and destitute often led people to assume a dislike or even hatred of the rich. However, Riis showed no sign of discomfort among them, taking whatever opportunities arose to ask them for their support. Today, we look back in awe and admiration of Mr. Jacob Riis. Truly, Jacob Riis was the anti-douche.