Question

Which text in this excerpt from twenty years at hull house by Jane Addams demonstrates the lack of concern for poor immigrant communities that was frequently shown by politicians and others with influence

Answer 1

The text in this excerpt from "Twenty Years at Hull House" by Jane Addams that demonstrates the lack of concern for poor immigrant communities is, "The politicians, being for the most part skilled in getting a living, were not so fundamentally different from other men, excepting as they held the powers of patronage." This phrase highlights the politicians' focus on personal gain and power rather than addressing the needs of impoverished immigrant communities.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the provided text, the key indicator of the lack of concern for poor immigrant communities lies in the phrase "skilled in getting a living." This implies that the politicians prioritize their own prosperity and success, showcasing a self-serving attitude rather than a genuine commitment to addressing the struggles of impoverished immigrants. The emphasis on "powers of patronage" further underscores their focus on political influence and control, indicating a disregard for the welfare of those in need.

The author, Jane Addams, critiques the politicians for their inherent self-interest, suggesting that their primary motivation is not the well-being of the disadvantaged but rather personal gain. This aligns with a broader historical context where politicians, often influenced by socio-economic factors, were known to prioritize their interests over the marginalized communities they were meant to serve. By pinpointing this specific language, readers can discern the underlying sentiment of neglect and exploitation directed towards poor immigrant populations by those in positions of power. Addams, through her observation, aims to shed light on the systemic issues that perpetuate the disregard for the impoverished, urging a reconsideration of priorities within political spheres.

Answer 2

Answer: One text from Twenty Years at Hull House by Jane Addams that demonstrates the lack of concern for poor immigrant communities is the following passage from Chapter 5: “The first winter at Hull-House, when the ward boss was dispensing coal, he gave us an order for twenty-five tons, although we had asked for but one. He naïvely remarked that we might as well have enough while we were about it; he would ‘fix the papers all right.’”

Explanation: This passage shows how the ward boss, a local political leader who controlled patronage and votes in the neighborhood, was corrupt and indifferent to the needs of the poor immigrants. He was willing to give Hull-House more coal than they needed, not out of generosity or compassion, but out of a desire to secure their loyalty and influence. He also implied that he would falsify the records to cover up his fraud. By doing so, he was depriving other needy families of coal, which was essential for heating and cooking in the harsh Chicago winters. He was also undermining the democratic process by manipulating the distribution of public resources for his own benefit. Addams exposes the ward boss’s abuse of power and lack of concern for poor immigrant communities by contrasting his actions with her own efforts to improve their living conditions and civic participation. She also criticizes the political system that allowed such corruption and exploitation to flourish.

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