ts--with whole families occupying single rooms for the night while they rented out the remainder of their space to others--disappointed many new arrivals. But, in vivid contrast, new arrivals marveled at the differences in such things as the amount of meat that was consumed, the availability of fresh produce in winter, and the presence of canned foods. And, of course, they also saw the display of wealth in every other part of the city. The contrast between poverty and wealth was extreme, but even among the immigrants while "families shared toilets with complete strangers, they were able to purchase shoes, stockings, and underwear for everyone--even for the children" and it was this that was most startling (16). Even the poorest members of this society were able to consume; purchasing things that were luxuries in the countries they had left behind. Consumerism was the he
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