Okies

OkiesAn analysis of the term and its effect on migrant farmers during the Great Depression and the Dust BowlAli Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir1

Origin of the TermThe term Okie originates from the 1920s and 1930s.

The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl forced a large number of farmers to migrate to the West in search of job opportunities

Ben Reddick, an American journalist, was the first to use the term Okie in the mid 1930s.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir2http://affordablehousinginstitute.org/blogs/us/wp-content/uploads/okies_san_diego1.jpgMeaningLiterally, an Okie is a resident or native of Oklahoma.

During the Dust Bowl and the migration of Okies, the term took on a negative meaning, and applied to any migrant farmer coming to California, not just for Oklahomans.

The term then meant any migrant farmer of very poor means who came to California is search of work.

It was the start of a stereotype against farmers who went West.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir3http://histclo.com/imagef/date/2009/10/elm36s.jpgHow Fair Was It?Okie became used as an insult by Californians.

Angry with the huge amounts of immigrants who took their jobs and overpopulated their cities.

Although they had a point, it was not fair to stereotype and reject the migrant farmers.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir4Many of them were skilled workers and they helped the economy of California.http://1.bp.blogspot.com/P2bQu7Fw8ag/T7Vxq1xtuyI/AAAAAAAAASw/JVeMR-Dczp8/s1600/IMG_0017.JPGCalifornians ReactionPaid very low wages.

Forced to live in slums and tents.

Police formed a bum blockade in Los Angeles against incoming migrant farmers.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir5http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-california/JoblessMenKeepGoing.jpgHarsh working conditions for fear of union forming and uprising for increased rights.Chapter 18- A rude police officer warns the Joads get out of the camp or they would be arrested.

When Ma Joad calls him out for it, he replies by saying that Okies arent welcome in California and that Okies are basically dirt.Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir6The Joadss Reaction

http://www.rachaelreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/45651468_grapes466.jpgThe Joadss ReactionAt first, the Joads were furious at being discriminated against and talked down to.

Then they felt some fear, for they had seen how badly certain Okies had been treated

They realized that being branded with that term was almost a death sentence.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir7http://manhattaninfidel.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/grapeswrath992.jpgTerms like redneck or hillbilly to describe country folk.

Terms like beaner or bean picker to describe people of Central American descent.

Terms like redskin to describe Native Americans.

Terms like negro to describe African Americans.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir8Similar Terms NowadaysStereotypes have always been a major problem in the modern world.

Racism, sexism, and all kinds of discrimination are all spread by use of words and terms similar to Okie

Terms like these are coined and used only to intentionally make others feel bad, little, and helpless.

They rarely reflect the truth and instead force generalizations on otherwise innocent people.

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir9Similar Terms NowadaysOne lesson the world has to learn today is to be more accepting of others, especially outsiders. Back in the 1930s the world wasnt as connected as it was today, and a large migration of people to another place could scare the locals.In today's world however, we cant be as hateful as most of the Californians back then.Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir10Similar Terms NowadaysInstead of being helpful and taking advantage of their new situation, the Californians made it harder on everyone to adjust and unnecessary problem came out of it.

Moral: Be ACCEPTING of OTHERSAli Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir11Similar Terms Nowadays

http://commonsenseatheism.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/hands-together.pngInformation:http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/o/ok008.htmlhttp://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_06.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okie#Novelshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_slursIntro slide picture links:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Okie_car_rear_view_1941.jpghttp://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/media/water0601.jpghttp://2009greatdepressionbagwell.wikispaces.com/file/view/ppl.jpg/101790541/448x350/ppl.jpg

Ali Loudiyi & Adnane Zouikir12Sources