Whose Migrant Mother was this?

Summary

The video explores the iconic photograph 'Migrant Mother' by Dorothea Lange, taken in 1936, and its subject, Florence Owens Thompson. Originally labeled a 'destitute pea picker,' Thompson's story reveals her resilience as a mother supporting six children through poverty. Lange's image became a powerful symbol of the Great Depression, prompting public aid while diverging from Thompson's lived experience. Over time, Thompson's family shifted their view of the photograph from a curse to a testament of their mother's strength and dignity, encapsulating the complexities of identity and the enduring spirit of motherhood amidst hardship.

Takeaways

• 😀 The photograph known as 'Migrant Mother' was taken by Dorothea Lange in 1936 during the Great Depression.
• 📸 It was printed in newspapers and helped spur a relief movement that provided food aid to many suffering from starvation.
• 📝 The photograph is labeled as 'Destitute Pea Pickers in California' in the U.S. Library of Congress, though its subject was not actually a pea picker.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Florence Owens Thompson, the subject, was a Native American mother of six, born to Cherokee parents.
• 🛠️ Lange took several photographs of Florence and her children on the day the famous image was captured, which revealed their difficult living conditions.
• 💔 Despite the photo's widespread acclaim, Florence expressed regret about it, stating, 'I wish she hadn’t taken my picture.'
• 🔍 The photograph symbolizes both poverty and resilience but does not fully capture the complexity of Florence's life and experiences.
• 🚗 Florence had been traveling to find work when her car broke down near a pea-pickers camp, leading to the iconic photo.
• 🎼 Florence was more than a struggling mother; she was also a loving parent who valued music, storytelling, and community involvement.
• 🏆 Ultimately, the photo became a source of pride for Florence's family, highlighting the strength and dignity of motherhood despite its original context of despair.

Q & A

What is the significance of the photograph 'Migrant Mother'?

'Migrant Mother' is significant because it became an iconic symbol of the Great Depression, representing the struggles of American families during that time. It helped spur relief efforts and has been widely reproduced in various media.

Who took the photograph 'Migrant Mother' and when?

The photograph was taken by Dorothea Lange in 1936, during the Great Depression.

What was the original caption for the photograph as noted in the U.S. Library of Congress?

The photograph is labeled as 'Destitute Pea Pickers in California' in the U.S. Library of Congress.

What was the subject's real name and background?

The subject of the photograph was Florence Owens Thompson, a Native American woman born to Cherokee parents. She was not a pea picker, as described in the photograph's caption.

How did Lange describe her encounter with Thompson?

Lange described her encounter as one where she was drawn to the desperate mother and noted that Thompson seemed to understand that Lange's photographs could help her.

What did Florence Owens Thompson express about the photograph later in life?

Later in life, Florence Owens Thompson expressed regret that Lange had taken her picture, stating, 'I wish she hadn’t taken my picture.'

What challenges did Florence Owens Thompson face as a mother?

Florence faced significant challenges, including the death of her husband, raising six children as a single mother, and working multiple jobs to support her family.

What was the public's reaction to the photograph shortly after its publication?

Shortly after the photograph's publication, it garnered significant public attention, resulting in 20,000 pounds of food aid being sent to the pea pickers' camp.

How did the relationship between the Thompson family and the photograph evolve over time?

Initially, the Thompson family viewed the photograph as a curse, but later recognized its importance and how it impacted people, eventually seeing it as a source of pride.

What does the inscription on Florence's tombstone signify?

The inscription on Florence's tombstone, 'Migrant Mother: A Legend of the Strength of American Motherhood,' signifies her legacy as a symbol of resilience and strength for mothers facing hardship.