DB 6- Why the project has significant impact on the society? - What was the role of Migrant Mother photograph in the period or great depression and what is it nowadays?

This project has a significant impact on society because of its historical representation of society and the changes it underwent during that time period. It reflects not only the lifestyle, but the adversity people of all backgrounds, nationalities and social class experienced through the Great Depression. It also highlights the effects of the Dust Bowl and the trend of increasing mechanization. Since most of our knowledge of this era is limited to what is taught in school and books, these photographs contribute to a visual understanding of the "Dirty Thirties."

The Migrant Mother photograph is a raw, realistic representation of how desperate the conditions were during the Great Depression. The Great Depression was a result of the stock market crash in 1929. Coincidentally, much of North America was hit by dry dust storms. These storms caused significant damage to homes, farms and crops. This was devastating to many families and farm owners, as their plants and crops were a main source of food and income for families then. These pictures serve as proof of the absolute poverty Americans and Canadians had to endure.

The story Dorothea Lange shared about her encounter with the woman photographed gave context to her photographs. It gives the audience a deeper understanding of how little food they had to survive off. Lange described this photographic experience as having a "sort of equality to it." This is significant because it demonstrates how Americans and Canadians were equally affected. There were no victors during this time period. Everyone felt the impact of the Depression. One could say it leveled the playing field in terms of socio-economics since it affected the wealthy and the poor. The lady in the photograph helped Lange because she thought it would help them both, in a "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" sort of way. The Great Depression also served as a wake up call for many who may have previously thought they were invincible because of their wealth. It showed the enormous power the stock market has on our economy.

The photographs also display a loss of pride amongst those affected. Most people would not want to be photographed during their most difficult times. The fact that the woman consent to the photographs may indicate that she was aware that her life was also a reality for virtually everyone in the world. Today, these pictures should serve as a reminder of how dangerous relying on the stock market can be. While most of us have experienced the effects of a recession, we have not truly experienced a depression to the same caliber as in the 1930s.