Whose Migrant Mother was this?

Dorothea Lange captured this iconic photo known as Migrant Mother in 1936. But who was the woman pictured? And how did she and her family feel about its existence in the world? Guest host John Green introduces you to Florence Owens Thompson, her family, and her story. #migrantmother #dorothealange #photography

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[brandilyon]

I have seen this photo countless times and never noticed the baby

[gratitude]

I was always struck by how beautiful she was. Such beautiful bone structure, and striking features against such a harsh life.

[BariumCobaltNitrogn]

As a photographer since the 70's, this story illustrates why it's important to take good notes, ask questions, and interact with your subjects. One of the most famous pictures was taken by someone who knew nothing about her. Sad.

[mcflyloveme]

I wrote my entire 15, 000 word dissertation just on this photograph! It was about how and why certain photographs are 'chosen' to represent history, e.g. tank man; and how iconic images are really recognisable to us because we see them throughout history. The Migrant Mother has so many illusions to the typical representation of motherhood in general (From the religious Madonna image to Mother and Child taken by Lewis Hine).

I love that the photo has Thompson looking out to a better future. I love that her collar has an illusion to a more working class background. I love that the children's gender is ambiguous so they could represent any child. I love that their hair is choppy signifying hasty necessity. I love that she looks aged and beautiful at the same time.

It took a year of research for me to grapple with Migrant Mother and to see you sum it up in a video is fascinating, you totally nailed it. Thank you so much for bringing Thompson and Lange's story to more people's attention.

[Really_Its_Me]

Not knowing that she was Native American, the image speaks louder than before

[artistryiscomingback]

"Three kids, literally leaning on their mom. And her eyes are carrying all that weight, " gave me chills; I started tearing up thinking of all the times I've leaned on my my mom.

Amazing as always art assignment! I love being enlightened about the stories behind images I've seen dozens of time.

[det]

She gives me strength, it doesn’t sadden me anymore, she survived,

[driesketels]

For the world she was 'just' a migrant mother but for her family she was the world... 3 kids are leaning on their mother, just a powerful picture. There's a lot of pain, but also a lot of responsibility in the picture. The world doesn't credit mothers enough, and I definitely had my share of that. It took me approximately 23 years to really start to understand what my mom has done for me. The world doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mom...


Always love to see opinions about other artists I like. Great video.
Update/edit: this video changed my perspective on the picture, still thinking about it.

[deadiemeyers]

As a passionate genealogist for many years, I have come to realize that all history is family history, and that every individual person has a story that is worth telling, and worth hearing. Thank you for this beautiful video of an extraordinary woman.

[irishgrl]

It always makes me think of The Grapes of Wrath...
That said, I’m glad to learn the truth of the people behind the photo.

[VashdaCrash]

To me she looks worried thinking hard about what's next, but persevering.

[thimblepunk]

there is an irony in a native american woman being remembered as some anonymous 'migrant' mother

[ForReal_Lauren]

Whelp, I'm in tears. This is so moving, empowering and inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to both educate and advocate on behalf of this mother, Florence, and her picture.

[r.j.m]

This story is worth to be made into a movie, instead they remake Robin Hood for the 10th time.

[a.jlondon]

My family are Native American. They have fought in the Second World War and continue to Serve the USA in the military. They Deserve So Much More Recognition. Not One of Them has Ever Viewed themselves as Victims. Honor & Dignity.

[edgarconception]

Wow ..I'm 50 years old and I've seen this photo so many times..My first time I was in school around the 3rd grade..It was a hard cover Time Life book...Wow..Thank you so much for sharing the information.

[Jude]

I thought she looked like a beautiful dignified mother doing her level best.

[ash-bob]

Love this video John. Context matters and I love this channel because it gives so much of it.

[elsajones]

Many of us grew up in extreme poverty, but we are the better for it. This is a great story. How do we finish life in the end, with faith and gratitude?

[bettythomas]

A beautiful POWERFUL image of a true Native American Woman, a true SYMBOL of USA - May she RIP💕🌽🙏