Dorothea Lange

Definition

Dorothea Lange was a prominent American photographer known for her work documenting the Great Depression and the plight of displaced individuals, particularly Japanese Americans during World War II. Her iconic images captured the harsh realities of life in internment camps, providing a powerful visual narrative that highlighted the human impact of government policies and societal prejudice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lange's most famous photograph, 'Migrant Mother,' portrays a destitute mother and her children, symbolizing the suffering faced by many during the Great Depression.
2. Lange was hired by the Farm Security Administration in the 1930s, where she captured images that revealed the impact of poverty on rural families.
3. During World War II, Lange documented the internment of Japanese Americans, revealing the unjust treatment they faced through her haunting photographs.
4. Her work played a significant role in raising awareness about the social injustices of her time, influencing public perception and policy regarding displaced communities.
5. Lange's photographs remain powerful historical documents, often used in discussions about civil rights and government accountability.

Review Questions

• How did Dorothea Lange's photography influence public perception during the Great Depression?
  • Dorothea Lange's photography had a profound impact on public perception during the Great Depression by humanizing the suffering of displaced individuals. Her iconic images, such as 'Migrant Mother,' brought attention to the harsh realities faced by impoverished families, evoking empathy and concern from viewers. By capturing raw emotions and stark conditions, Lange's work encouraged social awareness and ultimately influenced government responses to aid those in need.
• In what ways did Dorothea Lange's work during World War II differ from her earlier photography focused on the Great Depression?
  • While Lange's earlier work focused on documenting rural poverty during the Great Depression, her photography during World War II shifted to capturing the injustices faced by Japanese Americans in internment camps. This transition highlights her commitment to social justice and human rights. Lange's images from this period not only revealed the living conditions within these camps but also critiqued government policies that discriminated against innocent citizens based on their ethnicity.
• Evaluate how Dorothea Lange's legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions about civil rights and government accountability.
  • Dorothea Lange's legacy remains influential in contemporary discussions about civil rights and government accountability due to her ability to visually document human suffering and injustice. Her photographs serve as powerful reminders of past injustices, prompting reflection on ongoing issues related to discrimination and governmental power. By shedding light on marginalized communities, Lange's work inspires modern activists to use visual storytelling as a tool for advocacy, reminding society of the importance of empathy and accountability in addressing social injustices.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and hardship.

Japanese American Internment:

The forced relocation and incarceration of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans in camps during World War II, primarily based on their ethnicity.

FSA (Farm Security Administration): A New Deal agency created to combat rural poverty during the Great Depression, which employed Lange and other photographers to document the struggles of impoverished families.