Originally Posted by Esqmommy
Well, the term was really derogatory used for the very poor folks that came out to CA during the drought, in the 20's. Reading about Tom Joad, I decided they deserved way more respect that to be called names...what hardships they endured, and what discrimination and degradation they went thru living here in the valley in CA. Very sad story. So, I don't like using the term...
I think the term Okie has changed, but it shows you have a heart towards those that had or have hardships. This is a little different but I can't help but think when I moved to OH for a little while after I married, people there were asking if I lived in tepees and rode horses as a means of transportation.(I am not of Indian descent, so I don't look lndian) This was in the early 70's. I'd never been out of OK and I was so surprised at how the rest of the states looked at OK.