Discrimination In John Steinbeck's The Grapes Of Wrath

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In both the Depression era and modern day America, there are groups that are marginalized and discriminated against based on nothing but unfair bias and stereotype. During the 30s, the migrant workers from Oklahoma and surrounding states faced hatred and cruelty from local Californians when they arrived seeking work. For example, in The Grapes of Wrath, the main characters are referred to as “Okies”, a vicious slur that shocks the family. The local farmers and residents viewed these “Okies” as unintelligent brutes who will only steal their work and pollute their towns. In addition to this treatment, law enforcement abused the migrants, beating them and taunting them, as well as calling any worker who dared to defend themselves a troublemaking