Final answer:
The derogatory language and discrimination towards the Okie population largely stemmed from economic threats felt by locals, deep-seated prejudices, and historic discrimination against non-White populations. Okies were scapegoated for broader social and economic issues, as minorities were often blamed for the hardships faced by the White working class.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discrimination and negative stereotyping of the Okie population in California were influenced by a complex set of factors. The outside perception was not based on them being responsible for crimes or unrest, which answers option a. Instead, the local population felt economically and culturally threatened (option b), prejudice and stereotypes were indeed deeply rooted in the region (option c), and existing racial tensions were exacerbated by the new arrivals.
The situation was further inflamed by historic discrimination against Asian, Hispanic, African American, and Native American populations, with new immigrants often being scapegoated for economic challenges faced by the White working class. Local and state governments, as well as some social organizations, actively perpetuated prejudice, exacerbating the divide between different racial and ethnic groups.
The perceptions of the Okie migrants and other minority groups as lower-class citizens or outsiders contributed to a climate where discriminatory practices and stereotyping were socially and institutionally reinforced, making integration and acceptance substantially more challenging for these communities.