On one hand , they were images from what was for most Americans a half - forgotten past .
Michael Frierson points that the image of the hillbilly so popular in media during the Great Depression , could have different meanings for the American audience of the time .
On one hand , they were images from what was for most American a half - forgotten past .
Michael Frierson points that the image of the hillbilly so popular in media during the Great Depression , could have different meanings for the American audience of the time .