Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Rosie the Riveter




Rosie the Riveter illustrates a change in the notion of “a woman’s role in society”. In both World Wars, women were used in propaganda. However, as illustrated by Rosie, the mood and values presented greatly differed. In World War I woman were portrayed as motivational icons for men to enlist. The pictures would vary, but whether it was a young woman hanging off of a sailor or a wife waving goodbye to her husband, women were not shown as a part of the war effort. There was some domestic propaganda, such as buy war bonds or ration food, but it was urging woman to take a passive stance. As a whole, women were shown as vulnerable and in need of protection.

Rosie the Riveter shows a very different view that was put forward in WWII. Rosie is a symbol of female strength. She is not a weak and helpless female, rather she is shown as strong and brave and willing to do her part for her country. It is a call for women to take up the jobs left behind by the men, and shows how the total war of WWII forced countries to utilize all their resources. This radical change to the classic image of the damsel in distress was brought on by the necessity of WWII, but it paved the way for modern Women's Rights movements.

1 comment:

  1. I like how you added pictures to your post, it really brought my attention to yours from the many other 'Rosie' posts on the blog. It is also a good picture to match your phrasing like "strong and brave and willing to do her part for her country." Good job!

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