Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Rosie the Riveter
The role of women in both WWI and WWII are fundamentally the same. However, the role of women in WWII has more significance to modern America, which can be attributed to such figures as Rosie the Riveter. Ultimately, Rosie was an icon that sparked awareness of female roles in the war throughout America. At this point in history (especially during total war), it was expected that women partake in the highly critical and valiantly patriotic war industry. Yet we see that as female roles increased, they were able to form their own sub-category of prominence in the war and American society; something we certainly did not see during or after WWI. It is even fair to say that WWII jump started the female role in working American society, an issue that became prevalent after women realized their value and potential in the work force. And for the first time in American History, women were portrayed through propaganda and nationalism as symbols of patriotism and dedication through work. Although these working contributions seemed to be an afterthought following WWII, it was enough to upstart a civil movement.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree with you on how these propaganda female figures such as Rosie the Riveter inspired females to help their country. I feel, however, that the role of women in WWI sparked the feminist movements, and that their role in WWII only added more flame to the fire. After all, women achieved the right to vote in 1920, shortly after WWI.
ReplyDeletei agree that the Rosie the Riveter propaganda, a cultural icon symbolizing women's power to come, played a role in the increasing female work force. While I also agree that this propaganda helped women realize how their aid was and would be so beneficial to the war, i agree with the previous post. We not necessarily see a big change in women's role, but their motivation sure did pick up after the first world war.
ReplyDeleteEliza, wouldn't more enthusiastic workers lead to better work?
ReplyDelete