As men enlisted in the armed services, and the need for more ships, and guns, and war supplies grew, the government focused on the recruitment of women to fill those jobs left open by men. The War Production Coordinating Committee commissioned artist, J. Howard Miller to create one of many posters aimed at encouraging women to do their patriotic duty and help their country. Miller pictured Rosie the Riveter rolling up her sleeves to show powerful arms that could take the place of men in the many jobs that women were asked to do. The hard work had in no way made her less of a woman however. Her hair is tied back with a red and white scarf and her face is distinctly feminine. "We Can Do It!" is her message to women.
[...] May 2002. (April 16, 2003). “Rosie The Riveter: A film by Connie Field.” 100 Classic Documentaries. < http:> (April 16, 2003). “Iconic Work by Norman Rockwell to be Offered in Sotheby's sale of American Paintings on May 22, Sotheby's Press Releases, May 2002, (April 16, 2003). “Rosie The Riveter: A film by Connie Field,” 100 Classic Documentaries, < http:> (April 16, 2003). John J Curran, “Peekskill [...]
[...] Rosie's Presence in the Class Room To help my students understand the historical importance of Rosie the Riveter I would use readings, film, and the internet to help them understand the roles women played in the war effort and the effect that those roles had on the women who filled them. I would start our study of Rosie the Riveter by discussing the images of Miller and Rockwell, focusing specifically on the detail that Rockwell employs. I would first ask them about their impression of Miller's and Rockwell's paintings and what kind of emotions these paintings arouse in them. [...]
[...] In discussing questions such as these I hope that my students are able to recognize what a powerful icon Rosie the Riveter was. I also hope that they realize that her image can also be misleading when taken at face value only. Works Cited Curran, John J. “Peekskill History.” Peekskill, New York. January 2002, (April 16, 2003). Honey, Maureen. Creating Rosie The Riveter. (The University of Massachusetts Press, 1984). “Iconic Work by Norman Rockwell to be Offered in Sotheby's sale of American Paintings on May 22, 2002.” Sotheby's Press Releases. [...]
[...] The journal project would allow students to imagine themselves during World War II while taking into account how the war affected all aspects of life in America. I would end our study of Rosie the Riveter by discussing with my class the larger impact and legacy of Rosie the Riveter. I would discuss with them the presence of Rosie the Riveter today and if her image still has the kind of power that it did during the war. I would ask my class why they think the image of Rosie the Riveter continues to be so popular today and what kind of power it holds in today's society. [...]
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