This particular image by J. Howard Miller is actually entitled "We Can Do It!", and happens to be the image most associated with "Rosie the Riveter". This painting, however, was actually based on a woman named Geraldine Doyle.
Rosie the Riveter came to represent women in the United States during World War II. "Rosie" left behind the traditional women's role as only wife and only mother to work in factories building everything from B-29 bombers to warships. This iconic character convinced women that it was their patriotic duty to enter the workforce and participate in the "war effort at home".
Many women's studies scholars believe that Rosie the Riveter forever changed gender norms in the U.S., finally opening the door for women to join the workforce. Other disagree. Whatever you think, you have to admire the real life "Rosies" who were forced to forgo nylon stockings for the war effort and instead painted their legs with pancake batter and drew a seam down their calves with eyeliner, who slapped overalls over their skirts and dresses, and wielded heavy machinery in a grueling factory for hours on end all to play their part in the world's greatest war. Below is an image of a real life "Rosie". Enjoy!
Rosie the Riveter came to represent women in the United States during World War II. "Rosie" left behind the traditional women's role as only wife and only mother to work in factories building everything from B-29 bombers to warships. This iconic character convinced women that it was their patriotic duty to enter the workforce and participate in the "war effort at home".
Many women's studies scholars believe that Rosie the Riveter forever changed gender norms in the U.S., finally opening the door for women to join the workforce. Other disagree. Whatever you think, you have to admire the real life "Rosies" who were forced to forgo nylon stockings for the war effort and instead painted their legs with pancake batter and drew a seam down their calves with eyeliner, who slapped overalls over their skirts and dresses, and wielded heavy machinery in a grueling factory for hours on end all to play their part in the world's greatest war. Below is an image of a real life "Rosie". Enjoy! 
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