The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter Essay

Rosie the Riveter

In , Rosie the Riveter became a cultural icon. As, women around the at this image with: a sense of pride and respect. Where, they began to realize that they were a vital part of the war effort through the various jobs that they took over from the men (who were serving overseas). This is significant, because it is the first time that women were included as a vital part of the labor force. In the future, this would reshape how women saw their roles within society. As, they had a new found sense of freedom based upon the accomplishments of these individuals and the icon that Rosie the Riveter stood for. To fully understand the impact of this on women in the at the film the Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter. Once this occurs, is when we can see how these people were able to redefine the role of women in society well into the future.

The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter

The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter is based upon a 1980 documentary that is carefully examining those women who fit this image. As, the producers of the movie discuss with these individuals their emotions, thoughts and views of these underlying events. To achieve this objective, the film focuses on the lives of three women who were actively involved in this part of the war effort. This was accomplished through recruiting five individuals from different social and economic backgrounds. Most notably, the filmmaker interviewed three black and two white women to understand the various opinions. This is important, because the underlying views helped to create a sense of realism and nostalgia. Once this occurs, is when everyone is able to understand the emotions and challenges that these people are dealing with. This is the point that they can have a sense of appreciation about the events and their historical significance. (“The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter,” 2007)

Evidence of this can be seen within the plot of the film itself. As, all five women are working in their traditional roles as homemakers at the start of the war. However, once it became clear that this would of sacrifice, is when many women began to start working in positions left behind by men. During the course of the war, they began to have a sense of satisfaction from their contributions that they were making. While at the same time, these individuals had new found sense of liberation with their new roles. Once this occurred, it allowed many women to be seen as someone who is self-sufficient and strong. This helped to create more liberal views about the role of women within society. (“The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter,” 2007)

However, once the war was over is when these women were expected to return to their traditional roles. This created a conflict in many of these individuals. The reason why, is because they were provided with respect and sense of freedom during war. Now that it is being taken away from them, many of these women feel as if they are not respected by everyone. As, they were a vital part of the war effort, yet once the fighting is over they are unappreciated for the sacrifices they are making. Over the course of time, this would create a sense of anger in some women about how they were treated. Where, they made same kind of sacrifices as men, but they were not seen as their equals in everyday life. (“The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter,” 2007)

These elements are important, because they are showing how these in the roles of women in society. As, they quickly began to realize, that they are playing a vital part in helping to contribute to the war efforts. Once the fighting was over, is when these views would continue to affect the mind set of women with them demanding more rights. As a result, this led to a transformation in how they were looking at their roles and capabilities. This is the point that there was a shift in social attitudes.

Bibliography

The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter. (2007). Clarity Films. Retrieved from: http://www.clarityfilms.org/rosie/