Real Life Rosie-the-Riveters

The iconic "Can Do" attitude shown by Rosie-the-Riveter and other Americans during WWII commands respect and admiration from later generations examining this era. To push on--despite enormous odds--defines perseverance and the quest of working for the greater good. Presenting a classic struggle, WWII required that every citizen step up to the plate and contribute to the war effort. And as often plays out, times of great struggle often present opportunities for great change.

American history is rich with examples of the integral roles women play in wartime. WWII, however, presented a new challenge. Charged with "building the arsenal of democracy" and coupled with labor shortages, American women poured into factories in large numbers and excelled at jobs that had been typically reserved for men. According to the Office of War Information, the ability to sell the conflict as "a woman's war too" was vital to attracting the needed laborers. As stated in The Basic Plan for Womanpower (Office of War Information): "These jobs will have to be glorified as a patriotic war service if American women are to be persuaded to take them and stick to them. Their importance to a nation engaged in total war must be convincing presented." In surveying popular Americana of that age--from posters, to articles, and songs--it was done effectively. Rosie's call to toil as an American worker was patriotically pitched.

That said, changing popular mindset regarding femininity and the workplace, would prove a harder sell. As examined in "The 1943 Guide to Hiring Women," stereotypes and misconceptions regarding women's (dis)abilities were abundant. One Skyview junior noted, "It's like they're describing another species or something." A common goal uniting these workers was the need to prove that they could do the job right, as good as any man. In doing so, many gained the respect of their male counterparts.

But, all was not necessarily "rosie." While positions were often advertised as permanent work, some women discovered they were no longer wanted in the workplace, once the war was over. Also, women performing the same tasks as men (often in concert with them) found their pay to be anything but equal. Even so, Rosie-the-Riveters paved the way for many new occupations in the workforce, along with the belief that women could shoulder the work.

Guest lecturers from the Museum of Women's History are scheduled to address Ms. Fettig's juniors on Tuesday, April 21st. In addition to sharing their stories and observations, primary source documents and artifacts will be examined. In regards to the presentation, each class period will feature a post on this blog for further commentary. Some of these posts will alos appear on wikis and blogs within Billings Public Schools for additional dissemination, particularly with Heights elementary schools.