Blog Assignment #6: Iconic Images as Tropes

Rosie the Riveter is an iconic image of the United States, representing women that worked in the factories during World War II. When the American men were in the military overseas fighting in the war, women replaced them with dedication and perseverance in the factories. The image of Rosie the Riveter in the “We Can Do It” poster was originally an advertisement properly captivating the enthusiasm felt by women and their new jobs. This image is a perfect paradigm of women during World War II, showing their willingness to support the country, seen through their work. This image is actually ironic because the quote, “We Can Do It” is falsely represented by the lack of muscle shown on Rosie! This irony creates a trope through implying the opposite of flashing her muscles; however, her determination is seen through her austere facial expression. This image relates to my field of study as a journalism major, because I can do it! By enforcing the notion to not judge people based on appearances, race, or gender, this iconic image perfectly encompasses the enthusiasm and commitment one sees when taking on a new task. Initially, Normal Rockwell’s image of Rosie the Riveter was posted on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1943. However, this image has received profound recognition as not only the cover of a newspaper but as the image of a generation. This iconic image works as a trope in relation to its historical context. When this image was produced it may have been considered that women actually cannot replace men in the work force, acting as irony. This image is a metonym because Rosie the Riveter does not represent one individual woman, Rosalind P. Walter, the woman from which the image developed; however, the image represents an entire generation of women during World War II. Today, this image captures the changes in society that have been made since the struggle for women’s rights.