Skip to main content
Article
Visual rhetoric representing Rosie the Riveter: Myth and misconception in J. Howard Miller’s “We Can Do It!” poster
Rhetoric & Public Affairs (2006)
  • James Kimble, Seton Hall University
  • Lester C. Olson
Abstract
This essay examines the World War II poster "We Can Do It!," commonly known as "Rosie the Riveter." Today, J. Howard Miller's print is a feminist icon. However, archival evidence demonstrates that during World War II the empowering rhetorical appeal of this Westinghouse image was circumscribed by the conditions of its use and by several other posters in its series. The essay concludes that, when considered in its original context, the "We Can Do It!" poster was not nearly as empowering of home-front women as it might seem to more recent viewers. The poster has become a modern-day myth.
Keywords
  • Posters,
  • World wars,
  • Graphics,
  • Misconception,
  • Political rhetoric,
  • United States history,
  • Public affairs,
  • Working women,
  • Feminism,
  • War
Publication Date
Winter 2006
Citation Information
James Kimble and Lester C. Olson. "Visual rhetoric representing Rosie the Riveter: Myth and misconception in J. Howard Miller’s “We Can Do It!” poster" Rhetoric & Public Affairs Vol. 9 Iss. 4 (2006) p. 533 - 570
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/james-kimble/13/