The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter

To hear the title "The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter," one would not expect to watch a documentary as interesting as this. Even the synopsis listed on the front of the case doesn't do it justice. I found this movie intriguing and very informative regarding the history of working women in America. However, at the beginning of the film I wasn't quite sure what the film was going to be about. During an era when the men of the nation were drafted and being called off to war, it was necessary for a culture of individuals to come to bat at the plate. Enter, the American woman. Enter, Rosie the Riveter. Rosie the Riveter introduced five women that were on the work force during World War II. These women, known as "Rosie's", were called upon to perform duties in the American factories while the men were off to war. Many of the roles the "Rosie's" took upon themselves were male dominated. Before working in the factories, these women were considered "kitchen mechanics" or "chamber maids" as their only role was to work in the home. The call of the American Industry was that "no woman should cash a check, board a bus, see a movie or walk down the street without getting acquainted with the idea that she was needed." Although these women took upon the important factory roles of the nation, it was expected that they would return to their everyday housework once the men return from the war. Many women certainly opted to do this but there were those which later chose to return to traditional work such as clerical and/or administrative professionals but there were some of these women that chose to remain in the factories.

During the film it is mentioned that the women working in the factories were known as "The Hidden Army" since they were also working to do what was necessary to win the war. The theme song coined it best:

All the day long,

Whether rain or shine

She's was part of the assembly line.

She's making history,

Working for victory

Rosie the Riveter

It's true, they weren't on the field of battle but in their own way they were doing their part. Still, doing their part came with a price because they were doing a man's job but not receiving the respect. One of the interviewee's mentions that no respect was really given to women for life outside the workplace and when the women walked in they were resented because the men were at war and "Rosie" was there to fill the position(s) vacated. I found it interesting when one of the women discussed that a woman's hands were not as big and clumsy and they had to grind their own tools but knew when to stop because of the subtle touch. These "Rosie's"