There are two images that convey the spirit of the time and the power that women bring to the table. In this case the table is the balance of power both in America and in a global setting. One comes from World War II during a time when 15 million American women were building 8,000 aircraft models monthly. This is an incredible image is also apparent with Rosie in full color and minimal context. Vanessa has more subdued color but an abundance of visual context.
The effect of these images is striking. These women are significant and not to be underestimated. They empower other women, and empower our nation. The sense of nationalism nearly jumps off the image as these two icons show the world what is right about America.
Does Vanessa inspire other women to enlist and become gunners? The answer is undoubtedly yes. She conveys strength, composure, confidence, and importance. She commands respect. She makes women proud to be making a difference where they were forbidden just a few decades earlier. How do our adversaries view this when their view of women suggests they have minimal rights and are not entitled to education or positions of power? This image may have far more effect on the women outside America than those inside. Imagine the feeling of awe to a young Afghan woman who is afraid and confused about becoming the property of an older man in her own life, and then sees that much is possible in a different part of the world for young women
With this background understanding of the two images, the comparison is not yet complete. There are more interesting aspects to explore in each image’s visual rhetoric. Color was used as one way to enhance the messages behind the imagery. The primary colors in Rosie stand for the basic need for women. In the image there are three basic colors, red and blue and yellow, which contribute to our understanding of this basic need. By not complicating the poster with multiple colors and leaving it simple the message comes across loud and clear: your country needs your help. In Vanessa’s photograph the colors are different shades of grey and blue. These bland colors enhance our understanding that she has a tough job with tough decisions. Nothing is black and white and no color dominates the image. This color balance present in the images adds to our understanding in a subconscious way.
Each of the compositions further adds to their impressions. In Rosie, she is dead center with nothing going on behind her; she is the main and only focus of the poster. Once again the image was made simple, which made it effective. Vanessa, however, is overshadowed by the arterial weapon and pushed to the right of the image. This makes it so that the weapon and her job come across as the most important part of her life.
The focus of the painting, where our eyes are drawn to, is a third tool used. When first looking at the Rosie image, my eyes are drawn immediately to the bold words, “We Can Do It!” and then to her determined face. This is effective because her determinedness empowered the words for women as if Rosie is adding to them saying, “You bet we can do it!” In Vanessa’s photograph, my eyes are drawn immediately to the huge weapon and then to her face. The weapon also draws our attention because Vanessa is not the center of the image like Rosie was. Having the weapon first grab our attention and then seeing Vanessa’s face exaggerates the surprise that a woman is manning this heavy, powerful weapon.
The women individually give insight into their message by their stance and facial expressions. The posture of both women in the images is different, but for a reason. Rosie is flexing her arm to show strength and symbolize power. Vanessa, however, is at ease to show that she is comfortable in her job. She looks natural. But a similarity between the two images is the confidence they secrete. Rosie has one eyebrow cocked, which seems to make her say, “Dare to question me?” With her ‘muscle pose,’ set jaw-line, intense stare, and pursed firm lips she oozes confidence in herself. By having her not smile she becomes more powerful and serious to show that helping the war efforts is no light task. Vanessa also displays this same confidence level with her intense stare and set jaw-line. She too is not smiling to show her seriousness and power.
What if the fictional Rosie could meet with Vanessa and talk to each other? Sixty years of cultural differences would make for interesting conversation. They would have much in common through their experiences. Rosie was the first to be recruited for a war effort moving away from the domestic focus. Vanessa is the first to be a female aerial gunner in the US Air Force.
Through the power of the images and the history behind them, the comparison of the two women becomes clear. Their similarities and differences, both through imagery and historical context, enhance the messages they send; Rosie with “We Can do It!” and Vanessa with “I have proved we can do it!” Vanessa is the completion of Rosie’s campaign showing that women can break the stereotypes and fulfill their lives. Both women are symbols of power and strength; they’re just from
different eras in the United States.
Bibliography
“Rosie the Riveter.” Image. County College of Morris. 01 Nov. 2007. 15 Apr. 2008.
“Vanessa Dobos.” Image. Dave Hayes.edu. 5 Feb. 2006. 21 Apr. 2008.
Widener, Chuck 2nd Lt. “A new breed of gunner.” Airman. 2003. 21 Apr. 2008.
“Women in War Jobs - Rosie the Riveter (1942-1945).” Ad Council. 2008. 21 Apr. 2008.
“WW2 Aircraft Production Numbers.” World War II. 1988. 21 Apr. 2008.
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