1.+Economic+Gains+of+Labor

Jamie Sandar Block 1

Dear Diary,

My name is Rosie Riveter. It is September 19, 1944. I am married to John Riveter, who is currently fighting in World War II over in Germany. Although I am not pleased with this war, women like myself have many more opportunities, especially in the workforce. With a lot of our American men fighting in other countries, there are many job openings that need to be filled. Finally, we are able to show we are more then obligated to fulfill these positions. I am among millions of women who are working outside of our homes for the first time (Americans 591). I work two part time jobs, one in a defense plant Monday through Friday. I am being taught to rivet and how to work an electric drill. I find it challenging, but I work hard and have been developing the necessary skills. On the weekends I work as a store clerk at the General Store on Elm Street (Women 3). I do currently face discrimination, for people still have old-fashioned beliefs that women do not belong in the workforce. As a woman, I proud and pleased to hold these positions. I feel as though I am making a large contribution to women equality and independence. Although I do love my husband, I am happy to be able to demonstrate I am perfectly capable of doing well on my own as an self-sufficient woman. I gratefully take this opportunity the war has created with stride. I am still rather undecided what I will do once the war is over. I enjoy my job and my new sense of satisfaction with being able to provide for myself, but I would also like to start a family. I am also sure a veteran will happily take my place when our troops return. Perhaps I will work for another year or so, I will have to see when the time comes. Well, my shift at the General Store will be starting soon. I will write again soon (Effects 1).

Until then, Rosie

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/corporate/rosie-riveter.jpg

http://www.hwupdate.org/update/images/rosie%20riveter.jpg

Works Cited

"Women's Rights and Status, 1929-1945." American History. 2008. ABC-CLIO. Hunterdon Central Regional Highschool. 20 October 2008.

Danzer, Gerald A. et. al. __The Americans.__ Evanston: McDougal Little Inc., 2003.

__The Effects of the War on Women__. 20 October 2008. <http://history.sandiego.edu/gen/st/~cg3/pagefour.html .>