Today is International Women’s Day. There are posters around campus with the now very familiar picture of Rosie the Riveter, showing her muscle. Okay, fine. This was considered very cool and foward thinking back in 1984 when I first saw it. But what about now?
Why can’t we depict Rosa the maid, or Rosalie the professor — or btw, how about Mary the mother!? Is it now the case that the only role women can have is to a musclar industrial worker? Surely not.
Great we can compete, but let’s also celebrate the women who give their lives in caring and sharing. Let’s especially celebrate those who give literal blood, sweat, and tears being mothers. Without mothers, good, self-effacing, loving, enduring mothers — our species would not be here.
No offense to Rosie, but let’s include all the gals. Most of us are okay with having arms a little less muscular than Rosie’s — because they are arms that comfort and lift — babies, elders, and sometimes husbands.
Cheer to all women.