Rosie The Riveter

Rosie was used as a propaganda tool for the Unites States during the Second World War.  As opposed to earlier wars, the heavily mechanized war required a large number of labourers on the home front, and with a fair majority of the male work force deployed as soldiers, it was decided that women be integrated into these jobs.  Rosie became a propaganda tool to show that it was an acceptable occupation and that it aided the war effort.   
 

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The character is well known for her image in popular culture, though she does not often appear as a character.  The homage portrayals of the character generally include a pose in the traditional pose which was portrayed in the posters. though newer versions have changed based on other factors, such as increased sexualization of females in culture.  For instance, a racier version appeared in Grimm Fairy Tales as an homage to the character.