The woman whose face has inspired generations of women that they can do it died on Sunday. I've loved the "We Can Do It!" poster for as long as I can remember. I love the attitude, and the idea of women rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. Strong women are beautiful. (In my opinion.)
As can be expected, I had never heard of Geraldine Doyle until I read
an article about her death. Interestingly enough, she didn't know about herself on the poster, either, until several years after the fact. Even more ironic? She worked in a factory for less than a month! One day, photographers had come to the factory, and one of the pictures they had taken
was of her, with the (now) trademark red polka dotted bandanna tied over her hair.
I'm not sure which is more ironic... the fact that she didn't know she was the poster girl for Westinghouse, or the fact that she didn't actually work in a factory very long, for fear of injuring her hands (she played the cello).
Comments (2)
I didnt know that.. lol yeah they have these posters for sale everywhere in DC. I wanted one! But I love the irony of it all.. now knowing the background
@theunknowndarkness1 - yeah, I hadn't even thought of that side of it, until I saw an article posted about her obituary.. but I wanted one of them when I was little - although I still haven't gotten one. Hmmm. Perhaps when I have more wall space :D