To understand civic artifacts, one must first look into the definition of civic engagement. Civic engagement entails addressing issues of public concern shown through our participation and commitment to other members of our community. When a public concern becomes popularized, civic artifacts are the physical objects or ideas that are put into place to try and gain support for more civic engagement. These artifacts are usually historical or hold strong sentimental value and most try to impose a specific view or concern they want more people to support. This post will explain how these artifacts gain the support they receive and also provide an example of one.
Commonplaces are used in both advertisements and civic artifacts. They are recurring concepts, usually short phrases, that are familiar to the audience or participants of the engagement. One of the most famous advertisements during World War II is a perfect example of a commonplace being utilized. Anyone who has taken an American history course should know at least some information about what was going on off the battlefield during the war. Since most men were off fighting the war, there was a shortage of people who could work labor or factory jobs. The United States had to enlist the help of women into the workforce by starting a national campaign surrounding just that issue. J. Howard Miller produced the famous, “We Can Do It!”, poster for the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. This is a strong example of how a commonplace can have power and popularity over such a large group of people. So much so, that as I mentioned before, this is one advertisement that is frequently brought up and explored in many young American history classes. Rosie the Riveter’s proud stance and facial expression paired with the “We Can Do It!” slogan gave many women the motivation to participate in civic engagement for their entire country. The feeling of empowerment and overall good feeling of helping one’s country lead to a positive growth in female workers in male dominated fields. Not only did this commonplace do its intended job with the campaign, but it also improved the Women’s Rights Movement by proving that women are just as capable as men at doing any job.
Commonplaces are important in rhetorical, persuasive writing and speech. “We Can Do It!” is just one example in history, but many more are currently being put into place. If history can attest to anything, it will be interesting to see which ones stick and make as huge as an impact as Rosie the Riveter.
Hey Angelina! I particularly loved your analysis of the famous Rosie the Riveter painting as your commonplace civic artifact being you provided some great context on what civic artifacts are as a preface to explaining yours. Something that I believe you missed throughout your analysis is what specifically about the propaganda that influenced Americans during that time; I believe it had to do with a growing push for patriotism on a more long-term level throughout both world wars. Oftentimes commonplaces such as this are built upon from past messaging such as the “I want you” poster from Uncle Sam in World War 1.