Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1400485
U P F R O N T L E T U S K N O W W H A T Y O U T H I N K . We accept signed email and letters; we excerpt user posts from CTA social media platforms and cta.org/educator. Content subject to editing for clarity and space. Photos must have permissions. Opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of CTA. Editor@cta.org; #WeAreCTA What's Up With Rosie? Editor's note: A few members raised good points about the cover illustration on our June/July issue, which represented the "renaissance" of unions and educator activism. I was startled to see "Rosie" repre- sented as even whiter than the original dark-haired, dark-eyed model. Too bad the artist did not create an image of blended ethnic heritage to reflect the changing demographic of teachers in our population. And why not a more inclusive gender-ambiguous figure? This image perpetuates several anach- ronistic stereotypes. ANDREA ICKES-DUNBAR CTA/NEA-Retired Very disappointed in the "new" Renaissance Rosie choice. In my view, it speaks to the dominant culture. Why not look deeper? There are plenty of beautiful works of art you can borrow from that depict Black, Hispanic, Asian women. I thought as a union we were headed in another direction. SUE ELLEN PEREZ United Educators of San Francisco I was crestfallen to see the juxtapo- sition of Rosie the Riveter with The Birth of Venus as a representation of a renewal of union strength. It shows a lack of understanding of the ferocity of the young immigrant girls who helped start unions in America in the early 1900s, of the pride the "Rosies" had in helping the war effort and their disap- pointment at being ushered back into the kitchen after the war ended, of the treatment of women as property during the Renaissance, and of where equality for women stands now. Botticelli's idealization of a female is as a young woman with high fertile qualities. Rosie had purpose beyond childbearing — to help the war effort, financially support her family, and learn skills she never dreamed possible. Research shows 90 percent of men and women have a bias against females today. We don't need a renaissance for unions. We need a revolution for unions and for all women. DALIA STEPHENSON Liberty Education Association I could not help noticing that the woman does not even have her biceps con- tracted. She is not putting effort to go with the "We Can Do It!" title on the original Rosie illustration. Her arm looks weak. Why not have contracted biceps? Aren't women allowed to show their strength? DEBRA MILLER OSORIO Rancho Santiago CCD Continuing Education Faculty Association Keep Men in Mind In "Women Educators Caught in a Bind" (February/March), the 20 percent minority of male educators was disregarded. Like Erika Martinez and Stacey Strong Ortega, I have a stepson at home whose health is compromised. Like Katina Rondeau, I was teacher of the year and have two master 's degrees. Not every wife, like Tracy Man- iscalco, earns less than her husband. I am faced with a terrible choice between family/personal health and continuing my 10-year career in adult education. It is hurtful to be discounted. Remember that men have feelings as well. RALPH MCCOY, Pittsburg Education Association What you said In our June/July issue, we asked for your unsung hero and pan- demic silver linings. We also asked what's on your mind right now. See responses on page 55. 3 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 21