Rosie or just the WAC?

When I read the story of Wonder Woman and when she was introduced etc... I noticed a correlation.  Diana Prince debuted the same year that the idea of women in the military really started to take shape and become a reality.  While the official start of the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps was not until 1942 the idea came in 1941 with the attack on Pearl Harbor and was set in motion by Congresswoman Rogers.  Even though women had worked as nurses previously there became a need more than ever for women to fulfill roles in the medical profession as well as other areas.  I decided to look around for pictures on the internet and even found female armorers in early 1942.
One of the sayings of the time was "Your Job: To Replace Men. Be Ready To Take Over!"  See another similarity? Diana was an Amazon and early in her career did not care too kindly for men and even saw them as the weaker gender.  This of course changed over time once she was able to work with various superhero males and see their good side but there is no doubt that Diana was the case for the WAC/WAAC!
There is no doubt that she was yet another feminine role model of the time just like Rosie the Riveter but what is more important regarding Wonder Woman is that she continues to change even today.  I recently found an article by the Washington Post which included some excellent pictures (I will post this too) of Wonder Woman throughout the years.  She was not just a hero then, she is still a hero now!  While few know of her as none other than the tall Amazonian princess in the bodysuit and skirt she now sports pants and even a motorcycle jacket!
Diana is now officially breaking away from the typical and breaking new ground in regards to her respect and power.  She has left behind the skirt and transformed into the ultimate picture of authority with s new sleek style which gets rid of the girlish patriotic flair.  She still stands for truth and justice but does so with more strength than ever.  I have to say I not only like the new look because it is a bit more of the time but it is also a bit more appropriate for young girls who find themselves everyday trying to measure up to certain feminine standards.  What this says is that you can be beautiful and even powerful without being perfect in every way.  Womnder Woman is in this way helping girls to be comfortable with themselves and confident in who they are and this is bigger than many battles she has fought before.
Here is the link for the story and artwork, you can even vote on the new look.  I think this is a very exciting development in Wonder Woman!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/06/30/ST2010063005728.html?sid=ST2010063005728

Forsaking the name

When I thought about the many instances in which various early Jewish comic book authors had changed their names I wondered what this must have been like to give up ones identity.  Most people often think that a name is just a name and the person who bears it is no more or less without it but I can say I would not agree.
While I can understand the reasons many jewish comic book authors and artists changed their name I am compelled to respect even more those who did not.  In this case it is not just a removal of a name or switching a few letters, it is leaving behind Judaism (in some light) for safety and even profit.  At the end of the day providing for family overcomes any sense of pride but, what did they lose when doing so? Or did they? Did they in some way feel guilty? I know I would.
I have known people from different ethnicities who have changed their name because in some way they thought it may make life easier though the affect is not often what they hoped for.  Once the name is left behind and in some ways they feel lighter (persons I've known) feel guilty and even sorry for leaving behind a part of their life and identity.  Consider the issue that the given name is a cherished family relation or even an attempt at continuing the family name!
I feel like I am over thinking this (and maybe I am) but much of what we are is because of where we have been and the names we are given not only mark us for the convenience of others they name us in identity and in our families...in our past and in our futures.  I am interested to hear what anyone and everyone thinks about this, do you agree with just changing the name to obtain job security and even personal safety or is there something to be said for maintaining a name?