Introduction
Hidden Figures is a 2016 historical drama film directed by Theodore Melfi. Based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, it depicts the true story of the three African-American female mathematicians who worked at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA in the early 1960s. The three women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson—faced gender and racial discrimination but overcame barriers to succeed and play a crucial role at NASA during the Space Race and the launching of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Through shining a light on these figures that history nearly forgot, Hidden Figures both celebrates their accomplishments and brings attention to the struggles they faced.
Plot Summary
The film is set in 1961 at the Langley Research Center which was part of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at the time. Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, is one of the human “computers” who calculate flight trajectories and orbital mechanics by hand. Dorothy Vaughan is struggling as a supervisor with the restricted roles available for African Americans in the organization. Mary Jackson is an aspiring engineer but cannot take higher level courses as they are not available to “colored students.”
As tensions rise due to the Soviet Union’s space milestones, engineer Paul Stafford is tasked with recruiting the help of Johnson to verify the electronic computer’s calculations for astronaut John Glenn’s impending flight. Through her talent and integrity, Johnson earns respect from the skeptical white male engineers. She also encounters blatant discrimination such as being forced to use “colored” restrooms far from her workspace, despite her important role.
With the Space Race heating up, NASA transitions from NACA and segregation intensifies. Vaughan loses her job to an electronic computer while white female “computers” are reassigned as mathematicians. She remains determined to keep educated black women in the field and returns to school herself, challenging the status quo yet again. Meanwhile, Jackson takes on the challenges of earning an engineering degree but faces institutional barriers. With her intelligence and perseverance, she prevails and becomes NASA’s first black female engineer.
In the film’s climactic event, Johnson’s gift for mathematics is pushed to the limit as she must re-verify the calculations for John Glenn’s orbital flight within hours. Her work is crucial to ensuring the success of the mission. Despite the immense hurdles the three women overcame due to their gender and race, they played an integral role in helping send the first American into orbit and advance the United States space program. Through their triumphs, they inspired countless others.
Analysis
Through highlighting these overlooked yet pivotal figures from history, Hidden Figures brought much deserved recognition and praise. The film succeeded not just by depicting the prejudice and injustice the women faced but also by celebrating their resilience, intelligence, dedication and triumphs. By humanizing the numbers-crunching “computers,” it showed their ability to persevere despite limited opportunities and systemic discrimination. A major theme was the indomitable human spirit’s ability to overcome immense obstacles through education, talent and determination.
Another critical message was how hidden, often untold stories reflect how some groups have been marginalized, ignored or erased from the official narratives and textbooks. The film underscored the reality of how the achievements and humanity of African Americans, women and other minorities have historically been downplayed or omitted from the prevailing historcal accounts. Through bringing to light the astounding yet widely unknown accomplishments of these pioneering women, Hidden Figures challenged dominant misconceptions and helped correct historical erasures.
The film also shed light on intersectional challenges, as the women faced “double discrimination” due to both their race and gender in a world dominated by white males. Statistics of the time reflected how few women, especially black women, had roles in STEM. Hidden Figures powerfully highlighted the tremendous societal barriers and lack of opportunities they had to overcome through dedication and brilliance. Their stories served as inspirations for greater diversity and inclusion within fields that have historically excluded many groups.
Hidden Figures gave due recognition to these unsung heroes and presented their inspirational journeys in a way that was both enlightening and deeply moving to audiences. Reviews praised the film for accurately portraying discrimination while emphasizing hope, dignity and the human spirit’s ability to overcome daunting challenges through perseverance, intelligence and social justice triumphs. The story’s celebration of math, science, education and talented women who helped advance humanity was timely and unforgettable. It became a box office hit with a cultural impact recognized at the Academy Awards.
Conclusion
Through an artful dramatic retelling of true historical events, Hidden Figures rescued pivotal figures from obscurity and brought their immense yet previously little-known contributions to light. By shining a necessary spotlight on the tenacity and brilliance of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, it both educated and inspired. Their stories highlighted the depth of barriers faced by African Americans and women, especially those experiencing “double discrimination,” yet also demonstrated humanity’s ability to rise above through gifts, character and refusing to accept unjust limitations.
Hidden Figures was a triumph both as an entertaining drama and as an important work illuminating ignored chapters of history. It succeeded by celebrating pivotal accomplishments while also bringing attention to injustices, barriers and hidden figures that history nearly forgot. In doing so, it influenced society in meaningful ways like challenging misconceptions and serving as a continued call for greater diversity, inclusion, recognition and opportunity for all. Most importantly, through its artful retelling, it ensured these pioneers’ contributions to science, education and humanity would no longer remain in obscurity. Their inspirational legacies would instead serve as an enduring light for future generations.
Andrew Stroud