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  • Essay / Movie Review: Hidden Figures (2016)

    The movie Hidden Figures (2016) is not only good entertainment, but it is also admirable in its depiction of the scientific changes occurring in the United States in the 1960s, from society's life issues of that time and the differences that existed in the country, especially among African Americans. The film centers on the lives of three women: Katherine Johnson, recreated by film star Taraji P. Henson; Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe; and finally, Dorothy Vaughan, in the role of the mathematician played by Octavia Spencer. Essentially, all three women of African-American descent, they play a vital role in society through their contributions while working at NASA to successfully launch a spacecraft into orbit. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay As an informative film, it shows the condition of African Americans within the broader American community and some of the problems facing they are confronted. These include gender imbalances, as well as racial discrimination. From a historical perspective, the film shows a depiction of Jim Crow rule, which created ideologies of segregation – requiring certain buildings and facility spaces to be segregated to ensure that races remained separate (Edwards and Thomson, 146). The impact of such a rule is seen through Mary Jackson facing opposition after taking a college physics course. There is also a depiction of racial discrimination where there are separate toilets for white people and people of color. Additionally, the film depicts the differences in social treatment of community members among different ethnic groups. As the film shows, at NASA's Langley campus, even though African Americans and white citizens work in the same vicinity, they are segregated — with African Americans using separate dining halls and bathrooms. This proved to be a key element of the Jim Crow years, acting as a tool for unequal treatment of African Americans (Edwards and Thomson, 145). In the film, we see Katherine Johnson running away from her office just to go to the bathroom, sometimes even in the rain. The film Hidden Figures is also important in showing the social differences between men and women in historical America. There is a sense of bias and prejudice in the workplace towards women from their male counterparts. One scene in the film depicts Katherine Johnson (played by Taraji P. Henson), skilled in computers and able to explain information to the board of directors, but sidelined and prevented from being one of the men by Paul Stanford, an engineer principal of the project. Instead, she is forced to entrust her presentation files to men, instead of making the presentation herself. However, with changes and acceptance, Katherine is finally allowed to present, especially with the support of Al Harrison. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The film also shows the importance and impact that the three women played on subsequent events at NASA and the entire community. Through their power and determination, women act as motivators for other women, especially African American women. As seen with Dorothy working with other white women and ordering multiple computers, she is bypassed for upcoming promotions within the company for the role,. (2016).