Theodore Melfi’s Hidden Figures is a feminist film that uses feminist theory in order to show how women are stigmatized more than men due to male dominance. This includes both critical thinking and appearance. Hidden Figures is an adaptation of a true event in which three black women, who were part of NASA’s backbone at the time, helped to launch the first American orbital spaceship with the goal of conquering Russia. It’s not as easy as just putting the two together. Katherine Johnson Dorothy Vaughan Mary Jackson all lived in the segregation age where they were subjected to prejudice from their white peers.
Dorothy Vaughan for instance, is the head of colored computer division. She reminds the boss that she applied to be a supervisor and while she plays this role during the year, the position she holds as a supervisor does not come with a salary or a permanent post. Dorothy is also concerned about her position as NASA orders IBM equipment. Despite all the challenges and obstacles, Dorothy succeeds and proves to be a great employee. Al discovers that the IBM calculations were different from those done before. John Glenn asks Katherine for help to solve the problem. NASA achieves its goal of reaching orbital levels. Secondly, Jim Johnson commits Sexism/Feminism at every party in the film.
“Jim – The pastor said that you were a NASA computer.
Kathrine: Yes.
Jim: What does that involve?
Kathrine: Mathematical calculations are necessary for launch and touchdown of the space programme.
Jim: Wow, that’s a lot of stuff.
Kathrine: Yes. Jim: I don’t think that is what you mean.
Jim’s response to the dialogues that were directed at her when she described her role as a human computer for NASA was sceptical. He thinks it is unusual that NASA employs women to perform such “difficult”, demanding jobs. This means that Colonel Jim’s sexism/feminism manifests itself in his social interactions, which are accompanied by ruthless actions. One can assume that Colonel Jim’s blackness gives him the opportunity to practice feminism, which implies that African American females are on the bottom of society hierarchy.
“We do not develop courage through being happy all the time. It is only through overcoming difficult situations and embracing diversity that we can develop courage. – Barbara de Angelis. This quote is applicable to both examples as it shows that one must overcome stereotypes, judgments, and challenges in order to achieve a certain level of satisfaction. It is not something that will happen to you without your effort. You will feel blessed when you wake up the next day. Hidden Figures women were forced to struggle a great deal due to social pressures.
The women in the film wouldn’t have had the same value at the end, if not for their determination to overcome the challenges that led them to a life of happiness.
