Introduction
In the film ‘Hidden Figures’, directed by Theodore Melfi, NASA discovered the unexplored potential in a team of African-American women statisticians who acted as the mastermind responsible for one of the most critical missions in American history as the country competed against Russia to launch a man into space. Viewers follow these women as they speedily soar the tiers of NASA together with several of history’s most innovative scientists, mainly entrusted with computing the monumentally important liftoff of astronaut John Glenn into space and ensuring his safety while reentering Earth. The film is founded on the unbelievable exciting factoids and anecdotes of three women renowned as computer scientists.
Discussion
Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Gobels Johnson cut far above all gender, color, and occupation barriers. Their genius and drive to aim high – past what the human race had ever accomplished—firmly established them as great American heroes in American history. Being the leader gives Dorothy, played by Octavia Spencer, the ability to show off her administrative and planning capabilities. She embraces programming to discover an alternative method to stay pertinent when her role is no longer vital. Dorothy utilizes her voice to advocate for wage equality for the women under her supervision. The day following the March on Washington, she commemorates her 20th year of service. Despite the difficulties, she and West Computers were successful.
When women were not even permitted to participate in editing sessions, Taraji P. Henson’s character Katherine persisted in getting a document released under her name. John Glenn asks Katherine to individually examine the work of the electronic computers as yet another proof of her exceptional abilities. Katherine has earned the respect of her coworkers due to her assistance on John Glenn’s expedition. She keeps working for NASA and contributes to the effort to send a man to the moon. She views her professional successes and those of human computers as evidence that everything is feasible.
As Mary Jackson, Janelle Monáe, an engineer, was one of the main characters. She is forthright about the prejudice at Langley, where she operates as a human computer. She soon advances as a crew member conducting wind tunnel experiments thanks to her stridency and abilities. After a manager notices that Mary has a foundation in physics and the ability to think critically required to be an engineer, she ultimately emerges as Langley’s first Black female engineer. He extends an invitation to Mary to participate in his team and urges her to pursue her studies, which will ultimately help her make history.
Conclusion
Although the 1969 moon missions served as the Space Race’s primary finale, neither the film’s plot nor the existence of the participants is centered on this event. In the film’s climax, the director contrasts the exhilaration preceding the moon launch with the unhappiness Black people in America experience due to continuing discrimination after years of struggling for racial equality. The Space Race had a particular commencement, a definite end, and an unquestionable winner. It started in 1957 when the Russians deployed Sputnik and ended in 1969 when American astronauts stepped foot on the moon. Other incidents demonstrate that people must still do more work before all Americans may realize equitable treatment in the law and the minds of the public. However, Katherine’s ultimate experience near the end gives viewers hope that these goals are still within reach.