International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and ongoing struggles of women around the world. If there is a film that perfectly illustrates the tenacity and ingenuity of women, it is Hidden Figures. This film tells the true story of three African-American women who worked as "human computers" at NASA during the 1960s, and who played a key role in the success of the Apollo 11 mission.
In this article, we will explore how Hidden Talents It links gender and race with technology, and how the fight for equality has affected the world of technology and science.
Historical context
The film takes place in a time when racial and gender discrimination was the norm. At NASA, segregation was common and women and African Americans were treated as second-class citizens.
However, the film shows how the three protagonists, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, overcame these obstacles to achieve great things. Using their mathematical skills and ingenuity, these women proved their worth to their white male colleagues and earned their respect.
Technology in the film
Technology also plays an important role in Hidden Figures, showing how it, especially computers, changed the world of science… But it also shows how women and minorities fought to be recognized and valued for their work in the field.
In the film, we see how "human computers," including Katherine Johnson, perform complex and meticulous calculations to ensure that space flights are safe and accurate. Their work is essential to NASA's mission. But we also see how these women are marginalized and discriminated against because of their gender and race.
In fact, it is no coincidence that they are relegated to mere objects of calculation, Even in their brilliance and distinction, they are relegated to the background, working in a secluded office and in worse conditions than the rest (and majority) of white men.
The fight for equality in technology
The story of Hidden Figures reminds us that the fight for equality is not limited to laws and society, but also extends to technological advances and science. Although technology can be seen as a neutral field, discrimination and prejudice have been a reality for women and minorities since the sector's inception.
Today, the world of technology It remains very male and predominantly white. But there are women and people of color working hard to change this. Through education, mentorship, and the promotion of equal opportunities, the technology field is expected to become more diverse and inclusive.
The actions
The performances in Hidden Figures are exceptional and perfectly capture the difficult situation the characters faced in the 1960s.. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, who portray Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, respectively, deliver powerful and moving performances as these pioneering women.
Henson portrays Katherine Johnson with grace and determination, capturing the tenacity and ingenuity that made her one of the most brilliant mathematical minds of her generation. Spencer, for her part, delivers a compelling performance as Dorothy Vaughan, a woman struggling to be recognized and valued in a world dominated by white men. And Monáe, in her film debut, shines as Mary Jackson, who strives to earn an engineering degree and become NASA's first African American female engineer.
Reviews
However, like any work, it cannot be free of problematic elements. Perhaps as questionable as the fact that a man is writing these lines, is the fact that the film seems to portray the characters of Al Harrison and Karl Zielinski as saviors or inspirations for the protagonists, allies who are exalted in the plot.
In the case of Al Harrison, he is shown as a character who works tirelessly to break down barriers and accept Katherine Johnson into the team. However, the film does not do justice to the real efforts of the women who fought against discrimination and systemic racism to gain the recognition they deserved. By presenting Harrison as a hero who “saves” Katherine, the reality of the struggle of African American women for their right to equal opportunities at NASA is minimized.
Similarly, the character of Karl Zielinski is presented as an inspirational figure who helps Mary Jackson obtain her engineering degree. While Zielinski is a character who encourages growth and creativity, it is important to recognize that women like Jackson were perfectly capable of achieving their goals on their own. By presenting Zielinski as a kind of mentor who helps Jackson achieve her goals, the mistaken idea that women need men's intervention to succeed is perpetuated.
So, we'd like to know what you, the women reading this post, think. Is this an accurate representation of history? What film or series do you think does justice to this topic?
Image: Disney Plus
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