Topic > The Power of Hidden Figures: Feminist and Anti-Racist Values ​​in American History

Hidden Figures is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the struggles faced by three African American women who played an integral role in the development of America's space program. Set in the 1960s, the film highlights the challenges of segregation and the fight for equality in the workplace. Through the stories of NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, as well as engineer Mary Jackson, the film shows their determination to prove their worth and ability to work alongside their white male counterparts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayKatherine Johnson, the main protagonist of the story, is described as an intelligent and hard-working employee who not only excels at her job but also takes care of her children and maintains strong friendships. However, she is depicted as shy and insecure in her romantic relationships, adding depth to her character and making her relatable to audiences. Despite constant obstacles and social pressures, Johnson refuses to give up and continues to fight for his dreams. The film effectively conveys its feminist and anti-racist ideology through Johnson's characterization. By creating a character that the audience can empathize with, the filmmakers successfully highlight the importance of gender and racial equality. This is exemplified by Johnson's choice of clothing, as he wears different clothes to work while his male colleagues keep the same white shirts and black ties throughout the film. This contrast symbolizes the clash between Johnson's ambitions and attempts to repress them. In contrast to Johnson's resilience, the character of Paul Stafford, an engineer, embodies the negative aspects of society, including racism and sexism. From the start, Stafford dismisses Johnson and questions his qualifications. However, when she proves herself capable, he reluctantly seeks her help but still harbors prejudices against her. It is only towards the end of the film that Stafford realizes his mistake and attempts to make amends by bringing Johnson coffee as a sign of reconciliation. This transformation illustrates the possibility of social evolution and the elimination of prejudice. The film highlights the importance of Johnson's presence in the space program, as his calculations play a crucial role in ensuring the safe return of astronaut John Glenn. This pivotal moment highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion, as it is the contributions of women like Johnson that make progress possible. By featuring this scene, the film promotes the feminist ideology that women have valuable insights and solutions to offer, even in the face of men's skepticism. Hidden Figures effectively promotes feminist and anti-racist values ​​by showcasing the lives of real individuals who have made significant contributions to the American space program. By creating characters that audiences can connect with and depicting the senselessness and inhumanity of racism, the film encourages viewers to embrace equality and challenge discriminatory beliefs. It is a powerful example of how cinema can influence minds and promote progressive ideas. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Overall, Hidden Figures is a compelling and impactful film that not only educates viewers about the historic achievements of African American women in the space program, but also encourages them to embrace feminist values ​​and..