In the highly acclaimed movie Hidden Figures, the progress that the characters aim to achieve is multifaceted and deeply meaningful. Set during the early 1960s, the film portrays the struggles and triumphs of a group of African-American women working as mathematicians and engineers at NASA during the Space Race.
At the heart of the story is the quest for progress. In the film, progress is depicted as the pursuit of equality, recognition, and advancement in the face of systemic discrimination and prejudice. The achievements of the main characters, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, serve as powerful examples of the transformative impact of progress.
For Katherine Johnson, progress is embodied in her relentless determination to navigate the racial and gender barriers that hinder her work at NASA. As a gifted mathematician, she strives to be recognized for her talent and expertise, despite being relegated to a segregated workplace and facing institutionalized racism. Her eventual breakthrough, marked by her pivotal contribution to the success of the Friendship 7 mission, symbolizes the triumph of progress over adversity.
Dorothy Vaughan embodies progress in her unwavering commitment to overcoming the barriers of segregation and embracing technological advancement. As she takes on the challenge of learning to program the IBM mainframe, she not only secures her own future in the rapidly evolving field of computer science but also paves the way for the advancement of her colleagues. Her determination to adapt and innovate in the face of change represents a significant step forward in the journey toward progress.
Mary Jackson’s pursuit of progress is encapsulated in her groundbreaking efforts to become NASA’s first African-American female engineer. Despite facing numerous obstacles and being denied the opportunity to pursue her goal due to segregation laws, she persistently fights for a chance to advance and achieve her dream. Her successful court petition to attend the necessary engineering courses leads to her pivotal accomplishment, breaking down barriers for future generations and redefining the meaning of progress in the field of aerospace engineering.
At its core, Hidden Figures emphasizes that progress is not just about achieving individual success, but about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for others. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, determination, and courage required to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change.
As Hidden Figures vividly illustrates, progress is not a singular achievement, but a collective journey toward equality, recognition, and advancement. The characters’ struggles, perseverance, and ultimate victories underscore the transformative power of progress, inspiring audiences to continue the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable future. In doing so, the film reinforces the timeless message that progress is rooted in the relentless pursuit of justice, opportunity, and innovation, and that the collective efforts of individuals are essential in driving meaningful change.
