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Investigating the repercussions of discrimination through examples in life and media
A look into systemic racism within Hidden Figures...
A look into systemic racism within Hidden Figures...
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson
The title of the film Hidden Figures makes reference to these three women pictured above. It was so named due to the lack of credit and attention granted to these ladies despite their integral work done at NASA.
The title of the film Hidden Figures makes reference to these three women pictured above. It was so named due to the lack of credit and attention granted to these ladies despite their integral work done at NASA.
Their lives communicate a prime example of institutional racism since, for a large portion of their lives, they were impeded from progressing at NASA and from having many opportunities available to other, predominantly white, people.
Their lives communicate a prime example of institutional racism since, for a large portion of their lives, they were impeded from progressing at NASA and from having many opportunities available to other, predominantly white, people.
If not for their above-average intelligence and persistent determination, they would not have been able to revolutionize many facets of NASA, because, certainly, NASA as an institution did not do much to help its minority employers thrive.
If not for their above-average intelligence and persistent determination, they would not have been able to revolutionize many facets of NASA, because, certainly, NASA as an institution did not do much to help its minority employers thrive.
To learn more about institutional racism and bias, refer to:
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson
Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan
Mary Jackson
Mary Jackson
All three videos portray each woman finally speaking on behalf of injustice— for their own sake and that of their friends. It was this outspoken and self-respecting attitude that allowed them to succeed and achieve in their respective fields.
We can see here that these women did their best to navigate within their means against all the systemic racism they experienced. Their hard work and perseverance brought exposure to their skills, and later would propel the beginning of an anti-discrimination movement within NASA. An example of this is seen through a scene where Al Harrison, a man of high power and position in NASA, takes down the colored bathroom sign (the video is featured below).
However, these speeches and rare moments of revolution only came about after years of struggle and hardship. The film only shows the culmination of their efforts, since including all the years before that would make for a far too lengthy and repetitive film.
Racism almost made it impossible to get to the Moon!
Racism almost made it impossible to get to the Moon!
Katherine Johnson's efforts and intelligence contributed significantly in NASA's efforts to get to the moon. Were it not for her and her calculations, we would not have gotten to the moon— at least not so soon. The systemic racism present in NASA at the time made it incredibly difficult— almost impossible— to contribute in substantial matters and earn respect as a woman of color. Katherine Johnson was listened to, not because of her person, but because of her brain. Regardless, after her contributions, she (along with Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson) were able to start a movement of respect and consideration for their fellow women of color colleagues.
Institutional racism was so strong at that time in NASA, that their own discrimination almost impeded the occurrence of one of the biggest spatial events of all time: Moon landing!
It makes one wonder what other events systemic racism and systemic bias in general has impeded and is currently impeding within many institutions.
For other important figures who have been affected by systemic racism and biases, see:
A simple exposition of systemic racism
A simple exposition of systemic racism
In the opening scene of the film shown to the left, we can see how subtly systemic racism manifests in mundane life, and how these three black women seem to be at the mercy and benefit of the white male officer's power. Were it not for proof of their employment at NASA, they would have been victims of harsh and unjust repercussions that could have cost them future opportunities in their jobs and lives. Similarly, we can see how indirectly the policeman asserts his power by escorting the ladies to work.
For social media references to Hidden Figures, consult:
For media examples of fiction created to combat systemic racism, check out:
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