Hidden Figures Summary

Hidden Figures, is a very eye opening and positive read. The book goes into significant detail of the civil rights movement involving the fighting for racial equality along with the gender inequality that was prominent during the 1950’s and 60’s. It encompasses the racial and gender bias conflicts that individuals experienced firsthand along with the triumphs that were celebrated every time a new means of equality was achieved. Covering the Supreme Court decisions that resulted in females and African Americans receiving minor promotions in the workforce, to the desegregation of the school system, and of giving all children the opportunity for a better education. The difficulties these individuals in the book faced were truly immense. Not only

Some of these experiences I can relate to my personal life. Maybe the time and state of our country in terms of hard work and determination hasn’t changed as much as some individuals think it has. If anything, the need for an education, especially a college degree is more necessary than ever. The amount of jobs available to those who are uneducated or lack a degree are decreasing all the time. Of those jobs that are still available to those without a formal education, there are even fewer that are “well paying”. Many of these jobs are only paying minimum wage, which makes it extremely difficult to live and thrive. The annual earnings of a minimum wage worker today are $15,080 at the current federal minimum wage that is $7.25 per hour (UC Davis Center). Between groceries, taxes, bills, and other payments, this annual salary simply doesn’t provide for ends meeting. If you find yourself in this situation, you won’t have any extra money for certain wants and needs or even the means necessary for supporting a family. During the time that the story took place, African Americans desperately needed to receive an education, otherwise they’d be working in underpaid labor jobs that were devoid of respect. If African Americans wanted to have any material possessions and financial security, then an education was required. In this case, America hasn’t

Katherine Johnson felt that she’d never be able to become an engineer because of her being an African American woman. However, she decided to fight for what she believed in, equality. I feel this is what’s so great about engineering. You may see other careers out there that focus on media or some social aspect, in these areas you are judged more on your appearance. With engineering, everyone is working for the same reason. Everyone has the same purpose. That purpose being to fix, design, or create something for a common goal. This is the usual when dealing with technology and its advancements. I believe that engineers are judged more on their work and abilities than on their appearance which is how it should be in any field. Engineers also can go nearly anywhere and find a job. This is just one of several reasons why I hope to achieve an engineering