The Oppression Of Women In Hidden Figures By Theodore Melfi

Historically women were made to believe that they were lesser than men, like a butterfly in a jar, females were never allowed to flutter freely. The movie Hidden Figures by Theodore Melfi, a 2016 film showcases the true stories of 3 black women, who escape the jar. Inspires women not to be overwhelmed by men and overcome obstacles. In a world where men are perceived to be more capable, the movie shows how women also significantly contributed to achieving the many accomplishments that America holds as their pride. Representing the women whose achievements were never publicized. Ultimately, by examining the societal standards, gender discrimination and the character’s determination in Hidden Figures by Theodore Melfi, viewers achieve a heightened

“They let women handle that sorta-‘… ‘yes, they let women do things at NASA Mr. Johnson. And it’s not because we wear skirts, it’s because we wear glasses” (Melfi, 36:20-37:30). The quote shows Mr.Johnson to be surprised of Katherine’s achievements. Based on societal norms, he is in disbelief at how women are appointed to work closely with NASA in its accomplishments. Society’s influence on Johnson is evident as they influenced his belief that women only be good for dressing up and upholding beauty. The idea of women being useful is not apparent as bigotry clouds his judgment. Similarly, Katherine’s workplace also finds it hard to accept that reality. “Those number have already been confirmed by two engineers in the department and by myself. This is more or less a dummy check” (Melfi, 39:35-39:48). Paul, a male colleague, sees Katherine to be inferior to himself as he ridicules a female checking over a male’s work. He points out that the data was checked over by two, commonly male engineers (no female engineers at the time), and himself included. He finds it impossible that there

This promotes growth of seeing genders as mutuals along with overall fairness. For a women, opportunities are not given but created by themselves. Particularly, Mary Jackson, a skillful black woman, yearns to become an engineer. Although she possesses the appropriate skillset, barriers beyond her control prevent her. “’Mary a person with a engineer mind should be a engineer… if you were a white male would you wish to be a engineer?’ ‘I wouldn’t I’d already be one’” (Melfi, 14:39-15:27). The quote states Mary being a female slims the chance of becoming an engineer. Even with praise from Mr.Zielinkski a successful engineer himself, Mary is unable to advance in engineering because she is not a male. Preferring males for engineers as they are likely to be more intelligent and capable of the job. This biased preference is an example of systematic discrimination against females, as the policies of being a male defy Mary from her passion. Likewise, males’ presence is more preferred than females. In the film, the parade welcoming the pilots to NASA was sectioned off by gender, placing males in front. “’ Gentlemen, if we may, we have much to see around here’ ‘we haven’t shaken all the hands yet’” (Melfi, 38:00-38:20). This signifies the levels of importance society upholds, placing males in front in order of significance. The quote