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Theme Of Persistence Is Key: Struggling Dualities In Hidden Figure

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Persistence is Key: Struggling Dualities in Hidden Figures
Discrimination had and still has a significant impact on our society as black people still struggle with police brutality and Journalists write less about women, especially black women. Before social movements, black women had barely any chances to get better jobs, couldn’t use the same restrooms as white people, or get suitable education to get better jobs. But still, a few women managed to do exactly that as Theodore Melfi shows in his film Hidden Figures, published in 2017. Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book and Allison Schroeder’s screenplay the film captures the story of three black women working their way up at NASA in the 1960s, fighting against stereotypes and discrimination …show more content…

As Dorothy works as an unofficial supervisor for the black computer group, she applies for the job multiple times but gets rejected by Vivian. Determined to get a better job, Dorothy researches and learns how to program the new machine at NASA and gets hired. Vivian still the supervisor, she and Dorothy meet in the restrooms. “A first for both of them. Sharing a bathroom.”(96). Dorothy approaches Vivian after a “cold silence”, starting a hesitant conversation, talking about work, and handing her paper towels (96). Followed by Vivian carefully suggesting to get women from her group to work with the new machine too, Dorothy calmly answers “That’s not my decision. That would be the supervisors.”(97). Attempting to justify her racist behavior in their previous events, Vivian denies her fault, claiming to never consciously discriminate against anyone. Thinking about that, Dorothy responds by telling Vivian that she only thinks they mean no harm, and leaves the bathroom. The cold silence and the hesitant conversation ending still divided show that Dorothy still struggles and that they have to continue to work together. Contradictory, Vivian's attempt to apologize and Dorothy reaching out to her, indicate character development and progress to overcome the separation. That step to improvement, also displayed in the film, shows Vivian and Dorothy together in the frames. While talking, the camera captures them with over-the-shoulder close-ups, in the same position. And looking in the mirror, Dorothy and Vivian see each other in the same, equal way. But even though they appear equal, they can’t talk to their opponent’s face, speaking through the mirror. Both of them clearly show character development by attempting to overcome their differences but the divided ending

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