write an essay on the book hidden figures and answer these questions 250-500 word essay
1. Who are the central characters of "Hidden Figures," and what roles did they play at NASA during the space race?
2. How did the segregation policies of the American South impact the lives and careers of the women in "Hidden Figures"?
3. Describe the challenges Katherine Johnson faced while working on John Glenn's orbital mission.
4. How did Dorothy Vaughan's leadership impact the West Area Computing group, and how did she adapt to technological changes at NASA?
5. What barriers did Mary Jackson face in her pursuit to become an engineer, and how did she overcome them?
6. How does Shetterly's narrative in "Hidden Figures" reflect on the broader themes of civil rights and women's rights during the 1960s in America?
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly narrates the astonishing lives of several African American women who worked at NASA during the space race. Set against the backdrop of the segregated American South, this book uncovers the often overlooked and untold stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who made significant contributions to the success of NASA's missions.
The central characters of "Hidden Figures" are Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Katherine Johnson was a brilliant mathematician who played a vital role in calculating the trajectories for NASA's space missions. She faced numerous challenges, including being the only African American woman in a department dominated by white men. Despite this, Johnson's expertise and determination led her to become a vital asset to NASA and instrumental in John Glenn's orbital mission.
Dorothy Vaughan, on the other hand, was a skilled mathematician and the first African American supervisor at NASA. She led the West Area Computing group, which consisted of a team of African American women known as "human computers." Vaughan's leadership and adaptability were pivotal as she transitioned her team from manual calculations to computer programming, thereby ensuring their continued relevance and relevance in the technological changes at NASA.
Mary Jackson faced obstacles on her journey to becoming an engineer. Segregation policies prevented her from attending engineering courses at a white-only university. With tenacity and perseverance, Jackson fought for her right to attend these courses, ultimately becoming NASA's first African American female engineer. Her accomplishments paved the way for future generations of African American women in engineering.
The segregation policies of the American South had a profound impact on the lives and careers of the women in "Hidden Figures." Limited job opportunities and societal prejudices meant that they faced discrimination and systemic barriers, hindering their professional growth. Despite this, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in pursuing their dreams and making invaluable contributions to the space program.
Shetterly's narrative in "Hidden Figures" sheds light on the broader themes of civil rights and women's rights during the 1960s in America. The book explores how African Americans and women found themselves at the intersections of multiple forms of discrimination and injustice. By highlighting the struggles and triumphs of these women, the author showcases their resilience and challenges prevailing stereotypes, while also underscoring the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.
In conclusion, "Hidden Figures" recounts the incredible stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who played pivotal roles at NASA during the space race. Despite facing immense challenges due to racial and gender discrimination, their intelligence, perseverance, and passion for their work allowed them to break barriers and make significant contributions to America's space program. Shetterly's compelling narrative also sheds light on the broader themes of civil rights and women's rights during the 1960s, emphasizing the need for equal opportunities and recognition for all individuals.