US WOMEN AND THE CINEMA: NASA's Hidden Figures

As its official website says, "Hidden Figures" is a film that talks about female mathematicians who were also black, black mathematicians who were also female, and it shows the hard reality African American people had to face at a time were racism was the usual thing and black people weren't much more than insignificant. But it specially shows how three women were able to overcome racial segregation and help change America's history, contributing to win the Space Race against the Soviet Union.

"So yes, they let women do things at NASA, Mr. Johnson.

And it's not because we wear skirts. It's because we wear glasses."

These three incredible women were Mary Jackson, an African American teacher and engineer whose love for science and her commitment to improve the lives of others were one and the same; Dorothy Vaughan, a respected mathematician and NASA's first African American manager, and Katherine Johnson, a NASA's mathematician who calculated the trajectory for the space flight of Alan Shepard —the first American in space—, the one of John Glenn —the first American to orbit earth—, and of Apollo 11 —the first human mission to the moon.

"We get to the peak together, or we don't get there at all."

In Hidden Figures we can see a process in which black women's empowerment gets more and more real in a world made by and for white men, and it makes us think about the importance of perseverance. It's a film that reflects not only the 1990's society, but also today's. I know, we've improved the situation, but it's still not enough. The fight must go on, and these three women are a good example of what we can and should do. As it's said by many people, "Hidden Figures" is the movie America needs right now —and not only America, but the whole world.

Regarding the film industry, Hidden Figures is part of a positive change that's taking place recently: a film starring three strong, non-objectified black women who pursuit their dreams and happiness. And these dreams have nothing to be with getting a rich husband nor becoming pretty, superficial Barbies. They get jobs which are usually associated with men, and they do better than them.

"That girl!"

Moreover, this film has given credit to these so-called hidden figures, who were forgotten in this sexist, racist world. It has given them the fame they deserved, and has shown that we can only change things if we stand all together —male and female of all races and backgrounds. So, for all these reasons, I encourage you to watch this wonderful film and to fight for what you think you deserve; no matter your race, no matter your sex, no matter your background. No more hidden figures!