Introduction
In 2016, the movie "Hidden Figures" hit the screens, captivating audiences with its inspiring depiction of the three African American women who defied racial and gender barriers in the early years of the United States space program. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the film falls short in depicting the true extent of discrimination faced by these remarkable individuals. Let's delve deeper into the frustrations surrounding the notion of a white savior and the dulled portrayal of racial discrimination in "Hidden Figures."
The White Savior Trope
One of the most pervasive tropes seen in movies dealing with black characters is the concept of a white savior. In "Hidden Figures," this trope is embodied by the character played by Kevin Costner. While the portrayal of a white individual recognizing and fighting against discrimination is meant to be inspiring, it inadvertently shifts the focus away from the real heroes of the story – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.By centering the narrative on a white character's actions, the film unintentionally downplays the agency and resilience of these brilliant women who overcame racial adversity. It perpetuates the misconception that black people cannot triumph without the assistance of a white savior, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining the true message of courage and resilience.
Diminished Depiction of Discrimination
While "Hidden Figures" provides a glimpse into the racial segregation of the time, it fails to fully capture the harsh realities faced by black individuals during the 1960s. For instance, the film portrays Katherine Johnson's struggle to find a colored bathroom, but it minimizes the emotional and physical toll of such daily humiliations.The movie showcases the destruction of the sign designating the colored bathroom as a triumphant moment. However, this scene oversimplifies the deeply entrenched discrimination and systemic racism that the characters endured. It is important to acknowledge the larger context of segregation, the suffocating limitations it imposed on black lives, and the pervasive impact it had on education, employment opportunities, and basic human rights.
The Importance of an Honest Portrayal
By glossing over the harsh realities faced by black individuals in this era, "Hidden Figures" misses an opportunity to shed light on the resilience and ingenuity that enabled these women to excel under such oppressive circumstances. The film's focus on their achievements should not overshadow the fact that they accomplished extraordinary feats despite facing systemic discrimination.It is essential to have honest portrayals of historical events to ensure that future generations fully grasp the magnitude of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. By dulling the racial discrimination experienced by the characters, the film inadvertently perpetuates a diluted version of history, preventing viewers from fully comprehending the magnitude of the struggle for equality.
Conclusion
"Hidden Figures" undoubtedly brought the remarkable stories of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson into the mainstream consciousness, highlighting their contributions to the United States space program. However, it is important to acknowledge that the film falls short in accurately depicting the extent of racial discrimination and the pernicious impact of the white savior trope.As audiences, it is our responsibility to have critical conversations about the narratives depicted in movies like "Hidden Figures" and seek a more comprehensive understanding of historical events. By acknowledging and challenging these shortcomings, we can strive for media representations that provide a more honest and empowering portrayal of the remarkable individuals who fought against discrimination and made lasting contributions to society.
