History Essay Samples

Delving Deeper: An Essay Sample on ‘Hidden Figures’ and its Impact

The relevance of history to any society defines its perception of past, present, and future development. According to Crabtree, history primarily envisages past progress, its challenges, and how its success accounts for the milestones that mark present-day society. Shetterly’s Hidden Figures is a literary work that explores society’s social and scientific progress. Weaved into a complex story of three scientists on the NASA team, the book explores the challenges that have marked the pursuit of the American Dream. In essence, the American Dream seeks to better and enrich the lives of everyone.

Moreover, it perpetuates the need for individuals to have equal opportunities to utilize their abilities and achieve their goals. The process must not be influenced by one’s social class, ethnicity, or any aspect of gender. Thus, one learns crucial lessons from history regarding achieving the American Dream. In essence, Shetterly’s consideration of the American Dream in Hidden Figures illustrates the need for every member of society to learn from history how different barriers can negate progress.

Shetterly utilizes three African-American women to illustrate the significance of overcoming historical challenges in making strides toward development. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughn were three women recruited to work on the NASA team. At that time, American astronauts were facing pressure to send people into space. However, before achieving this objective, they had to conduct an analysis and apply mathematical equations that could guarantee a successful landing in space. The quest led Katherine to be assigned a task in one of the space task groups. However, there was evident segregation in the place. Courage is critical to overcoming many obstacles one meets in life. One must admit that this is one attribute that Katherine Johnson had. It is because of how she overcame the many obstacles she faced. For example, when she first reported to the office and felt the male-dominated aura, she would have been discouraged and considered giving up on her career. However, she did put on a brave face and chose to work. Katherine’s courage was evident when she faced discrimination. She quietly agreed to use different bathrooms from those used by the whites. She did not stage a fight. It was her courage that finally won her a seat in the meeting. Achieving the American Dream demands courage and passion in its pursuit (Wakeman 1). Cullen says, “Primarily, when the society envisages a better America, they must come out to fight for their dreams and ambitions as well”. This illustrates the need to struggle for success. Courage and passion are significant in defining the journey. History shows that achieving the American Dream was a testament to overcoming numerous obstacles (Borstelmann 87). Courage and passion were the essential ingredients for achieving the ultimate fulfillment of one’s ambition.

Social and scientific progress remains the core quest of many societies today. Primarily, this is due to the long-term impact that these two aspects have on a nation’s economy. Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures is a classic example of the challenges that hinder people’s progress in science and their social lives. The African-American women in NASA are crucial to the development of the area. However, racial and gender discrimination a hindrances that they have to contend with. The reality that the progress of the entire society depends on various multifaceted factors is evident (Bankes 67). In other words, despite the community being endowed with resources, it cannot progress if it fails to consider the needs of others. The ultimate success of NASA stems from how it handles the social aspects to enhance its scientific endeavors. Social and scientific progress can only occur when society embraces cultural diversity. Social progress demands that people of different races not face discrimination in treatment. The African-American women in NASA faced discrimination because of their skin color. For instance, Katherine was not permitted to utilize the whites’ facilities. She had to walk a long way to use the bathroom that matched her skin tone. It impeded her ability to accomplish her tasks. It is also important to note that gender inequality is a segment that negates the development of society. When Mary joined the shield team, the men she met were critical of her. They did not view her as someone who would make a significant contribution to West Computers. However, her presence became impactful. It is because she could find analytical solutions that helped the team to progress. It reveals how gender inequality can hinder the advancement of any society. Scientific advancement demands that people work together as a team. Katherine was excluded from the meeting due to her gender. However, she was the one who could create an elaborate equation that could guide the space capsule (Shertelly 241). Stafford objected to her inclusion in the meeting.

Nevertheless, Harrison fought to ensure her presence. The event showed the need for inclusivity.

Gansler and Lucyshyn examine the necessity for a collaborative government to promote the integration of a unified society. From their perspective, the current society faces many challenges that require administration support. Partnered government brings together different agencies to work as a team and ensure that they address problems effectively. A partnered government reflects an inclusive society where the government collaborates with private and non-profit entities.

Similarly, it is the partnering with NASA that produced success. The American Dream aims for a richer and better American society. It envisages a life free of suffering for its people. However, achieving the objective required that society overcome its hindrances. Consequently, history teaches a lesson relevant to today’s society.

Therefore, the past, even the relatively recent past, is in the minds of most of us, enshrouded by mists and only vaguely perceived. Our ignorance of the past and the lack of information lead to indifference.

The past helps people create their modernity. Evidently, from history, one learns that discrimination because of ethnic or gender characteristics is the enemy of development. People must seek to embrace harmony at all costs. The American Dream was only achieved when all sectors of the country worked together. Consequently, for the nation to move to its future, it must avoid all the deterrents of progress.

It is, therefore, evident that history plays an important role. There are valuable lessons that society has to learn. First, courage and passion are essential for fulfilling the dream. The three African-American women utilized their career courage and passion to cause progress in the field. They are the heroines of Shertelly’s story. Second, society must overcome barriers to social and scientific progress. The hindrances include racism and gender discrimination, among others. While these social vices are difficult to eradicate, the community must remain vocal to shun them. The three women at NASA exemplify how society can overcome its limitations. Achieving the American Dream is a process that takes time. On the contrary, it involves going against the norms. The ultimate prize belongs to all members of the community.

📎 References:

1. Shetterly, Margot. Hidden Figures. HarperCollins, 2009.
2. Gansler, Jacques and William Lucyshyn. Partnered Government: The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of the Parts, 01 Jan. 2010.
3. Wakeman, Cy. “Personal Accountability and the Pursuit of Workplace Happiness.” The Forbes, 26 Oct. 2016, https://www.forbes.com/sites/cywakeman/2015/10/26/personal-accountability-and-the-pursuit-of-workplace-happiness/?sh=796208bc1ca2
4. Cullen, Jim. The American Dream: A Short History of an Idea Shaped a Nation. Oxford University Press, 2004.
5. Crabtree, David. The Importance of History, 1993.
6. Borstelmann, Thomas. The Cold War and the Color Line: American Race Relations in the Global Arena. Harvard University Press, 2001.
7. Bankes, John. The Remarkable African-American Women Mathematicians/Scientists Who Helped America Win the Space Race. Wiley, 2015.