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Hidden Figure

The document is a series of questions and answers about the book 'Hidden Figures' which tells the true story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and other African American women who served as 'human computers' making important contributions to NASA and the Space Race at a time when racial segregation was still rife in the US. It provides background on the women and discusses their experiences working at Langley Research Center in Virginia in the 1940s-1960s, the opportunities and challenges they faced, as well as the civil rights movement during this period.

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mehak shahid
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52 views4 pages

Hidden Figure

The document is a series of questions and answers about the book 'Hidden Figures' which tells the true story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and other African American women who served as 'human computers' making important contributions to NASA and the Space Race at a time when racial segregation was still rife in the US. It provides background on the women and discusses their experiences working at Langley Research Center in Virginia in the 1940s-1960s, the opportunities and challenges they faced, as well as the civil rights movement during this period.

Uploaded by

mehak shahid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hidden Figure

Question /Answer:

CHAPTER 1: A DOOR OPENS

• What are some reasons for wanting more mathematicians at Langley in the early 1940s?

Some of the reasons for wanting more mathematicians at Langley in the early 1940s include the need for
more computing pool so as to free engineers to focus on more research. NASA had also started focusing
on space and not just aeronautics. This necessitated the hiring of more mathematicians.

• In what ways was Melvin Butler, the personnel officer at Langley, progressive in his hiring practices? In
what ways was he restricted by convention? Do you think he did the best he could under the
circumstances?

As Melvin Butler, the personnel officer at Langley, progressive in his hiring practices. As he was founded
for the solution of labor shortage, that was to save money.

What is labor?

As the word labor is defined as, the effort that people put forth to produce goods and services is referred
to as labor. Both the person who created the bus that presents you to school and the waiter who brings
your food to a nearby eating house are examples of labor resources.

As the personnel officer at Langley, progressive in his hiring practices, provided a nearly renewable labor
pool with little chance of workers being attracted to private sector careers.

Therefore, As a result, they are providing a chance of works, as there is attractiveness away for the
private sector carriers.

• Who is A? Philip Randolph and how does he help build the workforce at Langley?

He was a civil rights activist who was instrumental in making the country accept African-American people
in its military related workforce.

CHAPTER 2: MOBILIZATION

• Describe Dorothy Vaughan: what is she like? What do you learn of her background?

Dorothy Vaughan was a gifted student who grew up to be a brilliant


mathematician. She is a pioneer as one of the Black women who
worked as a human computer at Langley. Throughout Hidden Figures,
Dorothy leads the way and helps other women gain success as well.

• What kinds of employment opportunities were available to African American women at this time?

Black women's main jobs historically have been in low-wage


agriculture and domestic service. 1 Even after migration to the north
during the 20th century, most employers would only hire black women
in domestic service work.

• Why is the opportunity for a job at Langley so unique to Dorothy?

Why is the opportunity for a job at Langley so unique to Dorothy? Most


jobs for African Americans weren't great. This was a chance for
Dorothy to prove that she was just as good as anyone else. It was
also an opportunity to change the future of her family.

• In her application, Dorothy she could be ready to accept employment at Langley within 48 hours. Why
do you think she makes that claim?

This job opportunity is very important to dorothy. She loved math and want to start.

CHAPTER 3: PAST IS PROLOGUE

• How did Dorothy handle the balance between her family life and work aspirations?

Dorothy Vaughan had six children, so it was really hard to commit to


them and science at the same time. But this reconciliation was, in her
case, a philosophical matter of private and public interest. What she
did as a scientist helped her children too, just like so many other
children, and humanity in general.

• What does this job mean for Dorothy in terms of social mobility?

She gets to interact with white people.


• From what we know so far, in what ways do Dorothy and Katherine’s experiences mirror each other? In
what ways are they different?

They both love math and they both get through a lot to get where they are in life and are very hard
worker.

CHAPTER 4: THE DOUBLE V

• What is life in Newport News like for Dorothy?

Life in Newport for Dorothy was no less anxious, hopeful, and


excited than if she were an immigrant arriving from foreign shores.
The civil rights movement takes shape because it shows other people
to not judge based on color of skin but the knowledge that you have in
your brain.
• How does the civil rights movement take shape during this time period?

the civil rights movement takes shape because it shows other people to not judge based on color of skin
but the knowledge that you have in your brain.

• To what does the chapter title, the double V, refer?

The Double V,” short for “The Double Victory,” is a term first
mentioned in a letter sent to The Pittsburgh Courier by an activist. The
letter reads, “Let colored Americans adopt the double VV for a double
victory; the first V for victory over our enemies from without, the
second V for victory over our enemies within.

CHAPTER 5: MANIFEST DESTINY

• Are the women who become “girl computers” held to a higher standard? Or do they hold themselves
to one? Why or why not?

Girl computers hold themselves to a higher standard because they are


only considered "sub-professionals". If they work harder then men,
people may see them more as equals.
• Why does Miriam Mann keep removing the cafeteria sign? What does her act of defiance represent?
Miriam removes the cafeteria sign because she believes that its
insulting and embarrassing. It represents that people are sick and tired
of segregation and want to take a stand.
• In what ways is working at NACA progressive? In what ways does NACA stick to southern conventions?

Working at NACA is progressive because they started giving equal


rights to Americans For example, they took off the sign that said
"Colored Cafeteria". NACA adheres to the southern conventions
because they still have typical segregations like bathrooms and water
fountains.
• How were Malcolm MacLean and Henry Reid helpful to and supportive of their new colleagues?

They both spoke out for civil rights. They also encouraged the college
to get more African-American students.

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