GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. The movie took place during a time in the United States when black and white people were
segregated, and black people were treated unfairly.

a. How were Katherine, Mary, Dorothy, and their co-workers challenged by discrimination? How did
they succeed anyway?

Discrimination against Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary was a challenge due to their race and
gender. Many instances in the film showed how unfairly black people were treated. In public areas like
transportation, accommodation, recreational places, schools, and workplaces, blacks were segregated
by law and private actions. Nevertheless, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary succeeded by proving their
intelligence and capabilities, despite the discrimination.

b. How did the white people in the movie react to segregation?

There were positive and negative reactions from white people to segregation. Some were
against black people working with them, and others supported and acknowledged their competence. It
also touched my heart how the other people who discriminated them in the beginning but later
accepted and supported them.

c. What practices in our current day remind you of the segregation in the movie? Have you been treated
unfairly because of your race and/or gender? Have you seen someone else treated unfairly because of
their race and/or gender?

The segregation in the movie reminds me of segregation in the classroom called homogenous
grouping. Placement of students with comparable academic abilities in the same classroom is a
homogeneous grouping. The drawback of this segregation will indicate that students at lower levels may
become overwhelmed, possibly disruptive, and make little progress, as a result, without a more capable
student to help them along. Discrimination may also arise. In addition, although I haven't experienced
being discriminated against by my gender or race, I know someone who has undergone gender
discrimination. Just like in the movie when Mr. Johnson questioned the capability of Katherine working
in NASA, it also happened with the victim I know. She was belittled by her father working in a company
where men make up most of the workforce. Nevertheless, she showed her family that she is more than
what they believe, and now she has become a supervisor.

2. List three (3) facts described/shared in the film that impressed you and explain how each fact relates
to the film's premise or theme.

a. The film makes the bold claim that if it weren't for three black women, Katherine Johnson, Mary
Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan's dedication, impressive, and significant work, despite beginning their
careers in the segregation era and experiencing discrimination at school and work, the United States
might not have successfully launched people into space or to the moon and back, including John Glenn's
successful orbit of the Earth. 

b. The film stresses Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary's many hardships in a world where inequality is
normal. The three women prove that integrity and teamwork can prevail through their continued
triumphs and refusal to give up. The film also highlights how friendships and supportive relationships
may help people reach their greatest potential.
c. "Hidden Figures" delivers the type of old-fashioned story about overcoming hardship that never fails
to captivate viewers. These genuine African-American women at NASA are remarkable role models who
overcame adversity and discrimination to pursue their dreams. They made an impact on the world, and
this film recognizes that; these women deserved to have their stories told.

3. What was the role of friends and family members in supporting Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary? How
did they support each other? Why is having a support system important?

Mary's husband gave her pencils as a gesture of his support for her in pursuing her career and as the
first black person to enroll in a school for only white people. Katherine's mother, daughters, and other
family members gave her unwavering support in her romantic endeavors. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary
were close friends, and having a strong support system has many advantages, including improved coping
mechanisms, a longer and healthier life, and higher levels of wellbeing. Furthermore, research shows
that social support helps lessen stress, anxiety, and depression.

4. What would you do if you were told you could not pursue a career or job because of how you look or
who you are?

Although I may not be able to pursue my career in the same manner that Mary did, I may still make
every effort. The person who told me I couldn't pursue my job because of how I look or who I am should
be questioned for why he said that. My abilities and skills are not limited by the way I look. Whatever
the people choose to identify me won't have any impact on how will I pursue my career and be
successful.

5. What can you, as a student, parent, or ally, do to help others, especially young people, break barriers
as Katherine, Mary, and Dorothy did?

As student, there are many ways I can perform to break the barriers as Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary
did. Speaking up about any existing issues is the one thing I can do. The cause of all social change lies in
it. Speaking up can be difficult for people because it involves a "social threat," but when injustice is
rampant, it transcends all moral boundaries and creates more injustice. You put your human rights at
risk of being abused in the future if you don't speak up against small things now. If minor problems are
frequently ignored, they become more significant social issues.