"Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly tells the story of the African American women mathematicians who played crucial roles at NASA during the Space Race. The central idea of the book revolves around the contributions of these "hidden figures" to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, despite facing racial and gender discrimination.
Evidence from the book that supports this central idea includes:
1. **Individual Stories:** The book highlights the individual stories of women such as Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. It details their backgrounds, education, and the challenges they faced as African American women in a segregated society.
2. **Professional Achievements:** Shetterly provides evidence of the women's significant contributions to various projects at NASA. For example, Katherine Johnson's work as a mathematician was crucial for the success of John Glenn's orbital mission.
3. **Challenges Faced:** The book documents the challenges these women faced due to segregation and gender bias. Despite their qualifications and skills, they encountered discriminatory practices that limited their opportunities for advancement.
4. **Role in Advancing Civil Rights:** The narrative shows how the women of "Hidden Figures" played a role in advancing civil rights by breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM.
5. **Impact on Space Exploration:** The book illustrates how the contributions of these women were integral to the success of NASA's missions, including the Apollo program and the early space shuttle missions.
Overall, the evidence in "Hidden Figures" supports the central idea that these women, often overlooked in history, made indispensable contributions to science and space exploration despite the societal challenges they faced.
