This post explores the symbolism of coffee in Hidden Figures. It explores race, gender, and labor in America’s Space Race.
“Hidden Figures” is a powerful film that uses symbolism to explore several themes. This includes among other things racial segregation, gendered division of labor, and the struggle for civil rights in America during the 1960s. This post analyzes the symbolism of coffee in the film and its significance in the broader historical context.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hidden Figures is a critically acclaimed film. It is set during the 1960s. It tells the story of three African American women who worked as mathematicians at NASA. The film is a powerful exploration of the themes of racial segregation and gendered division of labor. The film also covers the civil rights struggle in America during this time period. One of the most potent symbols used in the film is coffee. It represents not only racial segregation but also the gendered division of labor that the characters face.
Based on a Non-Fiction book
The film is inspired by the non-fiction book of the same name written by Margot Lee Shetterly. The book was also released in 2016. The movie takes some creative liberties with the source material. It remains though largely faithful to the real-life stories of the women who worked at NASA’s Langley Research Center during the space race era.
What happens when Katherine tries to get coffee in Hidden Figures?
In the movie, Katherine Johnson, one of the main characters, works in the Space Task Group at NASA. Katherine is a highly skilled mathematician. But she is treated with disrespect and condescension by her colleagues (due to her race and gender.)
In one memorable scene, Katherine is forced to run half a mile to the “colored bathroom” every time she needs to use the restroom. This is simply because there are no bathrooms for African Americans in the building where she works.
Similarly, when Katherine tries to get coffee, she discovers that the coffee pot for “colored” employees is on a separate table and has its own separate coffee cups.
The Symbolism of Coffee in Hidden Figures
In the film, coffee is used as a symbol of racial segregation and discrimination. The coffee pot is located in a separate room labeled “Colored” and is reserved only for African American employees, highlighting the racial segregation that was present in American society at the time. Katherine attempts to get coffee from the main coffee pot. However, they tell her that she is not allowed to use it because of her race.
However, coffee also represents the gendered division of labor that the characters face. Women were allowed neither to attend the same meetings as men nor to work on the same projects. This division is symbolized by the fact that the coffee pot is located in a separate room. Women are expected to serve coffee to male employees. This reinforces the idea that their role in the workplace is subservient to that of men.
What are the other symbols used in Hidden Figures?
In addition to the symbolism of coffee in Hidden Figures, there are other powerful symbols used in “Hidden Figures” that represent the racial and gendered inequalities of the time period. Some of these symbols include:
- The pearls that Katherine wears: Symbolize her femininity, professionalism, and resilience.
- The bathroom signs: These are used to highlight the racial segregation that existed in public spaces during the time period.
- The space race itself: It is used to represent the broader social and political movements of the time.
The Use of Music:
Another powerful aspect of the film is its use of music to reinforce its themes and mood. The film features a soundtrack that includes songs from the era, such as “Runnin’ ” by Pharrell Williams and “I See A Victory” by Kim Burrell and Pharrell Williams. These songs serve to reinforce the themes of empowerment and triumph over adversity that are present throughout the film.
The Historical Context
Hidden Figures is set during the 1960s, a period marked by significant social and political change in America.
- The civil rights movement was in full swing. The African Americans were fighting for equal rights and opportunities.
- The Cold War forced the US to compete with the Soviet Union internationally. The race against the Soviet Union was also over space exploration.
The film highlights the role that African American women played in this effort. It also highlights the discrimination and barriers they faced in the workplace and in society more broadly.
Themes:
The film deals with two main themes:
- The struggle for civil rights.
- The power of perseverance.
The film shows the characters fighting for their rights and for their place in a workplace that is hostile to them. They are depicted as persevering in the face of adversity. The characters continue to push forward despite the obstacles that they face.
Conclusion
This post tried to explore the symbolism of coffee in Hidden Figures.
“Hidden Figures” is a powerful film that is based on a non-fiction book with the same title. It uses symbolism, music, and historical context to explore diverse themes. This includes racial segregation, gendered division of labor, and the struggle for civil rights in America during the 1960s.
The symbolism of coffee serves as a potent reminder of the discrimination and barriers that the characters face, while the use of music reinforces the film’s themes of empowerment and perseverance.
The film is a poignant and inspiring reminder of the scientific and technological contributions of black Americans. It reminds us of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.