Comprehensive Review of Hidden Figures from a Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective

Introduction
Hidden Figures is a 2016 biographical drama directed by Theodore Melfi, based on the non-fiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly. Set during the 1960s, the film tells the inspiring story of three African-American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played critical roles in NASA’s space program, overcoming racial and gender-based barriers.

• Release Year: 2016
• Director: Theodore Melfi
• Country: United States
• Streaming Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies

The movie showcases themes of perseverance, equality, and social justice, providing a profound opportunity to analyze its lessons through the lenses of Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting®.

Family Strengthening Perspective

In Hidden Figures, the importance of family as a foundation of strength and support is highlighted throughout. Each character’s family plays a crucial role in empowering them to succeed despite systemic challenges:

• Katherine Johnson is supported by her husband and children. Despite the societal pressures she faces at work, her family offers her encouragement and practical support, enabling her to excel in a hostile environment. Her children express pride in her achievements, which strengthens family bonds.
• Dorothy Vaughan raises her children while simultaneously pushing for professional advancement. Her role as a mother and leader of her family demonstrates the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, both core aspects of family strengthening.
• Mary Jackson has a husband who is initially concerned about her ambitions but ultimately supports her quest to become NASA’s first African-American female engineer. This shows how mutual understanding within a family can lead to growth, pushing boundaries for the betterment of all family members.

Key Lessons:

• The film reinforces the need for unwavering family support, which plays a pivotal role in fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
• It emphasizes the value of collective family ambition, where families encourage members to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal limitations.
• Families are depicted as units where shared struggles create stronger bonds and produce collective success.

Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children® Perspective

The film offers significant insights into the societal systems that either hinder or promote the creation of a friendly and protective environment for vulnerable groups, particularly women and minorities.

• The protagonists work in an environment that is far from protective or inclusive. They encounter racial segregation and sexism, which highlight the importance of creating safer, more equitable spaces for all, especially children who absorb lessons from their environments.
• The children’s respect and admiration for their mothers’ accomplishments demonstrate how a nurturing and encouraging environment can set a positive example for future generations. Katherine’s daughters, for instance, look up to their mother as a pioneer, teaching them values of determination and breaking barriers.

Key Lessons:

• The film illustrates the power of role models in shaping children’s understanding of resilience, equality, and justice.
• It underscores the significance of promoting an inclusive and friendly environment, both at work and home, as a means of empowering the next generation.
• The narrative also exposes the need for structural changes in society to provide safer, more supportive environments for marginalized individuals.

Rights-Based Parenting® Perspective

Hidden Figures presents several examples that resonate with the philosophy of Rights-Based Parenting®, which emphasizes the protection, empowerment, and equal treatment of children:

• Parental Responsibility: Katherine Johnson exemplifies how parents must teach their children the value of hard work and intellectual development. Her commitment to her work not only benefits her career but also serves as a powerful lesson to her children, reinforcing their rights to education and equality.
• Role of Community: Dorothy Vaughan’s leadership, not just within her family but also among her colleagues, reflects a larger responsibility to her community. She fights not only for her advancement but also for the recognition of her team. This mirrors Rights-Based Parenting® values, where advocating for collective rights is as crucial as individual rights.
• Breaking Barriers for Children: The film highlights how breaking racial and gender barriers is not just a personal journey but one that impacts future generations. By overcoming discrimination at NASA, the protagonists indirectly challenge the societal norms that limited children of color from pursuing careers in STEM fields, ensuring a future where children are not bound by prejudice or limitations.

Key Lessons:

• Rights-Based Parenting® calls for parents and guardians to model resilience and advocacy for equal rights, ensuring children are raised with the understanding that they deserve equal opportunities.
• The film highlights the importance of ensuring safe and inclusive educational and professional environments for future generations.
• It emphasizes that breaking down societal barriers is a collective responsibility that ensures the protection and fulfillment of children’s rights.

Conclusion

Hidden Figures is not just a film about space exploration; it is a compelling narrative of family, advocacy, and resilience that resonates with the principles of Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting®.

The film teaches that success is often rooted in the support and encouragement of loved ones, that creating inclusive environments benefits everyone, and that parents must model resilience and advocacy to empower their children. By securing a just and inclusive future for children, we continue to strengthen families and break barriers in our communities.

In conclusion, Hidden Figures is a celebration of human spirit and family bonds, providing valuable lessons that can guide us in building a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.