Why Wasn't Christine Darden Featured in 'Hidden Figures'? Unraveling the Omission

The inspiration behind the critically acclaimed film 'Hidden Figures' primarily revolves around the groundbreaking work of mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan during NASA's early space programs. Yet, the film does not spotlight another prominent figure, Christine Darden, who made significant contributions to the NASA space race. This article will delve into the reasons behind her omission and the broader impact of her work.

The Significance of Christine Darden

Christine Darden, a notable figure in NASA's early space programs, played a pivotal role in the field of aerodynamics. Her contributions, particularly in supersonic flight and computational analysis, were invaluable to the success of NASA missions. However, Darden joined NASA in 1967, slightly later than the time frame depicted in 'Hidden Figures', which is set in the early 1960s.

Film Focused on Early Achievements

The filmmakers chose to focus on the earlier achievements of Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson because their work was central to the success of NASA's early missions. These women faced numerous challenges, including gender and racial discrimination, and overcame them to make significant contributions to the space race. Including Darden's contributions could have diluted the narrative, undermining the filmmakers' intent to highlight the triumphs and challenges of the early pioneers in the space program.

Historical and Narrative Context

Darden's work is undoubtedly significant, but her role and contributions were not part of the specific narrative that 'Hidden Figures' sought to convey. The film's portrayal of the early days of the space race and the women behind the orbiting of John Glenn in February 1962 is a testament to the pioneering spirit of mathematics and computing in the 1960s.

Official Integration but Continued Inequity

While NASA officially abolished segregation rules in 1959, the institution continued to face challenges related to gender and race. Christine Darden encountered these issues firsthand. In 1960, she had to go over her boss's head to question the director about the disparities in employment and recognition between male and female engineers. The director's response, "no one 'had ever asked that question before,'" underscores the lingering perceptions of equality at the time.

Calls for a 'Hidden Figures II'

The omission of Christine Darden from 'Hidden Figures' has sparked discussions about the need for a follow-up film to highlight the work of other women of color at NASA from 1962 to the present. Ms. Darden's story should indeed be part of this narrative. Nevertheless, it would take numerous movies to cover all the untold stories of early NASA computing, space exploration, and computing.

Addressing Ongoing Equity Issues

While the film focuses on the early days of the space race, the issue of equality remains pertinent today. The amount of diversity in STEM occupations, which was steadily increasing since the 1960s, has been stagnant since around 2000. There is still much work to be done, and movies and books like 'Hidden Figures' play a crucial role in educating and inspiring more people to pursue careers in STEM.

Upcoming 'Hidden Figures II'

A 'Hidden Figures II' would not only tell the story of Christine Darden but would also shed light on other women of color who made significant contributions to space exploration and computing. These stories, often untold, provide a profound understanding of the historical and ongoing fight for equity in STEM fields.

By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women like Darden, we not only honor the past but also inspire future generations to challenge the status quo and advocate for change.