Why Did NASA Decide to Continue Bringing in Computers to Do the Work That the Women Despised in the Movie Hidden Figures, Particularly After the Women Proved Their Worth?

Introduction

The movie Hidden Figures has brought to light the critical contributions of African-American women mathematicians, such as Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson, who worked at NASA during the Space Race era. Despite their proven capabilities and hard work, these women encountered significant discrimination and bias. One particular issue highlighted in the film is the transition to electronic computers, which left many of these women displaced from their positions. This raises an important question: why did NASA continue to bring in computers to do the work that these women had proven so capable of handling?

Historical Context

To understand this decision, it is essential to consider the historical context. NASA, a leading institution in technological and scientific innovation, was born out of WWII, and the post-war period brought about a significant shift in the way problems were being solved. Post-war developments in computer technology provided NASA with a powerful new tool to aid in its mission. The electronic computers offered unparalleled speed and accuracy, enabling NASA to solve complex mathematical problems that were previously impractical for manual calculation.

During the early stages of the Cold War, the United States was focused on beating the Soviet Union in the space race. The demands placed on NASA were intense, and the agency needed a way to quickly and accurately process massive amounts of data. The film Hidden Figures depicts the tension between using human computers and electronic ones, highlighting the skills and value of the human mathematicians.

Key Decisions and Their Implications

Several factors contributed to NASA's decision to continue using computers, despite the initial resistance from the human computers:

Technological Advancements: The post-war period saw rapid advancements in computing technology. Electronic computers could process problems much faster and more accurately than their human counterparts. For example, the first electronic computer, the ENIAC, was introduced in 1946 and could perform calculations upwards of 5,000 operations per second, compared to a human computer who might take hours or even days to complete the same task. Efficiency and Productivity: NASA recognized that the transition to electronic computers would significantly increase productivity and efficiency. Using machines for repetitive and time-consuming calculations would allow human workers to focus on more complex, strategic tasks that required innovative thinking and human insight. Cost Considerations: While the initial cost of setting up and maintaining electronic computers was high, the long-term cost savings were significant. Electronic computers could operate 24/7 and require less human supervision. This made them a more cost-effective solution for NASA, especially given the financial constraints and resource allocation during the Space Race. Accuracy and Reliability: One of the key advantages of electronic computers was their unmatched accuracy. Human computers were prone to errors, especially when working under high pressure. Machines, however, could perform calculations without the margin of error, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that could have potentially dangerous consequences in space missions.

Cultural and Societal Changes

While technological and practical reasons played a significant role in NASA's decision to bring in electronic computers, societal and cultural changes were also in play. The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s challenged the discriminatory practices and limited opportunities that women and African Americans faced. The women featured in Hidden Figures were not only victims of this discrimination but also change agents, pushing for a more equitable work environment.

The film and subsequent discussions brought attention to the systematic barriers these women faced, including unequal pay, inadequate recognition, and prejudiced attitudes within NASA. However, even as their contributions were acknowledged, there was still a significant cultural inertia to overcome. The shift to electronic computers represented a fundamental shift in the nature of work at the agency, and it took time for this transition to be fully embraced.

The Legacy and Lessons

The story of NASA's transition to electronic computers and the contributions of the human computers, as told in Hidden Figures, serves as a powerful reminder of the balance between technological innovation and human expertise. It highlights how the introduction of new technologies can transform work environments and demands, and how cultural and social changes are essential for fully leveraging these advancements.

For today’s organizations, the lessons from NASA remain relevant. Just as NASA had to adapt to the new technological landscape, modern businesses must embrace new tools and technologies while simultaneously recognizing and valuing the human component. The integration of artificial intelligence and automation in various fields will continue to disrupt traditional work patterns, necessitating a thoughtful approach to workforce management and training.

Conclusion

The decision by NASA to continue using electronic computers, despite the resistance from the human computers, was driven by a combination of technological progress, efficiency gains, cost savings, and accuracy improvements. The story of Hidden Figures, while emphasizing the discrimination and bias faced by these women, underscores the broader cultural and societal changes that were unfolding during this period. As we continue to navigate the technological landscape of the 21st century, it is essential to remember the lessons from the past and ensure that the integration of new technologies is accompanied by fairness and respect for human capabilities.