Hidden Figures: Symbols

Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

“COLORED” Signs

The “COLORED” signs that the women of West Computing encounter in the cafeteria, on the doors of restrooms, and in other locations symbolize that no matter what Black people might achieve, many of their white peers will continue to define them solely by their race. Since segregation is still the norm, the managers at Langley are likewise compelled to separate people by race. This is demoralizing as well as dehumanizing. No matter how excellent their work is, how organized they are, or how well they dress, the Black women at Langley continue to be treated like second-class citizens. All of the women eat in the same cafeteria but the Black women are assigned a separate table with a sign that says “COLORED COMPUTERS.” Miriam Mann is tenacious in her efforts to remove these offensive signs until eventually the replacement signs stop appearing. She has won a small battle helping the other women gain some dignity, and her efforts mirror the efforts made by nonviolent activists in the Civil Rights Movement. Over time, management removes more of the signs, which symbolizes the beginning of an integrated workplace.

John Henry

The comparison between Katherine and John Henry symbolizes the triumph of overcoming low expectations. Like John Henry, the folklore hero who uses his own strength to race against a steam-powered drill, Katherine declares victory in a race against the machine when John Glenn personally asks for her to check the work of the electronic computer. Throughout Hidden Figures, Katherine, like John Henry, displays almost superhuman abilities. These abilities help Katherine to succeed even though the discriminatory practices of her time make success much harder for a Black woman.

The Double V

The Double V symbolizes a double victory over enemies both abroad and at home, and comes from a term shared in a letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, a newspaper for Black readers. Black scholar and sociologist W.E.B Du Bois had coined the term “double consciousness” around the turn of the 20th century, which was then applied to the paradox of white people’s expectation that Black people will fight against the racist Nazi regime in Europe but then endure racism at home without resisting. Black people want to know what they are fighting for, and believe that the freedom and equality they fight for in Europe should be theirs at home as well. The idea of the Double V comes up again and again as the characters in the story are working for the good of the country, but often do not receive equal treatment at work or in the community. For the Langley women of West Computing, the Double V rings very true as the work they do contributes to the success of their country and proves their personal skills and abilities. However, the idea of “double consciousness” stings when their country continues to fail them as segregation and discrimination persist despite their accomplishments.

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