Hidden Figers Film

 Hidden Figers Film

Analysis of Hidden Figures under Communication, Gender, and Society

The film Hidden Figures (2016) explores the real-life struggles and triumphs of three African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked at NASA during the 1960s. Their contributions were critical to the U.S. space program, yet they faced systemic racial and gender discrimination. Analyzing the film through the lenses of communication, gender, and society provides insights into how power structures and social norms influence professional and personal interactions.

1. Communication in Hidden Figures

Communication plays a central role in the film, highlighting both exclusion and empowerment.

• Barriers to Communication: The protagonists often experience restricted access to vital information due to their race and gender. Katherine is denied access to meetings, and Dorothy is not informed about technological changes that threaten her job. These barriers illustrate how communication can be controlled to maintain power hierarchies.

• Assertive Communication: The women use strategic, assertive communication to challenge their exclusion. Katherine confronts her supervisor about the unfair bathroom policy, forcing him to acknowledge the racial injustice. Dorothy teaches herself and her team about IBM computers, demonstrating the power of knowledge-sharing.

• Nonverbal Communication: Silent resistance, determined facial expressions, and body language reinforce their struggles and victories. Their professional attire and composed demeanor challenge stereotypes and demand respect.

2. Gender Dynamics in the Workplace

The film highlights gender discrimination within a male-dominated STEM field.

• Marginalization of Women: The women are seen as "computers" rather than mathematicians or engineers. They are given repetitive tasks and excluded from decision-making spaces.

• Double Burden: The protagonists balance demanding careers with family responsibilities, showcasing the additional challenges faced by working women.

• Breaking Stereotypes: By excelling in their fields, they challenge the notion that scientific and technical work is exclusively for men. Mary Jackson fights for her right to attend engineering classes, symbolizing the push for gender equality in education and professions.

3. Society and Systemic Barriers

The film reflects the intersection of race, gender, and societal expectations.

• Segregation and Institutional Racism: The separate bathrooms, coffee pots, and limited educational opportunities reflect the deep racial divide of the era.

• Resistance and Change: The characters' perseverance forces societal shifts. NASA begins to acknowledge talent over race and gender, mirroring broader changes in American society.

• Representation and Inspiration: Their success stories inspire future generations, showing the importance of representation in science and leadership.

Conclusion

Hidden Figures illustrates how communication, gender biases, and societal norms shape professional and social interactions. The film highlights the importance of assertiveness, breaking barriers, and advocating for inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. Through their intelligence and resilience, the protagonists redefine what it means to be a woman and a person of color in a historically exclusionary field.

Introduction to Development Communication

  Introduction to Development  Communication

What is development communication 

Development communication is the strategic use of communication to facilitate social development, encompassing various techniques like information dissemination, behavior change, and community participation, aimed at creating positive social change.

For ex :- 

Health Campaigns:

• Pulse Polio Campaign in India:

This campaign aimed to raise awareness about polio inoculation and encourage vaccination. 

• HIV Awareness Campaign in Uganda:

This campaign focused on educating the public about HIV prevention and care. 

Agricultural Extension Programs:

• Communication Support Systems in Agriculture:

Many countries have communication systems that combine interpersonal and mass media strategies to support agricultural extension and information dissemination. 

• Farm Radio Forums:

These forums, like the ones in Canada, use radio programs, printed materials, and group discussions to educate farmers on new agricultural techniques and address social and economic issues. 

Education Campaigns:

• Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (Education for All):

This program in India uses development communication to promote universal elementary education and community participation in school management. 

• School-on-Air (SOA):

This concept, pioneered by Radyo DZLB in the Philippines, provides non-formal education for rural communities through radio broadcasts. 

Definition Of Development communication

Nora C. Quebral

Nora Cruz Quebral was a pioneer in the discipline of development communication in Asia and is often referred to as the "mother of development communication", giving birth to an academic discipline and training many scholars in that field.

Nora C. Quebral (1972) – "Development communication is the art and science of human communication linked to a society’s planned transformation from a state of poverty to one of dynamic socio-economic growth that makes for greater equity and the larger unfolding of individual potential."

Everett Rogers

Everett M. "Ev" Rogers was an American communication theorist and sociologist, who originated the diffusion of innovations theory and introduced the term early adopter. He was distinguished professor emeritus in the department of communication and journalism at the University of New Mexico. 

Everett Rogers (1976) – "Development communication refers to the use of communication to facilitate social development. It involves the strategic use of communication to promote positive social change."

Wilbur Schramm

Wilbur Schramm is considered the founder of the field of Communication Studies. He was the first individual to identify himself as a communication scholar; he created the first academic degree-granting programs with communication in their name; and he trained the first generation of communication scholars.

Wilbur Schramm (1964) – "Development communication is the sharing of knowledge aimed at reaching a consensus for action that takes into account the interests, needs, and capacities of all concerned parties."

UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations with the aim of promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.

UNESCO (1980) – "Development communication is the planned and systematic use of communication, through various forms and channels, to enhance development-oriented change."

Felix Librero

Felix Librero. Dr. Librero died Tuesday, 16 March 2021. He served as Chancellor of UPOU from 2001 to 2007. Graphics by Lovelyn Petrasanta Video edited by Christian Guevarra.

Felix Librero (2004) – "Development communication is a social process that aims to bring about positive change by using communication strategies and tools to empower individuals and communities."

 

Luck Cartoon Movie

The animated movie Luck (2022), produced by Skydance Animation and released on Apple TV+, explores themes of fate, perseverance, and optimism. Below is an analysis of its key aspects:

Plot Summary

        The story follows Sam Greenfield, a young woman who considers herself the unluckiest person in the world. After aging out of the foster care system, she struggles with everyday misfortunes. One day, she stumbles upon a lucky penny belonging to a black cat named Bob, which leads her to the hidden world of Luck. This realm consists of both Good Luck and Bad Luck departments, where mystical creatures control luck distribution. Sam embarks on an adventure to bring good luck to her best friend Hazel but ends up learning deeper lessons about life.

Themes & Messages

• The Nature of Luck: The film challenges the traditional idea of good and bad luck, suggesting that setbacks often lead to opportunities.
• Optimism & Resilience: Despite facing constant bad luck, Sam remains determined, showing that perseverance is more important than luck.
• Fate vs. Free Will: The movie explores whether luck alone determines success or if individuals shape their own destinies through effort.
• Found Family: Since Sam grew up in foster care, the film emphasizes the idea that family isn’t just about blood ties but the people who support and care for you.

 

Character Development

1. Sam Greenfield: Starts as an unlucky and insecure character but grows into a confident and resourceful individual who learns to navigate challenges.
2. Bob (the black cat): Initially secretive and cautious but eventually becomes a loyal companion who supports Sam’s journey.
3. The Captain & The Dragon: Represent the structured system of the Luck world, each having different views on how luck should be distributed.

 Animation & Visuals

           The animation is vibrant and creative, with the Land of Luck featuring imaginative landscapes, advanced machinery, and whimsical characters that symbolize the randomness of fate. The contrast between the Good Luck and Bad Luck worlds is visually engaging.

Reception & Criticism

        While Luck was praised for its unique concept and animation, it received mixed reviews regarding its storytelling. Some critics felt the plot was predictable and lacked emotional depth. However, it was appreciated for its positive messages and humor.

Conclusion

        Luck is an uplifting animated movie that encourages viewers to embrace life’s unpredictability and create their own opportunities. It’s an enjoyable film for children and families, blending humor, adventure, and meaningful life lessons.