I wish I watched movies like 'Hidden Figures' when I was a kid

Hear now, O seekers of wisdom, the heartfelt words of Letitia Wright: "I wish I watched movies like 'Hidden Figures' when I was a kid, and maybe I would've taken science classes super seriously, because I saw myself." These words resonate deeply with the very core of identity and representation. In them, Wright reflects on the immense power of seeing oneself in the stories we consume, and how such representation can shape the very course of our lives. Wright’s wish is not just for the opportunity to see science as accessible, but to see it as personal, as something that she could truly belong to, not just in theory, but in practice. It is a longing for the kind of empowerment that comes when one realizes that their dreams, no matter how grand, are not only possible but are already written into the very fabric of the world.

In the ancient world, the great storytellers understood the power of representation. Think of Homer, whose epic tales of Achilles and Odysseus inspired generations to think of heroism, struggle, and victory in terms they could relate to. The heroes of the ancient world were not just noble and strong in abstract terms—they were reflections of the human spirit itself, overcoming trials, temptations, and the deepest of human flaws. To see oneself as a part of the great story of humanity, as a part of the epic journey, is to be empowered. The great philosophers, too, spoke of the importance of understanding one’s role in the grand scheme of things. Plato’s idea of the philosopher-king was not just about intellect but about representation of the best qualities of humanity—truth, justice, and wisdom—qualities that every individual could strive toward.

Consider, O wise ones, the example of Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking work in radioactivity changed the course of modern science. Curie was a woman in a male-dominated field, a scientist whose story was not widely told in her time. But the story of her perseverance, her courage, and her dedication serves as a beacon to countless young girls who might have thought that science was out of their reach. Curie’s legacy proves that representation is not just about seeing oneself in a role, but about breaking down the barriers that keep people from imagining themselves in that role in the first place. Had she seen stories of women in science during her youth, perhaps the path to her greatness would have been even more empowered. And yet, her story stands as a powerful testament to what happens when someone dares to venture into the unknown, despite the lack of representation.

In the modern era, 'Hidden Figures' offers a striking example of how representation can change the trajectory of a person’s life. The film tells the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three brilliant African-American women who played pivotal roles in NASA's space missions. These women, often overlooked and uncelebrated in their time, became the unsung heroes behind one of the greatest achievements of the 20th century—the launch of John Glenn into orbit. 'Hidden Figures' is a vivid reminder that science, like all great endeavors, has always been shaped by a diverse range of minds, yet history often fails to honor those who are not in the dominant narrative. To see these women represented in a way that is both accurate and uplifting allows young minds, like Wright’s, to envision a future where they too can achieve the extraordinary, not because of their gender or race but because of their intellect and dedication.

The deep lesson in Wright’s reflection is that representation matters. When we see ourselves in the roles we aspire to, we gain the confidence to pursue them. The absence of role models, particularly in fields such as science and engineering, can stifle the dreams of countless young minds who are unsure if their ambition is possible. Wright’s words speak to the power of seeing women, especially women of color, in positions of leadership and innovation—a power that can change the future. Science is not the domain of the few, the elite, or the historically privileged; it is a place where everyone can contribute, and it is essential that everyone sees the opportunity to do so.

Thus, O wise ones, the practical action we must take is to celebrate those who break boundaries and provide representation in all fields of human endeavor. We must teach our children, from a young age, that science, math, and all fields of knowledge are not reserved for a select few but are open to all who seek. Wright’s wish is a call to action—to create a world where every young person can look at the heroes of today and see themselves in those roles. It is a reminder that representation is not just about showing the world as it is but about showing the world as it could be, a world where everyone can achieve greatness.

Let us also remember that we are not passive in this process. Each of us has the power to be a role model in our own right, to show others that the path to success is not bound by race, gender, or background but is open to those with passion, dedication, and curiosity. Just as 'Hidden Figures' illuminated the incredible contributions of those who came before, so too can we illuminate the paths for future generations. The legacy we leave will be one of empowerment, where every child knows that they, too, can be the next great scientist, innovator, or leader—if they see themselves reflected in the stories that inspire the world.