Why do the mathematicians snap their fingers as applause in Hidden Figures?
In one scene in Hidden Figures, Kevin Costner is giving a speech to the assembled mathematicians. Kevin mentions one mathematician's accomplishment, and everyone applauds by snapping their fingers repeatedly instead of clapping. A few seconds later, Kevin finished the speech and everyone applauds by clapping.
I've only seen snapping applause in movies as a "hipster" thing done in an underground music club. Was this part of NASA culture? 60's culture? Does the snapping have some different meaning than clapping does?
EDIT: As Paulie_D pointed out in his answer, it is Jim Parsons who initiates the finger-snapping, not Kevin Costner.
Best Answer
If I may, your recollection is slightly off.
The finger snapping is started by the character portrayed by Jim Parsons in response to President Kennedy's moonshot speech.
His comment is
"I suppose we should thank President Kennedy for the continued job security"
The assembled scientists / mathematicians indicate their approval by finger snapping also.
Kevin Costner finishes up by praising their work and applauds them and they respond in kind.
Now this doesn't actually answer your question but finger snapping as a sign of appreciation and as a substitute for applause has roots in many ancient cultures but rose to prominence in the US in the 50's 'beatnik' culture.
The reason behind this (as legend goes) is you can't clap and hold a drink at the same time and that it is a quieter form of appreciation than hand clapping.
Now Hidden Figures takes place in the early 1960/61 IIRC so finger snapping would have been more mainstream by then...even if not common.
Although our scientists are hardly beatniks it's possible that this form of alternative applause is just being used as quieter and less disruptive during announcements.
On the other hand, as pointed out by our OP
Jim Parsons was holding a newspaper, so he couldn't clap, which could have motivated his character to snap with one hand. The others would have picked it up as being a recognizable, alternative form of applause.
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What is the significance of snapping fingers instead of clapping?
Swapping snapping for clapping might have originated in Roman times but gained popularity with poetry readings in the 1960's. Some sororities are fond of the method, too. The snapping at poetry readings, was used to signify appreciation for the poet.What does clapping with fingers mean?
Instead of laughter or clapping, the audience turns to snapping as a form of approval. When a powerful line erupts into thin air, there's a symphony of fingers pop-pop-popping to catch it from falling. The more snaps that fill the empty space, the more people are pursing their lips and nodding their heads.Why do they click instead of clap on maid?
They offer anecdotes about their favourite day and click instead of clapping to show gratitude. It reminded me of how my friends \u2013 both near and far \u2013 crowded around me when I was at my lowest point.Hidden Figures(2016) No more colored bathroom,no more white bathroom
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Answer 2
For what it’s worth at various times finger snapping was the most polite form of agreement at MIT. This was during the early 80’s.
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