Discussing Wicked

I'm going to show a bit more of my nerd side today. I think I managed to keep this spoiler free.

I have thoughts and opinions. As the new Wicked Movie gets ready to release, I have been pushed many of the promotional clips. And as a certified Wicked book series nerd (I’ve read all four books multiple times), I am here to tell you that the Land of Oz is a metaphor for the US. All parallels are meant to be drawn.

The movie is mainly based on a musical of the same name. However, the story is based on a novel by Gregory Maguire.

I can confidently say that this story shaped who I am today. Elphabas's journey was the first time I felt myself reflected in a book. The book version is explicitly political. It explores the nature of power, intersectionality, and the push and pull (and overlap) between religious and political extremism. The destructive force of propaganda is on full display, and authoritarianism is not only questioned, it’s made into the fool.

ALSO, Winkies are the Indigenous population of Oz. So… everyone’s favorite Prince?

Indigenous! The musical only covers the first book and unfortunately ignores much of his character, culture, and background, reducing him to being just… pretty. His identity becomes a significant driving plot factor in the later books. The castle she is in at the end? That’s his!

Much of the movie's casting appears to respect the source material more than the musical while still drawing most of its inspiration from the Broadway adaptation. I do have plans to see the movie because I am intrigued by the new interpretation of the plot. But I hope this will drive new people to find and read the book series. The story itself, I believe, is precisely what we need to convey many concepts to folks using allegory.

For myself, Elphaba had a perspective that I easily related to. Born in unusual circumstances, raised in a religious environment, and in proximity to affluence. Many of the experiences and opportunities I had growing up were because people like Glinda made it so.

The system is made up of the choices of people. We are the system. We are the doors creating paths for others to move through.

And like Elphaba, I was labeled a mean child.

I was mean and angry that I had different cards to play than my peers. It felt like there was no acceptable choice I could make, and I was right.

Elphaba’s story is about societal and family rejection, mother wounds, and standing in one's power. Ultimately, it showcases how privilege always comes with a price, even if you are not the one paying for it.

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