Since “Wicked” released Nov. 22, fans and newcomers to the story have obsessed over the story’s themes of friendship, overcoming and the powerful music linking each scene to the next. Although “Wicked” has notes of nostalgia and happiness for many viewers, the entire storyline carries serious and timely political themes hidden in plain sight.
The Wizard, a manipulative and controlling leader, uses his power to marginalize the talking animals of Oz. Once meant to represent former president George W. Bush’s role in the Iraq War, the Wizard’s rhetorical tactics and actions are now more representative of President-elect Donald Trump’s own rhetoric and actions. Both Trump and the Wizard alienate certain groups and strive to strip them of their rights. On the other hand, Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, stands up for the marginalized animals as an allegorical protagonist against fascism.
A fan of “Wicked” went to Reddit to say, “I noticed that Elphaba is like Kamala Harris and the Wizard is like Donald Trump. Wicked is about a strong, capable woman who deals with relentless discrimination based on her skin color. She faces off against a narcissistic, authoritarian leader who spreads lies to defame others. Doesn't that sound like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump? I know that the similarities are unintentional, but the parallels are impossible to ignore.”
The fan, like many other viewers, noticed the timely parallels, especially post-election. This highlights how timeless “Wicked” is, as its themes apply to American politics across administrations.
John M. Chu, the director of the “Wicked” movie, sarcastically said, “A charismatic leader who gaslights a community that this woman is wicked just because she’s standing up for a marginalized group of people in the society, how could that be (political)?”
“Wicked” takes the story of the Wizard of Oz and narrows in on Elphaba’s backstory, reframing her narrative once perceived as evil. The story reframes her as a woman strongly motivated by social justice born with green skin, setting her as an outcast from other characters. Those aspects of Elphaba raise larger themes of performative activism and discrimination.
Elphaba, a clear progressive, is contrasted with Galinda, the Good Witch, who seemingly prefers performative activism. Galinda is more comfortable with maintaining the status quo and does not outright support Elphaba in her moral fight against the Wizard after learning about his deception, despite their friendship. This complex relationship touches on the differences between progressives and democrats in American politics: both groups desire the same outcome, but one is more willing to fight for it.
Throughout the movie, Elphaba is characterized by her green skin, touching on racial discrimination. Her family members and peers highlight the tendency to alienate groups that don’t fit conventional standards. However, Elphaba’s experience with discrimination leads her to stand up for other minority groups.
The political themes that emerge from “Wicked” are both timely and timeless, highlighting its intertwinedness with American politics as it relates to power dynamics, activism and discrimination. Movies such as “Wicked” that are consumable and entertaining may be the answer to explaining and understanding the nuances of American politics.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
