I keep thinking about that scene in Wicked when Dr. Dillamond is teaching the history of Animal rights, and somebody in the class whines, "Why don't you teach us history instead of dwelling on the past?" It feels so on the nose right now.
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It is very on the nose. So is the plight of Elphaba being green and portrayed by a black woman. Her story is the story of most black women everyday all day in one way or another.
Here’s the moral of that story… history is the story of ALL of us! We all share in the story and if it makes you feel comfortable… you’re doing it wrong…
In one of my past lives, I was Copy Editor, at The Honolulu Advertiser, for Letters to the Editors. One letter from a reader asked, “Why is Hawaiian History always relegated to the past?”
Indeed. I'm going to go to that movie again because I think there were things that I missed incl some political commentary. That's very applicable to now. Some comments about empathy. I'll have to go and see that movie again
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Because history is our future..past killer illnesses that vaccination put it in the rear view mirror, will be back to kill us. A Dictator that our troops gave their life to destroy, his lover will now sit in the seat of power in this country..America is doomed.
Thats because "here now" is pretty much just an extension of the Guilded era. There was a small disruption between The Depression and the Cold War, but that particular war was very much about steering us back on that course. We've been "there" ever since.
I agree totally. I was surprised by the current parallels between the movie and our current political state. Most people don’t understand how our cultural world is shrinking due to a few manipulators with severe fears. Just like the movie. Great message. Excellent movie.
Perfect! It reminds me of my work with a group of 11 year old white kids who whined about having a black history month and not having any white history month.
I think Wicked could/should win the Oscar for Best Picture. It was so innovative, so grand in every way. Cynthia Erivo gave a stellar performance, and Ariana Grande was a sheer delight!
Right! I had the wrong Bush. But it was more than that. I think he addressed it in the forward. But it also felt really on the nose response to US politics in 2003 when the musical, when I read it. That’s probably my confusion
The musical was definitely a response to W, at least in part. I don’t think there’s much doubt as to who Schwartz was thinking of when he wrote the lyric
“Celebrated heads of state
Or ‘specially great communicators!
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!”
There's so much that can be unpacked from the book, but very little of it makes it into the musical/play, or is couched in feel-good vibes. Its not well written, but damn is it sharp some times.
That’s a terrific scene in Wicked. It reminded me a Billy Collins poem, “The History Teacher”. Republicans and their wealthy donors are forcing US educators to teach a sanitized, inaccurate version of history.
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I ran for KS House and they made me the Wicked Witch. And my opponent “this-is-the-book-place” won.
I couldn't stop thinking about that. heh.
“Celebrated heads of state
Or ‘specially great communicators!
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!”
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