Film
5 lessons from ‘Wicked’ that remind you of the message about the 2024 election – and America in general
I’ll be honest — I have not desired to talk much about politics since November 6. It’s not that she doesn’t have lots to say, but like many black women who’re sounding the alarm about the state of the country, I now lean on Tricia Hersey’s philosophy that “the rest is resistance” and decided to prioritize my local communities and issues near home.
So imagine my surprise once I went to look at the movie “Wicked” to loosen up – as a complete novice who had no experience with the movie, book or Broadway show (apart from seeing the popular green face poster plastered in every single place when there was no I can afford a ticket) — and I discovered that the film had a political message embedded in two hours and 40 minutes of spectacular singing, dancing and acting by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and the entire forged.
It seems Gregory Maguire, writer of “Wicked” relies on, was inspired by political events from the late Nineteen Nineties and early Nineteen Nineties – including the Gulf War between Bush and Saddam Hussein, asking questions about how people characterize “good” and “evil” and how “others” are treated. Maguire wrote his adaptation based on Frank L. Baum’s famous film “The Wizard of Oz,” which also had political undertones. The political apple didn’t fall far from the tree.
McGuire did what the great Toni Morrison did he advised artists to accomplish that in difficult moments, saying: “There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no place for fear. We speak, we write, we use language” because “this is how civilizations heal.” It was a timely message that made sense in 2004, when Morrison had his epiphany following George W. Bush’s re-election victory, and it makes just as much sense in 2024, when the former president was re-elected, threatening to usher in a brand new level of “retribution.” ”, confusion and unrest in America.
Perhaps that is one of the key lessons we must always draw from the election: that history predictably repeats itself. In fact, the story is so predictable that a Broadway show like Wicked, which has been running for over 20 years, discusses the details of this 2024 political moment in such detail that you’d think the writers involved were individuals with the ability paranormal, not only the authors. .
That said, listed below are five of the many lessons from “Wicked” that felt like a political sermon as I sat in the theater and watched Elphaba and Glinda fly over our screens, warning us that “something bad” was happening in Oz… but in addition here on the home front .
(*5*)1. Just as certain books and knowledge were banned in Oz, Black history and other stories are banned or censored in order to rewrite our understanding of ourselves and our country
Wicked is all fun and games until things begin to get real in Oz, specifically when some of the professors, who’re real animals, are told they will now not teach certain classes. Dr. Dillamond, the goat, strives against all odds to teach his students, but even Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) discovers that she must meet in secret with other animals to freely discuss the truth.
“We, the animals, are now blamed for everything that goes wrong, forced to miss work and told to be silent,” he told the other animals.
Americans are observing in real time the ban on publishing books in libraries and schools, threatening librarians with dismissals and even arrests for allowing access to certain works. While some media outlets have labeled these examples “culture wars,” they’re proven signs of threats to democracy.
When AP African American History closes in Florida and classes on slavery portray enslaved Africans as benefiting from the skills they’re learning, it’s an actual try and keep people in the dark about what got here before so that they cannot connect with the present .
2. When individuals are offended, they appear for a scapegoat (no pun intended)
Throughout Wicked, we see Elphaba being feared because of the color of her skin – an ideal analogy for what Black people around the world undergo each day.
But Elphaba wasn’t the just one who faced ostracism because of her appearance. The animals and the top goat, Dr. Dillamond, got here to be seen as other individuals who didn’t need to be taught, let alone listened to, because they were of a distinct species.
This election cycle, now we have been bombarded with news of “invasions” and attacks on America attributable to illegal “aliens.” While experts agree that the U.S. immigration system is definitely broken, the dehumanization of immigrants and false claims that legal Haitian immigrants “eat pets” were intended to create a scapegoat for voters to get offended at.
Immigration has gone from being a lower-priority issue in public polls to a top-priority issue for a decade, and that didn’t occur by accident. The news and social media were used to create even greater concern about the border, making immigrants of color seem like our country’s biggest problem. Meanwhile, little was said about immigrants from European countries.
The “wicked” movie would have been much more on point if not less than one of the animals had been characterised as not smelling like these – because those other animals must have been sent back to the forest from which they got here!
3. True allies might be there for you; others all the time resort to privilege
Watching Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship transform throughout the film felt like watching a real friendship blossom. The once self-centered, wealthy and socially acceptable Glinda appeared to have developed an actual relationship with the green-skinned, micro-braided Elphaba – once she got over her own selfish motives, of course. Glinda even went up to now as to be seen with Elphaba in places where they might normally keep their distance – performative alliance where?!
But in the end (again, spoiler alert) the need for acceptance and the established order ultimately won out, and Glinda simply couldn’t rebel alongside Elphaba.
Similarly, at the height of the 2024 election, Black women voters appeared to have a tough time getting a powerful enough show of allyship from women with different tastes and beliefs, although all women were in the same boat on the post-Roe rollback of reproductive rights.
Much ado was made about the coalition of Black, (non-Black) Latino, Asian, and white progressive voters who had the power to place a Black woman in the White House in the event that they stuck together. Despite Harris’ efforts to win over white voters and her success in persuading college-educated white voters to support her, 53% of white voters still supported the other candidate.
For Harris, the percentage of non-Black Latina women was 58%, but still not a game-changing majority
Meanwhile, 92% of Black women who voted for Harris were left alone on the shelf with our capes, while many of our allies said they understood our common fight, but the price of eggs was the most significant thing and Trump’s racism and sexism just…t that’s it, to defy gravity.
4. The authorities want society to be distracted and preoccupied with trivial matters, so that there is no such thing as a room or energy for fighting
There is a scene in “Wicked” where the Wizard explains that he knows learn how to make people blissful and do what’s best for them: by simplifying their decisions and keeping them busy.
For the 2024 elections, now we have seen a serious break with the tradition of relying totally on traditional media to deliver fact-checked and accurate political news. Instead, partisan voices further dominated the conversation, with many individuals mindlessly consuming propaganda, memes, and podcasts produced by almost anyone (mostly unverified sources) based on whatever the algorithms presented to them.
One man even paid billions to own a literal algorithm, burying the platform often called Twitter and resurrecting it as “X”, then allowing it to be flooded with false information and radical hate speech.
At times, the political news was so controversial, ridiculous, and silly (did we actually need to read headlines about Arnold Palmer’s genitals and Vice President Harris’ race?) that many individuals ended up checking it out.
You would think this was by design.
5. As soon as the “other” demands his rights, he becomes public enemy primary.
One of the most striking scenes in Wicked comes when Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) jumps on the speaker and condemns Elphaba – the very young woman she promised to mentor and look after – when Elphaba had something she wanted.
You can see the pain and look of betrayal on Elphaba’s face as regardless of what she does or says, she is portrayed as the enemy.
At this point, he has no alternative but to flee or accept his fate.
This sense of betrayal is something that black Americans, especially descendants of slavery in the United States, experience time and time again.
We felt it during the continued enslavement after the Emancipation Proclamation, the oppression during Reconstruction or during the civil rights movement, and now as we see DEI initiatives being rolled back, affirmative motion being overturned, and all the guarantees of the George Floyd and Black Lives Matter era evaporating into thin air. As politicians use the word “woke” against communities that have merely challenged America to maintain its guarantees, we’re greater than used to it.
Black Americans currently look as much as the Madam Morribles of America who call us “woke” and unpatriotic, and those that may look down on us or make us the butt of jokes – very like Elphaba did when she listened to her former mentor “sic the Flying ” monkeys at her, calling her an enemy.
Symbolism is what makes a personality like Elphaba and a story like “Wicked” so powerfully moving decade after decade, regardless of who dons the green face paint.
As I used to be leaving the cinema, the last lesson stuck with me the most.
Elphaba’s calmness, coupled with the public’s commitment to not understanding her and her decision to defy expectations of assimilation or conformity – moderately than standing up for higher principles – are reminders of the price of courage.
The cost is real, especially as 2025 approaches the inauguration of a president who has promised to punish those that stand in his way.
So many Black individuals who showed up in the 2024 elections, giving their all for the cause of freedom and democracy, know the cost of courage.
They now prioritize safety, survival and self-care, while others decide to stay and fight a distinct fight in the coming era.
Each alternative might be seen as defying gravity – an idea the legendary writer wrote about long before the characters in Wicked sang about it.
To quote Toni Morrison again:
“If you want to fly, you have to give up the shit that weighs you down.”
Film
“Sinners” by Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler is the number 1 at the ticket office, earning $ 45.6 million at the opening weekend
As expected, the film “Sinners” by Ryan Coogler, with the participation of Michael B. Jordan, was an enormous success at the ticket office at the opening weekend. According to Diversity“Sinners” reached first place at the ticket office, earning about $ 45.6 million in the USA and $ 15.6 million abroad, which is $ 61 million of their global debut.
“When we still try to introduce a number of films to filmmakers, we are glad that Ryan Coogler Sinners’ original film (…) resonated with the audience in such a star way,” said in an announcement Mike de Luca and Pam Ryan Abdy Ryan Ryan Bros. Motion Picture Group for a thr. “Movies have the power to transport us to the worlds seen only on the big screen, and Warner Bros. Pictures remains involved in providing individual experience in the theater among viewers looking for bold films, both original and based on beloved existing real estate.”
“Sinners” not only defeated “Minecraft Movie” from place 1, but apparently it is also the best starting of the original film since Jordan Peele’s “US”, who reached $ 71.1 million at the opening weekend in 2019. However, money sales should not the only thing that makes Coogler’s film observed. When negotiating the production of a movie with studies, Coogler reportedly asked to take care of the final reduction of the film, the percentage of revenues from the money register, and not waiting for a return, and most significantly, Property of “sinners” 25 years after its release.
“My uncle James was from Mississippi, he was born there and raised. I was very close to him and was my introduction, my point of entry into the blues (because) listened to him when I spent time with him,” explained Coogler. “After my death in 2015, I listened to CDs with a renovated perspective and a desire to understand my uncle again, although he was not here anymore. And thanks to these research I found the motivation to make this movie.”
With an almost ideal rating at Rotten Tomatoes, vampires Horror tells everyone talking. In 1932, Mississippi, “Sinners” appears in Jordan in double roles as an identical twins that smoke and piles that return to his hometown to open Juke Juke. But things are taken by an unexpected phrase when the great opening of dual entrepreneurs, which was to be full of music and fun, is interrupted by vampires. Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku and Pękaw Miles CatonThe sinners make clear the blues delta, spirituality and way more.
(Tagstranslate) Entertainment
Storm Reid has been in the industry for over 10 years, with a complete variety of performances recognized by critics already in its CV. He can also be famous for its cooperation with the predominant brands, speaking about representation and other vital problems and difficult standards in the entertainment industry.
Learn more about this shiny star, in this movies and television programs Storm Reid, its origin and its spokesperson.
Cultural origin and heritage
Storm Reid was born on July 1, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. Her father comes from Jamaican and African-American origin, and her mother has African-American and European-American origin.
Impact of identity on skilled elections
Storm often chooses movies and television programs that tell black narratives. In “When the sees us” by Ava DuverNay, Storm plays the figure of Lisa, who’s in a relationship with one among the Central Park Five, five African -American teenagers falsely convicted of raping a white woman in New York.
Representation in the media
Talking to the Instyle magazine, Storm says that he chooses projects as a chance to “represent people and situations of insufficiently represented.” Together with the mother and sister, co -founder of Seed & Wings, a production company that gives greater high -quality roles for black contractors.
Spokeswoman for diversity in entertainment
Fans love a storm for difficult industry standards and attempt to make film and television industries more positive places.
Impact on industry standards
Storma was open to improving standards in the entertainment industry, especially for African -American women. For example, she said that she continues to be to be done for television and film scenes to be an environment that features black hair. Thanks to its huge supporters, such comments can affect the industry and encourage studies to make positive changes.
Change of narrative in film and television
One of probably the most famous roles of Storm is Meg Murray in Disney “A Wrinkle in Time” based on the book Madeline L’Engle. The film, also organized by Ava DuverNay, as the primary with a budget of $ 100 million directed by an African -American woman, which is a major change in the entertainment industry.
By promoting the film, Storm said:
“We all inspire girls in color and African-American people to see that they are powerful, and know that they can be on the screen-that they are not only a stereotype and can be much stronger that they can see and believe.”
Noteworthy performances
Despite the proven fact that he’s so young, Storm already had a powerful profession in the entertainment industry. There can also be far more for fans, including the cooperation of Storm Reid and TEYANA Taylor and a brand new series made by the manager director called “Jazzy Jumpers”.
Roles in regards to the turn
After appearing on the tv program “A Cross to Bear” Storm switched to a big screen in which he appears in the film “12 years of slave” from 2012 and the “Sleight” superhero. From there, she took the leading roles in which “Wrinkle in Time” perform with Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mandy Kaling.
Early awards for her acting are the Storm Reid’s Rising Star Award award in the course of the second annual Bether Awards dinner.
Recognition and recognition of critics
One of probably the most respected roles of Storm is Gia Bennet in “Euphoria”, the HBO series, in which Zendaya also appears. (Storm won’t appear in the “Euphoria” season.) She also demanded attention after appearing in the episode “The Last of Us” “Left Behind”, which was broadcast in 2023. Storm won each the unique Emmy and Black Reel Award for its role.
Cooperation and partnerships
Like other stars, Storm has been cooperating with various organizations for years, especially in the cosmetics industry.
Kiss Colors & Care Initiative initiative
In 2024, the textured Hair brand Kiss Colors & Care announced Storm as the most recent brand ambassador, and the star says that she was enthusiastic about cooperation with the corporate and celebrates “confidence, expressing herself and the beauty of diversity.” Thanks to the partnership, Storm hopes to encourage other people to simply accept the “uniqueness” of their beauty and “express themselves fearlessness.”
Other significant projects
Storm is a brand ambassador in Prada and appeared in many promoting campaigns of the corporate. He also designs the Pacsun swimsuits line and has previously worked with New Balance.
A task model for beginner actors
In addition to the favored film star, Storm has change into a job model for individuals who need to enter the industry.
Strengthening the following generation
According to Bombshell, Storm has a positive impact on young and aspiring actors and actresses because of its composure, intelligence and spokeswoman in social issues:
“He is constantly using his platform to speak about public issues, including misleading and less diversity in Hollywood. She is also a supporter of mental well -being and strengthen the position of women.”
Inspiring various talents
Storm Reid often talks in regards to the representation in Hollywood and cooperates with creators promoting diversity, equivalent to Ava DuverNay. Speaking of his role in “Wrinkles in time”, says:
“The representation is everything. If I was younger, if I saw meg as myself, Meg would strengthen me and inspire me and make me save the world. So have these characters and be able to be that for young African American girls or only young people in general.”
Personal observations and philosophy
Here are some Storm quotes with diversity and inclusion and how he juggled a successful profession as an activist.
Views for diversity and inclusion
- “Diversity should be forever; it should be a normal thing.”
- “I just think that women should be treated equally, not only in this industry, but in all industries, because unfortunately we are not.”
Balancing a profession and activism
- “Fortunately, I do not have to act just to work. I can be very, very special with projects in which I will decide to be part. We, the actors, have a duty to tell representative stories and representing the world. I really feel that way.”
- “I feel that we have the opportunity and the platform – not all of us, but many of us in Hollywood at the moment – say something. Say something in our art, is in a sense selfish.”
(Tagstransate) storm reid
Film
The “The Greenwood Avenue Project” document honors Tuls’s stories, which the textbooks have forgotten
Black older have all the time been our griots, passing stories not only to recollect, but to guard – truths often ignored from textbooks and conducted by talks on the porch and Sunday dinners. One hundred years after one in all the darkest chapters in the history of America, “Greenwood Avenue project” He sends these voices to the fore, visiting the massacre in the Tulsa race from 1921 and honoring immunity, which still pulsates the Greenwood community.
Directed by Karen Reese and Terry Baccus, the film intertwines personal testimonies, historical context and contemporary reflections right into a story that extends beyond the tragedy and shows “a journey from devastation to recovery.” For Reese, the first documentary approach not only creates a way of connection, but in addition sheds light by force of telling stories.
“(This) the power of your history,” she said, explaining how, unlike other documents, the Greenwood project distinguishes people no matter their status or stars. “For me (plan) was about going to the community and just choosing your ordinary people and saying that you have a story. Meet and tell this story.”
Often known as “Black Wall Street”, Greenwood was once a blooming black community in Tulsa in Oklahom, until May 31, 1921, when a white crowd, many related to Ku Klux Klan, decimated the district in a terrifying 18-hour assault-extinguishing a whole lot and shifting hundreds. And for a long time, the massacre was faraway from the mainstream history. Now that the current administration continues the efforts to erase the black story, the creators of “Greenwood Ave Project” emphasized the importance of those stories for younger generations.
“I would like the document to be used as a didactic tool,” Reese explained. “A workbook was created to accompany the document. And it can be something that is embedded in the school system.”
“Because they want to try to take Dei, they want to take these stories, it is important that we remind our children that … our story did not start with slavery,” Wayne S. III repeated. “It is important that our children understand what happened so that they can prepare. So if they see something, they can say:” Hey, we will not let it occur again and we are able to do something about it. ”
Through what Reese described as “small films in the film”, the document shows the power and meaning of the community in addition to maintaining the history and memories of our ancestors.
“I encourage people to stream and do something that is personal to them,” summed up Wayne S. III. “Here are so many things that happen in our community that either we tell them stories through our families … It is a way to convey this story to people so that they can see what is really going on (and hopefully) say,” You know what, I would like to do higher. I would like to be higher. ”
“The Greenwood Ave Project” is now available for rent/possession on all digital, cable and satellite platforms in North America, in addition to on DVD.
(Tagstranslate) Tulsa Race Massacre (T) Black History (T) Documentary documents
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