What's "The Wizard Of Oz "Really About?

I clearly have too much time on my hands because I'm watching "The Wizard of Oz" for the second time today.

Is it merely a fairytale or is it really all about money? Is the Wicked Witch of the East really a metaphor for Wall Street? Is the Yellow Brick Road really a stand in for the gold standard?

If I look at it as a political commentary, the, "Pay No Attention To That Man Behind The Curtain!" line is more relevant than ever. We aren't supposed to pay attention to what's what in our society. We're supposed to keep on shopping, keep on consuming and pretend we don't see the things that are staring us in the face.

It's also interesting to think about how a teenager is basically killing adults in this movie, but it's okay since it's all rather accidental. And, besides, they're female witches. Who cares if a couple of evil bitches witches die, right? Especially when they're the classic stereotype of a single spinster who's bitter because she doesn't have a man.

Yep, the Wicked Witch /Miss Gulch character was really evil. I used to be able to do the, "I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too," just like her.

What am I talking about, I can still do it. And even though I haven't seen "Wicked", I can empathize with the Wicked Witch because if your dog comes and bites me, guess what, Toto is getting put to sleep.

And then I'm suing you for not keeping Toto on a leash. You'll hear me cackling, "I'll get you my pretty, and your house/car/bank account too!"

Yes, I'll be living large in the Emerald City and you'll be in lock down at the county "storm cellar".

I'll come visit you in an H&M knockoff of the Good Witch Glinda's dress and some red shoes just like Dorothy's. Yep, put the two of those together and bam, instant hotness!

You see how easy it is to just think about the yellow brick road(gold) and the fly Manolo's? Yes, indeed, maybe "The Wizard of Oz" really is all about money.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Are you still on that Rockstar energy drink? LOL
1969 said…
Were you drinking while watching the movie?

If you read the book "Wicked", it's really about class and race. LOL
"if your dog comes and bites me, guess what, Toto is getting put to sleep."

I am so glad I had nothing in my mouth when I read that. Hilarious!
thailandchani said…
I'm reading "Wicked" right now... and it's about class and race.. and women. The Wicked Witch of the West is eccentric, a loner, single.. and speaks her mind. That's her "crime".

It will be interesting to hear what others have to say about this.
Liz Dwyer said…
Joy,
I plead the 5th!

Just kidding. No, I haven't had any more of that mess. I am steering clear of all energy drinks unless they want to pay me to be a spokesmodel for them... or if I get paid to be a part of an insomnia study!

1969,
Nope, never had a drink in my life. Once I started thinking about it, I really thought about what a strange story it is. Here's this girl being escorted around by three guys dressed up in costumes! And they end up in a field of poppies. Hmm. I'll definitely have to check Wicked the book out. I always mean to read it but then never get around to it.

NYC/CR
LOL! I'm waiting for my hate mail from PETA for that one.

Chani,
How did I miss all this about this book? I'm definitely going to have to check "Wicked" out.
Jameil said…
lmao!!!!!!! love "if your dog comes and bites me, guess what, Toto is getting put to sleep." and "I'll get you my pretty, and your house/car/bank account too!" hilarious!! i prefer to just watch movies w/o getting that deep.
Anonymous said…
Ever wondered what happened with Tin Man after "The Wizard Of Oz"?
I saw this animation.. http://www.weshow.com/us/p/19778/after_oz_2007
funny guy :D
Liz Dwyer said…
Jameil,
Blame TBS for the depth of thought. The first time I watched it, I wasn't really thinking about all that. By the second time though, I started going, "Hey, wait a minute!"

Victor,
Thanks for sharing the link! He was getting his heart seriously broken, wasn't he?
I read a criticism once, long ago, something about the scarecrow representing agriculture, the tin man a symbol for industrialism, and not sure about the lion, maybe having the courage to pursue the American Dream? Not sure. I already spent more time watching the early black and white part of the film instead of once Dorothy’s house lands on the witch. I mean Dorothy is willing to travel with that old man who gives Toto a sausage. Okay. Freak. And he tells her to go in his wagon with him. I’m scurred. Luckily he was a good man and wanted her to go back home, looking for clue in her basket instead of digging in her basket for something else. And what about once the tornado hit, when the adults were in the cellar, they were like “can’t find Dorthory, oh well leave her out there we gots to close the door.”
I am married but you got my spinning with that H&M knockoff witch coustume. Whoa. Fetish city...

Anyway, yep, a lot of crazy backstory themes came to the surface in the book and musical Wicked; a lot of kids who've read it or seen it or have the soundtrack know more about the witch's backstory than most adults. It's like the Eve-Lilith thing in the Hebrew Bible. The Wicked Witch started off as cool and independent, then got hinkty and bad stuff happened. The good witch was a foolish trick who got her act together. Allegory for all women? LOL.
Liz Dwyer said…
Kitty,
Sometimes I feel like my perspective is too jaded, like I'm the only one who thinks that old man comes off like a child molester. I know it was a different time and place and all, but it still makes me wonder.

Chris,
It all sends such an interesting message to women about what makes a "good" woman and what makes a "bad" woman, doesn't it?
Anonymous said…
I loved reading this post, Liz. In fact, I had to read it twice. It reminds me of the time when one of my professors picked apart Harold & The Purple Crayon. I was amazed at what he was able to pull out of a simple childrens book. I love reading your blog. Your writing skills are awesome.
Liz Dwyer said…
Fashionista,
Gosh, that's so kind of you to say. I really really appreciate it, especially today when I feel like Bride of Frankenstein. :)

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