AI art by me. Inspired by “Wicked” I had to do it my way, right?

I’m doing this in the opposite order this time. I’m publishing here first then share it with Fet. I also did the old way of creating the art first then writing instead of the other way around.

I don’t know why my brain suddenly kicks in and begins thinking deep thoughts after 2 am.  I no longer question it but just ride the wave.  Spoilers ahead for those who have never seen or listened to the movie “Wicked.”

Perhaps I am the last person on the planet who hadn’t seen some form of “Wicked” before tonight.  I’d heard such mixed reviews from friends and family that I had avoided it until it was available on Prime Video.  The previews of the sequel or Part 2 look interesting, so I needed to get some context for it.

One of the things I had heard from more than one source is that there are hints at a relationship between Glinda and Elphaba.  Oh, no!  Yes, there is one, but it’s just as easily friendship or sisterhood, way more than anything deeper or sexual.  This story is about so much more than something that can be easily quantified.

This story explores prejudice on multiple levels.  It’s about taking what we don’t understand, don’t know, or don’t like and stamping it as Evil, Wicked, Pernicious!  I know this can cover a plethora of political things, but I prefer to stay grounded in just plain, old people and plain, old morality.

If you aren’t religious, then there is the Golden Rule.  If you are religious, then there is the Sermon on the Mount.  Either one tells you the same thing: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  It’s not a complex concept, and we used to teach it in elementary schools (perhaps we still do).  Following this simple precept negates prejudice, classism, and other forms of discrimination.

I am left to ask What is Wicked? Who decides? Yes, there should be one truth to rule them, one truth to find them, one truth to bring them all and in the…oops.  Everyone wants to think they have the truth.  “Like it’s a supply of toilet paper in the closet.” This is a quote from the movie “Hero” with Dustin Hoffman.  

Goodness, I do not propose to decide what is and isn’t wicked in this writing.  It’s above my pay grade.  What I do know is that many things I was taught as a child were wicked, but are not.  I have learned that whether something is considered wicked or sinful can be switched on or off by relevant authorities.  For the religious, there’s a lot of ENM going on in the Bible, and that was fine then, but not now.  There are also more recent examples of this.

I am no longer welcome in my previous religion because it is deemed that what and who I am is…Wicked.  Well.  To quote one of my favorite singers, “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints.”  I’ve learned more about inclusion and acceptance from the people I am with now than I ever did from those I was once a part of.

I am me, and if that is “Defying Gravity,” then so be it.  I won’t be afraid of flying, and I won’t feel shame for it.  Going back to the story of “Wicked,” those who are screaming she is wicked are the truly evil ones.  There’s a great Moral of The Story in that.  Peace out. 😉