A comically long time later...

So much has changed since 2023. I'm back to journaling, and have returned to social media, but slowly. My tech babble has dwindled into other areas but am still up to things.

I wanted to start the 2024 year with a few nuggets - particularly, a thought about the upcoming disaster that is American politics. I kicked myself for not doing a thought a day on the disaster of the previous Orange Cheeto administration and thought I'd never have to do so again after the sane administration of the current President, but here we are.

I doubt I'll do a thought a day - it's just too emotionally draining, but we'll see. I'll tag my posts "politics" in case you want to filter them out. But to start:

I'm into deep, artsy fartsy movies. They're fun to ruminate on, especially the complex story lines. I've never seen the musical Wicked, nor read the book. Actually, the one year I taught high school right after college, I was teaching an AP Computer Science course, and several of the kids in the class (this would have been 2005) were big into the musical - it had just come through Dallas. Anyways, the family and I watched the movie last night and it left my mind blown in a variety of ways.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something about the Wizard was really poking on my brain. I've long been fascinated about the back story of the original Oz story and how it was a treatise on the conversion to a new monetary policy and how that impacted society, and that Oz was in fact, a depiction of the then Secretary of the Treasury (or Treasury Secretary). I was thinking about the juxtaposition of the that Wizard with Wicked's wizard and how it seemed more nuanced and good versus bad. Then I had a eureka moment. I asked our benevolent overlord ChatGPT for a comparison:

<start>

Wicked, the hit musical (and the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire it's based on), serves as a revisionist prequel and parallel story to The Wizard of Oz. It reimagines the events leading up to and during The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches, particularly Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West), offering a deeper and more nuanced exploration of Oz’s history and politics. Here’s how Wicked ties into the original story:

1. Reimagining the Wicked Witch of the West

In The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West is portrayed as a one-dimensional villain, intent on revenge for the death of her sister (the Wicked Witch of the East) and obsessed with retrieving Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Wicked flips this narrative by portraying Elphaba as a misunderstood and morally complex character.

Elphaba’s Origin: Elphaba is born with green skin, which immediately sets her apart and subjects her to discrimination. She is intelligent, passionate, and deeply concerned with justice, but her appearance and strong will make her an outcast. Her "Wickedness": The story explores how society’s biases, misunderstandings, and political corruption label her as "wicked." Much of her conflict stems from her opposition to the Wizard’s oppressive regime and her efforts to protect the magical creatures and people he is exploiting.

2. The Relationship Between Elphaba and Glinda

One of the core dynamics of Wicked is the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North). In Baum’s original story, Glinda is a beacon of goodness, and there is no indication of a connection between her and the Wicked Witch. In Wicked, however:

Roommates at Shiz University: Elphaba and Glinda meet as students at Shiz University, where they initially dislike each other but eventually form a deep, albeit complicated, friendship. Contrasting Personalities: Glinda starts as shallow and self-absorbed, while Elphaba is principled and fierce. Their interactions challenge and transform both characters, giving Glinda a greater sense of responsibility and Elphaba a trusted ally (at least temporarily). Their Diverging Paths: Circumstances force Elphaba and Glinda to take opposing sides, with Glinda aligning herself with the Wizard and the status quo, while Elphaba becomes a revolutionary fighting against injustice.

3. The Wizard of Oz as a Corrupt Dictator

Wicked reimagines the Wizard not as a bumbling fraud but as a cunning manipulator. He consolidates power by spreading propaganda and scapegoating magical creatures, making Elphaba’s fight against him central to the story.

The Flying Monkeys: In The Wizard of Oz, the flying monkeys are the Wicked Witch’s minions. Wicked reveals that Elphaba’s spell was an attempt to free them, not enslave them, but it backfires and curses them with servitude.

The Wizard’s Role in Elphaba’s Downfall: The Wizard manipulates public perception, casting Elphaba as a villainous threat to maintain his control.

4. Tying Into Dorothy's Arrival

While Wicked largely focuses on events before Dorothy arrives in Oz, it intersects with key moments from The Wizard of Oz, offering alternative perspectives:

The Wicked Witch of the East (Nessarose): Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. Her death under Dorothy’s house is shown as a tragic event rather than a moment of justice. The Ruby Slippers: In Wicked, the iconic shoes are a gift from Elphaba to Nessarose, meant to help her walk, adding emotional weight to Dorothy’s possession of them.

Elphaba’s End: The musical portrays Elphaba’s supposed death by water as an orchestrated ruse, allowing her to escape Oz with her lover, Fiyero (in the guise of the Scarecrow), rather than a literal demise.

Wicked, the hit musical (and the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire it's based on), serves as a revisionist prequel and parallel story to The Wizard of Oz. It reimagines the events leading up to and during The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the witches, particularly Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West), offering a deeper and more nuanced exploration of Oz’s history and politics. Here’s how Wicked ties into the original story:

5. Reimagining the Wicked Witch of the West

In The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West is portrayed as a one-dimensional villain, intent on revenge for the death of her sister (the Wicked Witch of the East) and obsessed with retrieving Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Wicked flips this narrative by portraying Elphaba as a misunderstood and morally complex character.

Elphaba’s Origin: Elphaba is born with green skin, which immediately sets her apart and subjects her to discrimination. She is intelligent, passionate, and deeply concerned with justice, but her appearance and strong will make her an outcast. Her "Wickedness": The story explores how society’s biases, misunderstandings, and political corruption label her as "wicked." Much of her conflict stems from her opposition to the Wizard’s oppressive regime and her efforts to protect the magical creatures and people he is exploiting.

6. The Relationship Between Elphaba and Glinda

One of the core dynamics of Wicked is the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North). In Baum’s original story, Glinda is a beacon of goodness, and there is no indication of a connection between her and the Wicked Witch. In Wicked, however:

Roommates at Shiz University: Elphaba and Glinda meet as students at Shiz University, where they initially dislike each other but eventually form a deep, albeit complicated, friendship. Contrasting Personalities: Glinda starts as shallow and self-absorbed, while Elphaba is principled and fierce. Their interactions challenge and transform both characters, giving Glinda a greater sense of responsibility and Elphaba a trusted ally (at least temporarily). Their Diverging Paths: Circumstances force Elphaba and Glinda to take opposing sides, with Glinda aligning herself with the Wizard and the status quo, while Elphaba becomes a revolutionary fighting against injustice.

7. The Wizard of Oz as a Corrupt Dictator

Wicked reimagines the Wizard not as a bumbling fraud but as a cunning manipulator. He consolidates power by spreading propaganda and scapegoating magical creatures, making Elphaba’s fight against him central to the story.

The Flying Monkeys: In The Wizard of Oz, the flying monkeys are the Wicked Witch’s minions. Wicked reveals that Elphaba’s spell was an attempt to free them, not enslave them, but it backfires and curses them with servitude.

The Wizard’s Role in Elphaba’s Downfall: The Wizard manipulates public perception, casting Elphaba as a villainous threat to maintain his control.

8. Tying Into Dorothy's Arrival

While Wicked largely focuses on events before Dorothy arrives in Oz, it intersects with key moments from The Wizard of Oz, offering alternative perspectives:

The Wicked Witch of the East (Nessarose): Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, becomes the Wicked Witch of the East. Her death under Dorothy’s house is shown as a tragic event rather than a moment of justice. The Ruby Slippers: In Wicked, the iconic shoes are a gift from Elphaba to Nessarose, meant to help her walk, adding emotional weight to Dorothy’s possession of them.

Elphaba’s End: The musical portrays Elphaba’s supposed death by water as an orchestrated ruse, allowing her to escape Oz with her lover, Fiyero (in the guise of the Scarecrow), rather than a literal demise.

Themes and Legacy

Wicked explores themes of prejudice, propaganda, and the nature of good and evil. It emphasizes how history and stories can be shaped by those in power, casting doubt on who the true heroes and villains are. By giving voice to the Wicked Witch’s side of the story, Wicked transforms her from a caricatured antagonist into a symbol of resistance and individuality.

The musical’s success has deepened the cultural significance of The Wizard of Oz, offering a layered and modern take on a classic tale. It challenges audiences to reconsider their assumptions and recognize the complexities of morality and perspective.

Wicked explores themes of prejudice, propaganda, and the nature of good and evil. It emphasizes how history and stories can be shaped by those in power, casting doubt on who the true heroes and villains are. By giving voice to the Wicked Witch’s side of the story, Wicked transforms her from a caricatured antagonist into a symbol of resistance and individuality.

The musical’s success has deepened the cultural significance of The Wizard of Oz, offering a layered and modern take on a classic tale. It challenges audiences to reconsider their assumptions and recognize the complexities of morality and perspective....

<end>

That's certainly interesting! But point number 7, the Wizard as a corrupt dictator really struck what my brain was fixated on, so I asked it another question, not sure what I'd get.

<start>

Me: draw parallels between the Wizard represented in Wicked and Donald Trump

ChatGPT said:

Drawing parallels between the Wizard as portrayed in Wicked and Donald Trump can highlight their similarities in leadership style, use of propaganda, and the way they both project an image of power. While the two exist in vastly different contexts—fictional Oz vs. real-world politics—there are thematic overlaps worth exploring.

1. Manipulation of Image and Power

The Wizard in Wicked: The Wizard is a charismatic figure who relies on smoke, mirrors, and theatrics to project an image of authority. He lacks actual magical powers but creates the illusion of omnipotence to maintain control. His leadership is built on deception and his ability to manipulate others into believing in his grandeur.

Donald Trump: Trump has cultivated a larger-than-life persona through media, branding, and showmanship, often relying on spectacle and rhetoric to maintain public attention and influence. Critics often accuse him of prioritizing optics and personal branding over substantive policies, echoing the Wizard's reliance on illusion rather than genuine competence.

2. Use of Propaganda and Scapegoating

The Wizard in Wicked: The Wizard manipulates public opinion by scapegoating magical creatures (Animals, in particular) as threats to Oz, consolidating his power by creating a common enemy. He spreads false narratives, framing Elphaba as "wicked" to unite the citizens of Oz against her and distract from his own shortcomings.

Donald Trump: Trump has often used divisive rhetoric to identify scapegoats, such as immigrants, the media, or political opponents, as sources of societal problems. His use of slogans like “fake news” and his portrayal of himself as a victim of conspiracies draw parallels to the Wizard’s strategy of deflecting blame and creating a unifying enemy.

3. Charisma and Populist Appeal

The Wizard in Wicked: The Wizard presents himself as a savior to the people of Oz, using his charm and promises to gain their loyalty despite his lack of actual qualifications. His populist appeal lies in his ability to make people believe he can solve their problems, even if his solutions are based on empty promises.

Donald Trump: Trump’s appeal to a significant portion of the population is similarly rooted in his ability to connect with people on an emotional level, often using plain-spoken language and slogans to resonate with his base. Like the Wizard, Trump frames himself as the solution to widespread societal issues, even when critics argue his claims lack substance.

4. Centralization of Power

The Wizard in Wicked: The Wizard centralizes authority and surrounds himself with enablers (like Madame Morrible) who help maintain his control over Oz. He resists challenges to his authority, using force or propaganda to silence dissent.

Donald Trump: During his presidency, Trump was often criticized for attempting to consolidate power, undermining institutions, and dismissing those who opposed him within his administration. His style of leadership emphasized loyalty to him personally rather than institutional norms, similar to how the Wizard demands allegiance to his rule.

5. Villainizing Opponents

The Wizard in Wicked: Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, becomes a convenient target for the Wizard’s narrative. He portrays her as a dangerous villain, ensuring that the public’s attention stays on her rather than his own flaws.

Donald Trump: Trump has a history of vilifying his opponents, whether they are political rivals, members of the media, or other perceived enemies. He often labels them with demeaning nicknames or accuses them of being corrupt or dangerous to society.

6. Moral Ambiguity

The Wizard in Wicked: While the Wizard is ultimately portrayed as manipulative and harmful, his character is not entirely villainous; he is also depicted as insecure and desperate to maintain control in a world he feels ill-equipped to lead.

Donald Trump: Trump, too, is seen by his supporters as someone trying to "do his best" in the face of opposition, while critics view him as self-serving and harmful. This dual perception mirrors the Wizard’s moral ambiguity. Key Difference

The major difference is that Wicked portrays the Wizard as a figure who never intended to harm Oz but whose actions unintentionally led to oppression and chaos. Donald Trump’s leadership, on the other hand, is polarizing because his critics and supporters fundamentally disagree about whether his actions are intentional or not and whether they are beneficial or destructive.

Conclusion

Both the Wizard in Wicked and Donald Trump rely on image, charisma, and the manipulation of narratives to maintain power. They deflect criticism through scapegoating and propaganda, and both have a polarizing impact on the societies they lead. However, the Wizard is ultimately portrayed as a tragic figure overwhelmed by the consequences of his own deceit, while Trump’s legacy continues to unfold in real-world history.

<end>

Well - that explains a lot. For fairness, I asked it to compare the Wizard to Joe Biden and it really couldn't - it tried. Here are a few summary points:

<start>

t’s possible to draw comparisons between the Wizard in Wicked and Joe Biden, but the parallels are less direct than with Donald Trump. If one were to explore such a comparison, it might center on themes like perception, leadership style, and the use of narratives to maintain unity, though these comparisons are more nuanced and subject to interpretation.

1. The Power of Perception

• The Wizard in Wicked:
  • The Wizard relies heavily on his public image to project authority, despite lacking true magical abilities. His power is based on maintaining an illusion of competence and control.
• Joe Biden:
  • Biden has been framed by critics as a figurehead leader who relies on his persona as a steady, empathetic statesman to unite a polarized nation. His leadership style emphasizes coalition-building and presenting a calm, competent image, even as detractors question his effectiveness or energy.
• Similarity: Both are seen as leaders who prioritize the image of stability to maintain public trust, even if their actual decision-making is debated.

2. Leadership Through Delegation

• The Wizard in Wicked:
  • The Wizard delegates much of his authority to others, such as Madame Morrible, while staying in the background as a symbolic figure.
• Joe Biden:
  • Biden’s presidency has been characterized by a collaborative approach, delegating significant responsibilities to his cabinet and advisors. Supporters view this as strategic, while critics argue it reflects a lack of direct leadership.
• Similarity: Both rely on others to execute their vision, which can create the perception of detachment from day-to-day governance.

3. Unity Through Narratives

• The Wizard in Wicked:
  • The Wizard crafts narratives to unify the people of Oz, often by creating a common enemy (Elphaba) to distract from his own limitations.
• Joe Biden:
  • Biden has positioned himself as a unifier, focusing on rebuilding trust in institutions and promoting bipartisan solutions. Critics, however, argue that his administration has at times relied on emphasizing divisions (e.g., between "democracy vs. MAGA extremism") to galvanize his base.
• Similarity: Both use storytelling to create a sense of purpose or unity, though the Wizard’s narratives are overtly manipulative, while Biden’s focus on unity stems from a genuine attempt to heal division.

4. Experience and Competence

• The Wizard in Wicked:
  • The Wizard is revealed to be an ordinary man with no special skills who accidentally stumbled into power. His leadership depends on maintaining the illusion of wisdom and authority.
• Joe Biden:
  • Biden brings decades of political experience to the presidency. While supporters see this as a source of wisdom and stability, critics sometimes paint him as out of touch or ineffective.
• Key Difference: Unlike the Wizard, Biden’s leadership is rooted in actual experience, though perceptions of his competency vary widely.

5. Moral Ambiguity

• The Wizard in Wicked:
  • The Wizard is a morally ambiguous character—well-intentioned but willing to harm others to maintain power.
• Joe Biden:
  • Biden is generally seen as a morally grounded figure, with a focus on empathy and compassion in his policies. However, political decisions, such as foreign policy choices or compromises with opposing parties, can be viewed as morally ambiguous by some.
• Key Difference: The Wizard’s actions are self-serving and deceptive, while Biden’s actions are framed as driven by public service, even if controversial.

6. Critiques of Leadership

• The Wizard in Wicked:
  • The Wizard’s critics view him as a fraud who relies on spectacle rather than substance.
• Joe Biden:
  • Biden faces critiques that he’s a symbolic figurehead or overly reliant on his image as a “return to normalcy” leader, but these critiques come in a much more real-world, political context.
• Similarity: Both are scrutinized for the gap between their projected image and the actual impact of their leadership.

Key Differences

1. Intentions: The Wizard in Wicked is primarily self-serving, while Biden’s presidency, regardless of critiques, is rooted in a commitment to public service.
2. Skills and Experience: The Wizard is an ordinary man pretending to be extraordinary, while Biden has decades of political experience and a track record in governance.
3. Narrative Control: The Wizard uses outright manipulation, whereas Biden’s narrative of unity and healing, even if contested, is not based on deceit.

Conclusion

While there are surface-level parallels in how both the Wizard and Biden use their image and narratives to lead, the comparison is limited by key differences in intention, competence, and context. The Wizard is a fictional archetype of a manipulative leader, while Biden is a real-world figure whose leadership reflects complex political realities. Any meaningful comparison must account for these differences.

<end>

We're cooked.