This past weekend I finally saw a performance of Wicked. (Yes, I know it’s been around for years, but I live in Albuquerque.) Terrific show, and if you don’t come away madly crushin’ on the male lead, Fiyero, even AFTER he becomes all floppery, well, I just don’t know what to think about you. He’s the fun bad boy who turns out to be quite wonderful in very surprising ways…and don’t we all love those bad sexy boys with – er – hearts of gold…ANYWAY…
In one scene, Elphaba (the “wicked” witch) while kissing the aforementioned Fiyero, announces, “I’m feeling VERY wicked!” Yes, indeedy, and who wouldn’t be? Sadly, this is about the only bit of fun (It ain’t easy being BRIGHT NEON GREEN) she has doing the musical – although there is a happy – sorta – ending with the floppery one. Note to the happy couple, don’t smoke in bed.
Anyway…of course, as you probably already know – the play is really about how someone different can be (and often is) completely misunderstood. And, how the people in power (in this case the Wizard) can spin, spin, spin the truth. She’s WICKED! And those poor flying monkeys just can’t catch a break. What happens to the poor goat? What about the cowardly lion? Where’s the ASPCA!!? Sorry, it’s Friday. My brain tends to fly off in all different directions by the end of the week…
As I was sayin’. Wicked is often a matter of perspective. A friend noted after the performance, “Wow, this gives me a whole different perspective on evil.” Indeed. You don’t have to go any further than – say – Ann Coulter’s web site (or silly, silly books) – to see Liberals painted as the big bad. And, there’s – I’m sure – someone out there still ranting about George W. Bush. Hey, I wasn’t happy either, to put in mildly, but he really wasn’t/isn’t Hitler. As much as I dislike Ms. Coulter, I don’t really think she’s wicked (at least not with a capital W.) She just loves attention and money, and she’ll say pretty much anything to get them. (Although she’s having to really work to hang onto the edge of the spotlight these days, poor thing. Maybe she should sign up for a road company of Wicked. Wonder if she can sing?)
So, the whole concept of wicked depends on who you are…your times and your society. Wicked could mean:
1. You demanded the right to vote! Silly, bad, bad females!
2. You thought you were entitled to equal pay. Men have families to support!
3. You feel people are entitled to quality health care (Noooo, we’re not going there, but isn’t that whole “debate” terribly silly when you really think about it?)
4. You challenge the status quo at your company – about a product, a service or a customer.
5. You stand up and speak out for what you think (know in your heart of hearts) is right. And, you keep standing and speaking when the going gets tough.
Me? I think if we don’t feel a wee bit wicked (and act on the feeling)…nothing ever changes for the good.
Guest Post by Mary Schmidt, Marketing Troubleshooter
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
