Episode 16: Defying Systemic Gravity
In the bustling realms of our daily struggles and triumphs, stories often serve as our guiding stars. They illuminate our paths, reflect our deepest fears, and showcase the strength we sometimes overlook. Such is the power found within the narrative of Wicked, a tale that transcends the boundaries of fantasy to speak volumes about real-world issues like oppression and systemic discrimination.
A Conversation Beyond Broadway
We delve into a spirited dialogue about the Broadway musical, now movie, Wicked — both its theatrical allure and the metaphorical gravity it battles against. The musical that has captured hearts worldwide, spins the tale of Elphaba, a character marginalized for her unique appearance and powerful abilities. As Hostion passionately describes, this narrative of defying gravity becomes a metaphorical journey through systemic oppression and societal expectations.
The Layers of Oppression
Andrea reflects on her initial encounter with the musical, acknowledging her past ignorance due to privilege. Her reflections offer a sincere insight into how systemic biases obscure the powerful messages woven into Elphaba's story — about giving a voice to those who are marginalized simply for being different. The hosts agree that the themes of Wicked are highly relevant, especially to individuals who identify as outcasts or have been subjected to systemic discrimination.
Hostion draws parallels between Elphaba and immigrants or people of color, highlighting how the judgment faced for being 'different' is a shared experience. This narrative is resonant across all cultural landscapes, challenging viewers to confront their understanding of inclusion and allyship.
Real Life Elphabas: Uplifting Canadian Stories
To further explore the parallels between Wicked's fictional characters and real-world narratives, Andrea and Hostion share inspiring stories of individuals like Zita Somakoko and Mandela Kuet. These individuals embody the spirit of Elphaba in their fight against systemic barriers and their dedication to uplift their communities.
Sita Somakoko, a refugee who fled domestic violence to build a new life in Canada, now stands as a testament to resilience and leadership. Her contributions, particularly in raising awareness about domestic violence, echo the uprising against oppression shown by Elphaba in Wicked. Sita's journey from a survival mode to advocacy work illustrates the potential to transform personal pain into societal change.
Similarly, Mandela Kuet's story highlights the bridging of communities historically pitted against each other by systemic biases. Through his podcast Real Talk, Kuet champions conversation and understanding between newcomers and Indigenous peoples, challenging the 'gravity' of discriminatory perceptions ingrained by colonial structures.
Echoing Through the Theatre and Beyond
We traverse through the music of Wicked, blending cultural critique with advocacy for change. We emphasize that much like the character of Glinda, who through privilege remains unaware of the systemic oppression, many in real life can learn from listening to marginalized voices.
For those embedded in the structures that perpetuate inequality, the podcast invites its audience to examine why certain systems of oppression exist and how they can be dismantled. Using Wicked as a narrative catalyst, Andrea and Hostion articulate a crucial call to action — let us defy our own social gravities and embrace narratives that challenge us to be better allies and advocates for justice.
A Call to Action
Wicked's narrative is both a reminder and an inspiration, urging us to confront the systems that bind us and to envision a world where justice prevails. As Andrea puts it, stepping away from complicit silence and towards vocal solidarity with the oppressed can feel isolating, but it often leads to discovering a powerful community of fellow travelers seeking justice. And like Hostion suggests, keeping our eyes on the ultimate goal of freedom helps us endure the journey's hardships.
In closing, our dialogue reminds us that while the tales of oppression are many, the victory songs, much like Wicked's soundtrack, are there for those who choose to listen, learn, and ultimately, uplift. Let's embrace the stories and strength of real-life Elphabas — the individuals who, against all odds, teach us that defining gravity is indeed an achievable reality.