An article of Reflections Race, Power, and the Limits of Human Nature as depicted by the box-office best-seller movies WICKED 1 AND 2

The central theme of Wicked is racism as an existential crisis, a problem humanity has grappled with throughout history, often addressing it in the most destructive ways and making the situation worse. For example

Apartheid (1948–1994, South Africa)

– Legal system of racial segregation separating whites, blacks, coloreds, and Asians.

– Policies controlled where people could live, work, and go to school; violence and forced removals were common.

This Legalized racial hierarchy makes things worst . It created a “two (or multi) track” system where whites had political power and economic advantages while other groups were marginalized.

Racism is regarded as an unsustainable aspect of humanity because humanity is designed to survive as a whole, not divided into groups. However, the absence of racism can be equally unsustainable if it runs counter to human nature. History has shown, bitterly, that whenever we go against human nature, who comes out as winners and who comes out as losers.

How did the Emerald City deal with racism?

In Wicked, racial or species-based discrimination is presented as a formal, codified system. There is bigotry and fear-based politics.

The story depicts prejudice against witches, witches’ powers, and those who deviate from the norm (including talking animals and other magical beings).

The ending, however, hints at broader social change through personal alliances, increased empathy, and reforms in the Emerald City’s governance under Glinda.

Parallels can be drawn to civil disobedience and peaceful protest movements led by Martin Luther King Jr., aimed at ending legal segregation, winning voting rights, and achieving real equality for Black Americans.

Major victories include the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965).

Martin Luther King’s and Glinda’s stories are only one chapter in their respective histories, signaling progress while leaving much work to be done.

Was racism eradicated in the US? The answer is complex: legal victories did not automatically erase prejudice or unequal outcomes. Were animal rights or other nonhuman considerations upheld in Wicked? If there is a supreme leader like Glinda, what does that signify about leadership and justice in a society that distinguishes beings by power or identity?

But remember the absence of racism is also unsustainable. The absence of racism is not the same as a fully harmonious society, but the ongoing work toward inclusion is essential for humanity’s long-term survival and flourishing.

BY: NIMFARINA CRISTOBAL WANG

December 13. 2015