Beyond Good and Wicked

Have you ever judged someone based on your first impression, only to later realize how wrong you were? It’s human nature to form opinions quickly, but often, those assumptions barely scratch the surface of who someone truly is. Recently, I had the opportunity to see the movie Wicked, and it left me reflecting on the profound lessons hidden beneath its glittering surface and powerful melodies.

At its core, Wicked isn’t just a tale about witches, it’s about friendships, misunderstandings, and how society often labels people based on incomplete stories.

The story introduces us to two very different women: Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West, is fierce, intelligent, and driven by her sense of justice. Despite being misunderstood and mistreated, she remains unwavering in her commitment to doing what’s right.

Glinda, on the other hand, appears as the golden girl, always charming, bubbly, and effortlessly popular. But beneath her sparkly exterior is a woman struggling with her own insecurities and moral dilemmas.

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss Elphaba as "wicked" because she doesn’t fit the mold of what society deems acceptable. And it’s equally easy to overlook Glinda’s inner struggles because she seems to have it all together.

But Wicked shows us that appearances are deceiving, and true character reveals itself in the choices we make, especially in challenging situations.

How often do we meet someone and immediately categorize them based on superficial details like how they dress, where they’re from, or how they speak? Wicked reminds us that everyone carries a story, and those stories are often much more complex than we realize.

Elphaba teaches us about resilience, staying true to our values, and the courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. Meanwhile, Glinda shows us that growth is possible, even for those who start off with shallow perceptions of others.

Both women evolve through their friendship, proving that connection can break down assumptions and lead to understanding.

Lessons Learned

1. Don’t Judge by Appearances
   Just like Elphaba, many people are misunderstood because of how they look, where they come from, or how they express themselves. Take the time to understand someone’s story before forming an opinion.

2. Stand Up for What You Believe In
   Elphaba’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right, even when it isolates her, is a lesson in integrity. Sometimes, being true to yourself means going against the grain.

3. People Are More Than They Seem
   Glinda teaches us that even those who seem to have it all are often wrestling with their own struggles. Kindness and compassion can uncover the depth in others.

4. Friendship Can Bloom in Unlikely Places
   The bond between Glinda and Elphaba shows that friendship can transcend differences. We grow when we open ourselves up to people who challenge us or see the world differently.

In many ways, life mirrors the stage of Wicked. We play our roles, hide our vulnerabilities, and sometimes judge others without knowing their full story. But when we pause, lean in, and truly see one another, we create space for understanding, growth, and connection.

I left the theater not just humming the unforgettable songs but reflecting on my own interactions. How often do I let my assumptions cloud my judgment? How often do I fail to see the Elphabas in my life, the ones doing the right thing despite the odds? Let’s go beyond good and wicked, and strive to be a little more like Elphaba who is brave, kind, and willing to do what’s right, even when it’s hard, and like Glinda, recognizing our imperfections and striving to grow.

xoxox…..Sheryl

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