Lessons from "Wicked"

One of the first few lines from the opening of the play asks if someone is born wicked or is it something that they learn? In this story, Elphaba, the "wicked" witch was born with green skin which unfortunately shaped how others treated her throughout her life. In turn, the choices she made played a major part in determining her future.

There were a few lessons that were imparted, the first one being the importance of friendship. No matter how hard things seem to be, having close friends help share the load. The main characters were worlds apart yet they managed to overcome differences to eventually become the best of friends.

The friendship between Glinda and Elphaba started out by the former making the latter her beautification project. While her motivation was not completely selfless, she in some way helped Elphaba overcome other people's perceptions by "Glindafying" her. Sometimes, we all need a little help in improving our self-image. Bear in mind though that what works for a tall, blonde model will not necessarily work for a short, dark person.

Just as there is a thin line between love and hate, so is there between friendship and emnity. The line is crossed normally when you both fall for the same person. There is an unwritten code that you do not touch the significant other of a close friend, but it happens. Rejection is not an easy emotion to deal with and it takes a really big person to get over the betrayal, so to speak.

One other thing gleaned from the play is that not everyone has the courage to speak out. It is always more popular and easier to go with the flow. There are consequences to standing up for what you think is right. Also, how you go about doing things may not always be the right way.

Going back to the first question, I truly believe that while we are all born with certain genetic dispositions, children are like blank slates whose lives hold so many possibilities. The power to write their future lies in the hands of parents, and in society. It does take a village to raise a child.