I love the addition of the poem, which is so cleverly composed. Too true. We can’t be free until we grow up and see what’s hidden behind the spectacle that is Oz. Self governance, consensus and genuine freedom can only be realized when we’re mature enough to assume responsibility for our decisions and have no need to be an Oz or obey an Oz.
Thanks for the mention ... and a sneak preview--an essay on servant leadership is percolating.😊
Great essay, Mary. You are so right about the ping-ponging of ideas happening. It seems that they are all coming fast and furious now, and from every direction. It's hard to keep up. One can really feel the excitement being generated. Here's another quote for you: "You can best serve civilization by being against what usually passes for it." ~Wendell Berry Seems to be the consensus here. Isn't that something you've been aspiring to? xox
Mar 12, 2023·edited Mar 12, 2023Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin
Mary - You are probably aware that this particular story, like many children's stories, is intended to be understood on multiple levels. That's what makes it especially fascinating. I always loved it too, and even more when I understood some of the more sophisticated hidden meanings and symbolism. It's especially appropriate at this time in history because of what's been done to our money since 1913 (creation of the Fed. Reserve) and what "THEY" (the powers that would be of whom the Wizard is only a puppet), would like to see happen now. Now that the value of our dollars has basically been destroyed over the last 100 years, through unimpeded money printing by a Govt. basically out of control. (Waging wars, creating $$ dependency through social programs, Intl. reserve currency, etc. etc.. etc.
Anyway, these two links are a very quick sketch as to (meaning of) where we are today and what we can do...:)
Awesome, as always! The quote about having the power all along is electric, esp when you broaden it beyond the ability to return home. I just hit a milestone birthday and it has been true for me.. I had to learn it for myself.
Well, I’m gone for half a day and return to a fascinating and moving article and an ever so spot on poem. And then I also see the mentions and I’m over the moon! Ever so grateful, Mary, thank you. I’m sharing this article, it’s so good. I’m glad you went and expanded on your original article. It feels even more layered now with a few years worth of perspective.
Im also gonna poke around that Service Leadership site some more. Looks good. And please do write more on the heroine journey. Looking forward to all your content!
I have never seen the movie from beginning to end. I know I know. But I’ve read the book and seen parts of the movie. And I’ve studied the metaphors and symbolism in a cinema class in which I was supposed to see the film...😬 but really, you’ve inspired me to look at it anew. It’s your charming way of weaving educational and analytical material with intimate personal references. Absolutely love it!
Such a relevant and wonderful story. And I agree, it is so much a challenge of our times to go beyond the frauds of both right and left!
I want to add a little more to what 'Soujourner' has said about the story as an allegory for the corrupt power (and hidden levers) of the banking system. In 1996 American documentary-maker Bill Still made 'The Money Masters' a pretty spectacular expose of the history of the banking system. (Maybe you already know it?) In 2009 he made 'The Secrets of Oz', in which he went into some of the symbolism of the story: the yellow brick road representing bullion, or the gold standard (I don't agree that a return to that is the way forward, but that's for another day), the wicked witches of north, east, south and west as the banking houses, the straw man representing agriculture, the tin man as industry, etc. Apparently one version of the story saw Dorothy not with ruby slippers, but silver ones - a reference to the possiblity of a silver standard for regulating the money supply. (I think maybe JFK was at one time considering that).
Thanks for putting back front and centre that so so important metaphor of the fraudulent and morally weak power which is hiding behind the curtain and booming out its intimidating-sounding voice, and illuminating it as ever with you wonderful poetry. The last line made me laugh! And we need that!
Hi Mary.....to me, Dorthy's ruby slippers are emblematic of her sparkling heart, which as you point out she brings out in the form of caring and empathy in order to help and soothe her friends and all. I think that the wicked witch was drawn to those shoes so that she could empower herself, but she did not posses the heart. They sparkled invitingly, but she could not have them however hard she tried to get them.
"What a world what a world.....who would have thought that a good little girl like you would destroy my beautiful wickedness". So says the wicked witch while melting away.
I say YES to Ruby slippers, yes to wearing my heart on my sleeve; where it belongs!! This is what I can do. I can dance with all of the others who are inhabiting ruby slippers.
I love the addition of the poem, which is so cleverly composed. Too true. We can’t be free until we grow up and see what’s hidden behind the spectacle that is Oz. Self governance, consensus and genuine freedom can only be realized when we’re mature enough to assume responsibility for our decisions and have no need to be an Oz or obey an Oz.
Thanks for the mention ... and a sneak preview--an essay on servant leadership is percolating.😊
Great essay, Mary. You are so right about the ping-ponging of ideas happening. It seems that they are all coming fast and furious now, and from every direction. It's hard to keep up. One can really feel the excitement being generated. Here's another quote for you: "You can best serve civilization by being against what usually passes for it." ~Wendell Berry Seems to be the consensus here. Isn't that something you've been aspiring to? xox
Mary - You are probably aware that this particular story, like many children's stories, is intended to be understood on multiple levels. That's what makes it especially fascinating. I always loved it too, and even more when I understood some of the more sophisticated hidden meanings and symbolism. It's especially appropriate at this time in history because of what's been done to our money since 1913 (creation of the Fed. Reserve) and what "THEY" (the powers that would be of whom the Wizard is only a puppet), would like to see happen now. Now that the value of our dollars has basically been destroyed over the last 100 years, through unimpeded money printing by a Govt. basically out of control. (Waging wars, creating $$ dependency through social programs, Intl. reserve currency, etc. etc.. etc.
Anyway, these two links are a very quick sketch as to (meaning of) where we are today and what we can do...:)
https://money-act.com/the-wizard-of-oz-and-the-monetary-system/
https://www.bitchute.com/video/19aeQbqOHcuH/ (Substitute South Dakota for Kansas!) 4.5 mins.
Awesome, as always! The quote about having the power all along is electric, esp when you broaden it beyond the ability to return home. I just hit a milestone birthday and it has been true for me.. I had to learn it for myself.
Well, I’m gone for half a day and return to a fascinating and moving article and an ever so spot on poem. And then I also see the mentions and I’m over the moon! Ever so grateful, Mary, thank you. I’m sharing this article, it’s so good. I’m glad you went and expanded on your original article. It feels even more layered now with a few years worth of perspective.
Im also gonna poke around that Service Leadership site some more. Looks good. And please do write more on the heroine journey. Looking forward to all your content!
I have never seen the movie from beginning to end. I know I know. But I’ve read the book and seen parts of the movie. And I’ve studied the metaphors and symbolism in a cinema class in which I was supposed to see the film...😬 but really, you’ve inspired me to look at it anew. It’s your charming way of weaving educational and analytical material with intimate personal references. Absolutely love it!
Such a relevant and wonderful story. And I agree, it is so much a challenge of our times to go beyond the frauds of both right and left!
I want to add a little more to what 'Soujourner' has said about the story as an allegory for the corrupt power (and hidden levers) of the banking system. In 1996 American documentary-maker Bill Still made 'The Money Masters' a pretty spectacular expose of the history of the banking system. (Maybe you already know it?) In 2009 he made 'The Secrets of Oz', in which he went into some of the symbolism of the story: the yellow brick road representing bullion, or the gold standard (I don't agree that a return to that is the way forward, but that's for another day), the wicked witches of north, east, south and west as the banking houses, the straw man representing agriculture, the tin man as industry, etc. Apparently one version of the story saw Dorothy not with ruby slippers, but silver ones - a reference to the possiblity of a silver standard for regulating the money supply. (I think maybe JFK was at one time considering that).
Thanks for putting back front and centre that so so important metaphor of the fraudulent and morally weak power which is hiding behind the curtain and booming out its intimidating-sounding voice, and illuminating it as ever with you wonderful poetry. The last line made me laugh! And we need that!
Hi Mary.....to me, Dorthy's ruby slippers are emblematic of her sparkling heart, which as you point out she brings out in the form of caring and empathy in order to help and soothe her friends and all. I think that the wicked witch was drawn to those shoes so that she could empower herself, but she did not posses the heart. They sparkled invitingly, but she could not have them however hard she tried to get them.
"What a world what a world.....who would have thought that a good little girl like you would destroy my beautiful wickedness". So says the wicked witch while melting away.
I say YES to Ruby slippers, yes to wearing my heart on my sleeve; where it belongs!! This is what I can do. I can dance with all of the others who are inhabiting ruby slippers.
Let's dance Mary