The Unfortunate Message of Oz
Categories: Miscellaneous Thoughts, Movies & TelevisionThe unfortunate summary message of the Wizard of Oz is summed by Dorothy’s statement:
Well, I – I think that it – it wasn’t enough to just want to see Uncle Henry and Auntie Em – and it’s that – if I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with!
Oh, but anyway, Toto, we’re home. Home! And this is my room, and you’re all here. And I’m not gonna leave here ever, ever again, because I love you all, and – oh, Auntie Em – there’s no place like home!
The final line, “there’s no place like home” says it also, but her explanation is really unfortunate. It’s like she’s saying that all you’ll ever truly want is what you already have. Or don’t dream bigger than your current boundaries. Your heart’s desire is what you’ve always had.
Talk about discouraging growth, learning, and expanding your horizons! I suppose it could be a pre-WW2 midwest U.S. mentality. “Why leave and go to the city? All you’ll find is heartache.” Your true heart’s desire is right here with us.
That’s the one part of the Wizard of Oz that I dislike. The whole point of the movie gets summed up with the idea that people should stay where they are and be content with what they already have.
My $0.02.
2 Responses to “The Unfortunate Message of Oz”
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Dan Says:
November 14th, 2009 at 23:06I think it also has to do with the whole concept of “the best things in life being free.” What could make us happier than our friends, family and community?
And, how many people are truly made happy by running after that “just a little more”?
I think Ecclesiastes talks about what happens when we run after everything. All we get is pain.
On that positive note, I’m out.
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pfitz Says:
November 15th, 2009 at 8:01In general, Dan, I agree, but there’s a difference between running after everything and never looking outside your own backyard. It sounds like they’re promoting tunnel vision. People who never expand their vision beyond their own backyards/communities soon become rednecks.
Na
