We're not in Kansas
Recently, I reengaged with the beautiful story "The Wizard of Oz." Consequently, I began thinking that this beloved tale of adventure and self-discovery held more profound parallels with the turbulent era of the Great Depression and today's economic climate. As a result, this essay explores the striking similarities between the themes, characters, and narratives of "The Wizard of Oz" and the economic forces faced by Americans during the 1930s and today.
The Great Depression, an era marked by unprecedented economic collapse, mass unemployment, and widespread poverty, serves as the backdrop for both historical reality and Dorothy's journey to the Land of Oz. In Kansas, Dorothy's home is threatened by the harsh realities of the Dust Bowl, mirroring the financial struggles of many Americans during this period.
Kansas is considered the Heartland of America, the geographical center of the USA. Enter the twister, the tornado, i.e., whirling confusion of the stock market crash that left everybody economically
'dizzy!' It signified the coming of the Great Depression. Consequently, the tornado whisked Dorothy and Toto into a new, artificial (dream-like) dimension above Kansas's solid ground. When Dorothy awakes, she finds herself in the 'land of Oz.' Dorothy comments to her little companion, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.
A Good Deal
Meanwhile, just as individuals sought relief and solutions during the Great Depression, Dorothy embarks on a quest to find the Wizard of Oz, believing he holds the power to solve her problems. Similarly, Americans turned to political leaders and government programs
like the New Deal in search of economic salvation. For the first time ever, all people looked to the government of our country for help, regardless of race, creed, and color.
Simply Marvelous
Moreover, each character in "The Wizard of Oz" serves as a symbolic representation of societal groups or political figures of the time. The Scarecrow embodies the American farmer struggling with crop failures and low prices. Meanwhile, the Tin Man represents a heartless commercial industry with workers affected by low wages, factory closures, and unemployment. Finally, the Cowardly Lion symbolizes politicians who lack the courage to stand up to special interests.
Most importantly, consider this odd group of characters' journey. Firstly, to find the Wizard, they had to "follow the yellow brick road" (gold is known as 'yellow bricks'). All one has to do is follow the trail of America's pocketed gold, and you will find the group who possess it.
At the movie's beginning, the Wizard is a traveling mystic, Professor Marvel, whom Dorothy encounters when she runs away with Toto. His morbid shingle proclaims he is "Acclaimed By The Crowned Heads of Europe, Past, Present, and Future." Certainly, Professor Marvel must have been a regular wizard to be acclaimed by the future crowned heads of Europe before they were even crowned!
Life & death
Maybe this "Professor Marvel" fellow knew something about the future that others didn't. For example, the good professor lectured Dorothy about the priests of Isis and Osiris and the days of the pharaohs of Egypt! Is he referring to (Isis) fertility (birth) and (Osiris) resurrection (rising from the dead) to a new life? In other words, the journey she is about to take will transform her from one way of thinking to an entirely new way of living.
Moreover, in the original book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900 (39 years earlier), the slippers were not red but silver. In the first cut of the movie, the slippers were silver, but they were changed to 'red' to be more colorful!
When the book was written, America still had the legal right to own gold and silver. Furthermore, one ounce of gold was set at 15 ounces of silver. Just as the silver slippers carried Dorothy, America's stockpile of silver and gold, backing the U.S. currency. Moreover, it carried the country to a position of preeminence throughout the world at that time. However, as mentioned, when the movie came out in 1939, the slippers were not silver but red.
I'll gladly pay you Tuesday
Between 1916 and 1933, the majority of America's gold was purchased back by the 'privately owned' Federal Reserve Banks. Later, it was shipped off to the Fed owners in England and Germany. To clarify, this was because Federal Reserve Notes could be redeemed in gold, and using Federal Reserve Notes carried an interest penalty that could only be paid in gold.
Executive Order 6102, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on April 5, 1933, mandated the surrender of privately held gold coins, bullion, and certificates within the United States. However, there were exceptions for small amounts of gold and collectors' items.
As a result, the American people willingly traded their gold for (worthless) paper with green ink on it. Our previous currency, United States Notes, carried no such interest requirements - but such was the bargain that came with the Federal Reserve Notes. Consequently, President John F. Kennedy was in the process of re issuing United States Notes - interest-free, prior to his assassination. [Go to any coin store and see or buy a 1963 U.S. (not Federal Reserve) Note].
Green is Good
The symbolism of brainless people handing in their valuable gold to a heartless corporation in front of a scared and cowering congress is a bit much to stomach. Consequently, Dorothy skipping down the yellow brick road in silver slippers might have been, too. Ruby slippers it is.
Finally, Dorothy and her three companions made their way to the Emerald City. They sought an audience before the Wizard, were taken inside, and brought before the great and powerful Oz. A gigantic image is speaking loudly behind glass, similar to 'smoke and mirrors!' So, Dorothy and the gang initially fell for the Wizard's illusion, power, and commands. But little Toto pulled the curtain back to expose the fraud of the Wizard, a 'front-man' or 'agent' for the fictional media.
Subsequently, all the great and powerful Oz could give them is what they already had. The Scarecrow always had the brains, as the Tin Man had a heart, and the Lion never lost his courage. Dorothy realized that she, too, could return to her home (old thinking) any time she wanted to. The choice is always yours.
Trust in you
Both the Great Depression and Dorothy's journey to Oz prompt a reevaluation of existing ideas and philosophies. The economic turmoil of the 1930s led to more equitable human rights policies, better pay, and the "safety net" we call social security. Meanwhile, Dorothy's experiences challenged her perspectives and led to personal growth and realization. So, no matter what new policies come from Washington, fear not; you will go on your journey and ultimately participate in growth.
"The Wizard of Oz" is more than just a timeless tale of adventure; it reflects the societal and economic challenges faced during the Great Depression and new challenges today. Through its themes, characters, and narratives, the story offers audiences insights into personal responsibility, unnecessary fear of authority, and the ability to know that all things work out for your best and highest good, even if you can't immediately see it for yourself.
