The Wizard of Oz, a beloved children's book and iconic movie, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing sustainability. However, upon closer examination, there are several key themes and elements in the story that align with the principles of sustainability. One of the main ideas in The Wizard of Oz is the importance of self-sufficiency. Dorothy's journey to find her way back home highlights the need for individuals to rely on their own skills and resources, rather than depending on external factors. This idea is echoed in sustainable practices, which emphasize reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and instead utilizing renewable sources of energy and materials. Additionally, the concept of balance is evident in the story.
Additionally, the concept of balance is evident in the story. The main characters, including Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, are all searching for something they feel is missing in their lives. However, it is through their collaboration and unity that they are able to overcome obstacles and find fulfillment.
Why Are Witches Green?
Before The Wizard of Oz, witches were usually red or orange. Linda Rodriguez McRobbie explains why.
Witches aren't exactly reliable bogey-ladies anymore – these days, they're less the wicked, warty crones of Grimm's fairy tales and more the pretty, gifted Sabrinas of supernatural YA. Even so, the green-skinned witch is still a potent image and one that shifts a lot of green face-paint and black pointy hats every Halloween. But why green?
The green-skinned crone is actually a relatively new incarnation of the evil witch – in fact, while the evil witch as a cultural narrative dates back millennia, the green skin dates precisely back to 1939 and the MGM film, The Wizard of Oz. Margaret Hamilton's cackling and emerald-tinted portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West, rendered in vivid Technicolor, is the only reason that anyone associates green skin with witches. As Professor Marion Gibson, associate professor of Renaissance and magical literatures at the University of Exeter and an expert in popular depictions of witches, explained, via email, "There are a few images of witches – for instance, on Halloween postcards – with odd coloured faces (usually red/orange, surprisingly) but MGM's green-faced witch is the first to make a key feature of a completely non-human skin colour."
So the decision to make the Wicked Witch green was not informed by any long-standing green-skinned witch traditions, neither was it inspired by the original Oz books – in L. Frank Baum's 1900 fantasy book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Witch is ugly, cruel, and afraid of water, but she's not green. It seems that the only reason MGM's famously revolving team of filmmakers, costumers, and screenwriters decided on green was that it looked suitably scary and otherworldly – and that it showed up really well on film. Lavish and massively budgeted, The Wizard of Oz relied cutting-edge visual effects to weave its magic, including the relatively new Technicolor film process that saw Dorothy leave sepia-toned Kansas for candy-colored Oz. A hook-nosed witch with skin the color of a poisoned apple worked, and worked so well that she gave countless children nightmares well into the 1970s – in 1976, Hamilton appeared as the Witch on an episode of Sesame Street, prompting a flurry of letters from angry parents complaining that their children were in tears after the show.
The make-up used to turn Hamilton green didn't only look poisonous, it was: The copper-based paint could have made her seriously ill if ingested, so she was forced to drink her lunches through a straw during the long, four-month shoot. The paint could only be removed with rubbing alcohol and even so, it left her skin tinted green for weeks after shooting. And even worse, it was flammable – during the scene when the Wicked Witch threatens Dorothy and the Munchkins and then disappears in a boom of smoke and fire, Hamilton's costume caught alight. She suffered first and second degree burns to her face and hands and spent six weeks recovering in the hospital.
But The Wizard of Oz and the magic of Technicolor is the reason why witches are green – not, as some have argued, because this was how accused witches at the height of the "burning times", the witch-hunt frenzies of 16th and 17th century Europe that claimed the lives of roughly 60,000 people, were actually seen, especially after they'd been tortured into a confession. As Professor Gibson noted, at the time of the witch trials, the color green was more closely associated with fairies and not battered witches. Witches, in fact, were more often depicted as pale and ghostly, likely a result of their supposed nocturnal habits. As to the other witches' stereotypes – the pointy hats, affinity for cats, flying on brooms – those are all more solidly grounded in European folklore tradition.
The last person to be formally executed for witchcraft was Anna Goeldi, a Swiss maid who may or may not have been putting needles in her employers' food, and was hung in 1782. But that doesn't mean that people have stopped believing in evil beings who consort with the Devil: In America, roughly 21 percent of the population believe that witches – of the supernatural, broom-riding, possibly green-faced persuasion, not the Wiccan – exist, according to a 2005 Gallup survey.
The make-up used to turn Hamilton green didn't only look poisonous, it was: The copper-based paint could have made her seriously ill if ingested, so she was forced to drink her lunches through a straw during the long, four-month shoot. The paint could only be removed with rubbing alcohol and even so, it left her skin tinted green for weeks after shooting. And even worse, it was flammable – during the scene when the Wicked Witch threatens Dorothy and the Munchkins and then disappears in a boom of smoke and fire, Hamilton's costume caught alight. She suffered first and second degree burns to her face and hands and spent six weeks recovering in the hospital.
In the context of sustainability, this highlights the need for a balanced approach to resource management, where different stakeholders work together to achieve common goals. Furthermore, The Wizard of Oz explores the idea of waste and excess. Dorothy's house landing on the Wicked Witch of the East symbolizes the consequence of unchecked consumption and waste, as her excessive lifestyle ultimately leads to her downfall. In a sustainable context, this serves as a reminder of the importance of reducing waste and adopting more efficient and mindful consumption habits. Lastly, the story of The Wizard of Oz encourages us to appreciate and protect the natural world. From the vibrant Emerald City to the enchanting poppy fields, the story is filled with captivating descriptions of nature. Dorothy's desire to return home to Kansas reflects a longing for the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. This sentiment resonates with sustainability, which emphasizes the need to protect and preserve ecosystems for future generations. In conclusion, while The Wizard of Oz may not have been explicitly intended to convey messages of sustainability, there are several inherent themes and elements in the story that align with sustainable principles. Self-sufficiency, balance, waste reduction, and appreciation for the natural world are all key concepts present in both The Wizard of Oz and sustainability. By examining and appreciating these connections, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability in our own lives and in the world around us..
Reviews for "The Sustainable Witch's Side of the Story: Reimagining the Wizard of Oz from a Green Perspective"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Sustainable Witch Wizard of Oz". The concept sounded interesting, but the execution fell flat. The story felt disjointed and poorly paced, with a lot of unnecessary subplots that detracted from the main narrative. Additionally, the characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with any of them. I also found the writing style to be overly descriptive and verbose, which made the book feel tedious to read. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it.
2. Anthony - 1 star
"Sustainable Witch Wizard of Oz" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, often leaving me confused and frustrated. The environmental message that the book tried to convey was heavy-handed and took away from any enjoyment I might have had. The character development was lacking, and I struggled to care about any of the characters or their journeys. The writing itself was also mediocre, with clunky dialogue and repetitive descriptions. I was really disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Sustainable Witch Wizard of Oz" to be quite forgettable. The story had potential, but it lacked originality and felt like a watered-down version of other fantasy classics. The pacing was slow, and it took too long for anything substantial to happen. The characters were also uninteresting and failed to capture my attention or sympathy. Overall, this book left me feeling underwhelmed and wanting more. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and engaging read.
4. Michael - 1 star
"Sustainable Witch Wizard of Oz" was a disappointing attempt at modernizing a beloved classic. The story felt forced and did not live up to the charm and magic of the original Wizard of Oz. The addition of sustainability themes felt shoehorned in and did not flow naturally with the narrative. The writing style was also lackluster, with cliched phrases and predictable plot twists. Overall, this book fell flat for me, and I would not recommend it to fans of the original Wizard of Oz.