The Wicked Truth About Perspectives: Lessons from the Land of Oz

Have you watched Wicked (the musical or the movie)? If not,  you’re missing out on one of the most captivating, heart-wrenching, and utterly relatable stories ever told. I fell head over heels for it the first time I saw it at the Pantages Theatre. (Full disclosure: my bank account didn’t appreciate the ticket price, but my soul? Oh, it thrived.)

Here’s the thing about Wicked: it isn’t just a spectacle of stunning songs and jaw-dropping visuals (though, let’s be real, “Defying Gravity” gives me chills every. single. time). It’s also a story that hits close to home for anyone who’s ever been misunderstood, misjudged, or painted as the villain without a fair trial. Sound familiar?

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been the victim of a rumor—one so twisted it made you wonder if people were secretly playing a game of “telephone” with your life. (I see you nodding over there.) Maybe someone decided they had your whole story figured out after hearing a single snippet from someone else. Or maybe you’ve been on the other side—assuming you knew the truth about someone based on hearsay. Either way, Wicked is here to remind us of a hard truth: there’s always more than one side to every story.

Why Perspectives Matter

Let’s talk about Elphaba, our misunderstood green queen. From the outside, she’s the villain—wicked, scary, dangerous. But as the story unfolds, we get to know her side: her struggles, her sacrifices, and the impossible situations she faced. Suddenly, the labels don’t stick so well.

Now think about your own life. How often do we make snap judgments about people based on partial information? Maybe it’s that coworker who always seems aloof (spoiler: they might be shy, not stuck-up). Or the friend who canceled plans last minute (what if they’re struggling with something they haven’t shared yet?).

It’s all about context, baby.

So, What Can We Learn from the Land of Oz?

1. Pause Before You Judge
   When you hear something about someone—good or bad—take a beat. Ask yourself: Do I really know the full story, or am I just filling in the blanks with assumptions?

2. Ask Questions, Don’t Assume Answers
   If you’re unsure about someone’s actions or intentions, ask them! Be the Glinda who listens, not the crowd that boos. (Bonus: this works wonders for relationships, too.)

3. Remember: Every Villain is a Hero in Their Own Story
   Even the so-called “bad guys” in life have their reasons. You don’t have to agree with them, but understanding where they’re coming from might surprise you.

Let’s Flip the Script

Here’s my challenge for you: The next time you feel yourself writing someone off—or when you’re feeling written off—channel your inner Elphaba. Stand tall, defy gravity, and remember that perspectives are never one-size-fits-all.

Also, maybe cut yourself some slack. People are complex. Life is messy. And sometimes, what looks “wicked” is just someone trying their best in a world that doesn’t always give them the benefit of the doubt.

So, let’s give each other a little grace (pun intended). Who knows? Maybe we’ll all walk away with a story worth singing about.

What do you think of Wicked? Have you ever been on the receiving—or giving—end of a misunderstood story? Let me know in the comments!