Introduction
The Wizard of Oz is associated with a children’s fairy tale and incredible characters. Despite this, if one watches this movie thoughtfully as an adult, one can see the fundamental questions, hidden meanings, and problems its creators raise (Wiranti et al., 2021). One of these things is an individual’s conscious attitude toward himself. Adequate evaluation of one’s abilities is the central leitmotif that runs throughout the film and allows the viewer to reflect on this subject, to find for himself questions on critical issues related to self-acceptance.
The Individual’s Acceptance of Self as the Main Thought of the Work
The mainline of The Wizard of Oz is the friendship of several characters that Dorothy Gale, a girl, finds on her way to solving difficulties. Nevertheless, the vital point that the filmmakers are trying to convey to the viewer is that all dreams are feasible, and their realization is not the result of some magical actions. It is something that everyone can do: a person does not need to go to a fairyland to find happiness and self-confidence because he already has it. Indeed, the adventures of the characters on their way to the Wizard convince the viewer that Scarecrow is not stupid, Tin Woodman is capable of love, and Lion is a brave beast. In addition, the ghostliness of magic is dispelled in the film: the Wizard turns out to be an ordinary older man speaking into a microphone (Fleming, 1939). Consequently, the viewer understands that the original qualities of the characters were manifested long before the magical gifts in the end.
Conclusion
The film raises the critical issue of self-acceptance, confidence, and self-love. The filmmakers want to convey that it makes no sense to chase something unrealistic. It is crucial to appreciate what humans already have, to develop and improve not for the well-being of others but for themselves. After going through the difficulties, the characters realize that everyone is unique in their talents and abilities. Nevertheless, there was no opportunity for situations to reveal them. Thus, everything has its time, so people should rationally and consciously approach their character features and find alternative ways to use them rather than concentrate on past failures.
References
Fleming, V. (1939). The Wizard of Oz [Film]. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Wiranti, N. K. A., Agustini, D. A. E., & Juniarta, P. A. K. (2021). The character education through moral-philosophical approach of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz novel for Indonesian student. Journal of Humanities, Social Science, Public Administration and Management, 1(3), 139-146. Web.