What Is The Cultural Impact Of Populism In The Wizard Of Oz

In 1964 Henry Littlefield a teacher published an article in the journal American Quarterly (Taylor). In the article Littlefield contended that “The Wizard of Oz” was an allegory for Populism, which was a political reform movement that had existed in the latter part of the 19th century. The Populists were primarily concerned with monetary reforms and creating equitable wealth and economic growth. The populists were popular with the disenfranchised, such as farmers, small business owners and other groups of people with limited power who suffered because of the economies failings. Littlefield saw connections between characters from the book and political figures, as well as themes that related to life and politics in Gilded Age America (Taylor).

“The Wizard of Oz” was for many years shown annually until the rights for the film were bought by Ted Turner the owner of Turner Classic Movies. After the movie was bought by Turner it has aired over 32 times since 2000. The songs and images from the movie are a recognizable part of American culture and have been borrowed from numerous artists, filmmakers, advertisers, and cartoonists. A number of films have been made in honor of “The Wizard of Oz” like “The Wiz” and “Wild at Heart” along with musicals like “Wicked”. The movie also inspired one of Elton John’s album cover for “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, lunchboxes, backpacks, and commemorative plates. The movie has also been referenced in many songs, such as “Tin Man” by America, and “Return to Oz” by Scissor

The ability to go out on one’s own, to have experiences and to meet people who are different from what you know. Then to return home if the person chooses. It also represents America’s growth. Kansas is a grey, bleak and dull wasteland, where everything is hard-work and misery. This was how it was for many Americans, especially since the movie was released during the Great Depression. In the movie Dorothy clearly longing to be elsewhere sings Over the Rainbow this was representative of how many people felt. Dreaming of being able to escape the hardships of their life and go “Somewhere over the rainbow/Skies are blue/ And the dreams that you dare to/Dream really do come true” (The Wizard of Oz) On the flip-side The Emerald City, which was probably representative of New York City was bigger than life, with bright colors, singing/ dancing and happy people. It is idealistic in its happiness and glamour. This is an idealism that cannot last. Eventually, everyone like Dorothy has to return to the dull, dreariness of their reality. The reason for this return is that it is necessary to lean on one’s family and family values during a time of economic crises, like the Great Depression. Rather than running off to follow one’s dreams in the big