Is the Wizard of Oz a Narcissist?
I am not trying to ruin this heart warming movie for you, but I can’t ignore the themes of power and control in this classic. If you’re a client, you will most likely remember me talking about it’s relative symbolism. Making connections to things we understand can be a way to help us see and develop a language for things we don’t understand. This has always been the case not only in my coaching practice, but in my life. Once I was able to understand the spin cycle of narcissistic abuse, I was able to take power away from it. Much like some of the themes in the Wizard of Oz. So let’s take a short walk down the yellow brick road!
Dorothy
What are the words that come up for you when you think of Dorothy? For me, I see an empathic, kind, loving albeit naive young woman. I’m also now able to see vulnerability because of her ability to quickly trust and believe other people, and as we know now, more than her ability to trust herself. Her journey shows us how she is “taken in” by the Wizard and the Witch. They're both power hungry and demand Dorothy get certain items for them in order to increase their own power. We expect the Witch to be cruel and abusive, but it’s more subtle to understand that the Wizard is not the wonderful Wizard everyone speaks of, but a loud bully using his power to control Dorothy to do his bidding.
The Witch
We all expect the bad witch to be bad so no surprise she’s being manipulative and scary. But what about her supporters, the monkeys? You may have already heard the term “flying monkeys”. This term has been around for a long time to describe the narcissist’s enablers. The people that know the narcissist’s toxic traits but are still willing to do their bidding. Flying monkeys may start or be a part of a smear campaign against a victim of narcissistic abuse. They may harass a victim by posting negative things on social media or spreading false rumors within the community. My ex actually had his new supply send me an anonymous note with made up stories about my friends and my attorney. We find enablers in family systems, friend groups and even religious communities. They’re dangerous people, especially when they’re hiding behind a charming or moral image.
The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard is the sheep in wolf’s clothing. His power-over tactics feel like narcissistic abuse. It even includes love bombing in the beginning of the movie as the song starts with: “We’re off to see the Wizard, the most wonderful Wizard of all”. Mr. Wonderful quickly turns into Mr. Frightening with his rage filled gaze and bombastic voice. He strikes fear in the whole group. No one questions his authority or increasing requests until a little, brave dog finally pulls back the curtain to reveal a small, frail man attempting to inflate himself. I often use the phrase “pulling back the curtain” when it comes to fearing the narcissist or lessening the grip of power. The narcissist presents as powerful and strong, but inside of a narcissist is mainly a highly insecure individual. That’s why the mask of control has to be so strong.
Who has the power?
At the end of the Wizard of Oz, we are worried that Dorothy has lost all of her opportunities to get home. But my favorite moment is when Glinda, the good witch, shows up and pronounces to Dorothy that she had the power to get home all along. That was my experience. I found my way back to myself. Coaching was a great tool to help me become aware of the spin cycle and break its power.
If you want to reclaim your power, please reach out for a complimentary consultation. I’m not stating that I’m a good witch, but I will meet you right where you are and help you find the road back to yourself.
“There’s no place like home.”
