When I am out and about on campus, many of my fans often ask me how I come up with content for this column (after asking for my autograph of course). Normally, I give a witty answer or deflect the question because I truly don’t have a concrete answer. Some of my publication ideas have needed to marinate for a long time (I have a pretty extensive notes page on my phone) and others have been created at 2 a.m. — the morning of the due date. There is such a dichotomy between how my ideas are procured that I don’t have a definite answer as to which one leads to better content.
However, after reflecting over my winter break, I concluded that these ideas are all intrinsically inspired by my daily life and social culture (all the “brain rot” I consume). In turn, I felt it was only fitting to start this semester by talking about a very popular musical and movie — “Wicked.” Over break, I mistakenly went with my mother to watch the movie after which the song “Defying Gravity” was stuck in my head until well into the new year. Just walking down the street I would find myself unknowingly humming the catchy chorus or blasting it in the shower and belting my heart out to Cynthia Erivo’s ending riff (I can hit those notes too).
Even though the song was incessantly and vexingly stuck in my head, I can appreciate its artistic value and inherent beauty (I took an aesthetics class after all). Because of my incredible and considerable knowledge of the technical and metaphysical world of art (I’m also a hopeless romantic, 6-foot-3 and love reading feminist literature), I decided to take a deep dive into the innate values of the song.
From my research, I learned that the song carries deep meaning and symbolism, reflecting themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Throughout the movie, the main character Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is considered an outcast because she is green. The song, which comes at the end of Act 1 of the musical, marks Elphaba’s transformation as she fully embraces her identity. “Defying Gravity” is made evermore powerful after witnessing and observing her difficult journey as she felt the need to conform to societal norms which ultimately made her ashamed of her unique color. The song symbolizes breaking free of these constraints imposed by society and choosing to live authentically.
“Defying Gravity” is no doubt a very powerful and resonating song. I would consider it one of the most popular songs in musical history. So many people can relate to Elphaba’s compelling, genuine lyrics and underlying messages, as living as one’s true self is easier said than done. When our society is plagued by social media and an increase of collective norms and pressures, it’s hard not to conform to these rules and ultimately shame and hide one’s authentic self.
Last year, I started off the new year and spring semester talking about the correlation between consistency and mental health (which is a great read). This year, I wanted to start off 2025 by talking about living authentically. As we move into this year, sit back and reflect about who you really are. Our lives have been blurred by an abundance of easily accessible media which has inherently influenced and impacted the way we live our lives, whether we realize it or not.
As the days continue to pass by, I implore you all to understand yourself more. This year should be centered on you; instead of being bound by your social media presence or the pressures on your head, focus on your true, authentic self. I hope I can look to the western sky and see you are flying free because someone once told me that everyone deserves a chance to fly. Happy 2025 my dear readers — go defy gravity.
Dancing through life,
Ben Rachel
