Dehumanization:
1: to deprive (someone or something) of human qualities, personality, or dignity: such as
a. to subject (someone) to inhuman or degrading conditions or treatment
b. to address or portray (someone) in a way that obscures or demeans that person’s humanity or individuality
Recall three characters or moments in WICKED that display examples of “Dehumanization.” What about these characters or moments exemplifies “Dehumanization” to you?
Identify a moment in your life when you encountered an example of “Dehumanization.” What thoughts or feelings did this moment bring up for you?
When have you encountered instances of “Dehumanization” in your community? What are three possible action steps you can take when you see “Dehumanization” in your community, home, or personal life?
WICKED’s national partner V-Day has educational resources and tools for learning more and standing against “Dehumanization.”
Beyond Conflict’s “America’s Divided Mind,” Asian Americans Advancing Justice, ACLU, ADL, and Human Rights Campaign have resources and tools for learning more about standing against “Dehumanization.”
We encourage you to visit these sites and explore!
“‘Dehumanization’ surfaces during the show in many forms. I find it quite evident when Elphaba’s name is stripped away and unwillingly changed right before our eyes at the end of Act 1 by Madame Morrible. Very swiftly and strategically Madame Morrible rebrands her with a name that not only initiates the vilification of Elphaba; the ‘Wicked Witch’, it also supports Madame Morrible’s power hungry agenda. Name dissociation is just one dehumanizing device that succeeds in making Elphaba less human to the citizens of Oz, and its society. This diminishes their humanity and makes it easier for fear to be sowed and hate to be stoked amongst them.”
– Travante Baker, WICKED Company Member
