“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain” – The Wizard

When I think of The Wizard from The Wizard of Oz, I think of a question I remember having even at the age of 6 when I first remember watching this movie.  Why is this man hiding behind the curtain?  Why not just come out and say it himself?  What’s the thinking here?

So I’ve pondered just why the Wizard is behind the curtain. I’ve concluded that placing himself behind the curtain offered these probable advantages:

1. spectacular awe-inspiring smoke effects (and impressive green lighting)
2. larger-than-life face
3. louder, more commanding voice
4. better and more impressive visuals
5. increased credibility
6. god-like persona
7. privacy / shielding true identity
8. increased confidence
9. portraying god-like intellectual capability and power
10. selling a story via acting

So there you have it… it’s quite obvious why the Wizard felt it beneficial to place himself behind a curtain.  By changing how he was perceived through utilization of a curtain and some 1930′s special effects, he changed the story.  He came off differently than he truly was.  He was acting, playing a part; acting for the purpose of selling his visitors through power, fear, and wizardry.

What’s the reason I’m writing about the Wizard and how does it relate to you, you ask?  My point is this: when you look at businesses or individuals, try to spot their inner Wizard(s).  Remember that special effects aren’t reserved for the 1930s.  Many individuals and businesses are all smoke and visual effects and it can be hard to part the curtain and look at reality.