The Hero's Journey of the Meek Female Archetype: The Color Purple Film (1985)

                                       The Color Purple Poster released by John Alvin courtesy of Wikipedia

                                                                                 

(Warning-this blog includes movie spoilers.)

Happy New Year 2024!

The Color Purple by Alice Walker was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction in 1983. The book is very popular, as well as controversial, and is the foundation for a dramatic film and musicals.  I saw the 1985 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Menno Meyjes, as a teenager. Recently, I saw the new 2023 musical film starring Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks and Fantasia Barrino. After watching the new film, I was inspired to take another look at the 1985 film, which is now a classic.  Paraphrasing philosopher Heraclitus, No man, or woman, ever steps in the same river twice, for its not the same river and he, or she, is not the same person. As an adult, I have a different take of the story. I understand the critics who feel that the film has a negative portrayal of an African-American man, which is true. On the contrary, advocates believe that the film is not a reflection of all African-American men and is mainly a film about redemption and reconciliation, which is also true. Just like beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, the meaning of a story is in the eyes of the viewer. The themes of The Color Purple (1985) include the consequences of economic deprivation on society and illustrates the hero's journey of the meek female archetype. Let's discuss....

Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays: Born to Rebel and Be a Hero

Morehouse College’s A Candle in the Dark Gala is an annual fundraiser for Morehouse College, a private historical black men’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia, whose mission is to “develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service.” At the Gala, the Bennie Awards, named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, were presented to distinguished alumni. Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays (August 1, 1894-March 28, 1984) served as the sixth president of Morehouse College from 1940-1967.  Dr. Mays was also a Baptist Minister, a civil rights leader, and a trusted advisor to presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson and Jimmy Carter. How did the son of former slaves rise above challenges to become a revered leader and scholar? Dr. Mays' successful life was primarily due to prayer, dedication and elements of the Hero’s Journey.  Let’s discuss…

The Elixer, Boon: The Hero's Journey and Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Actress Lupita Nyong'o holds Sulwe, her bestselling children's picture book

In The Hero With A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, the acquisition of the boon, or elixir, culminates an episode of the Hero’s Journey.  Campbell explains on page 211, “The boon that he brings restores the world (elixir)." An elixir is a “medicine with the power to cure all ills.”  The boon, or knowledge, is the gift the hero earns for having the courage to undertake and complete the journey, but it belongs to the world. Like the sun shares its light with everyone, we are to share our wisdom, or boon, with others. Academy Award Winning Actress Lupita Nyong’o recently published a children’s picture book, Sulwe, about lessons she learned about beauty and self-respect. Lupita’s elixir speaks to the voices of many who felt unheard until now. Sulwe is a New York Times bestseller. Let’s discuss…..

"What You Resist, Persists" by Carl Jung, A Perspective

Recently, my friend Jean caught a debilitating cold. Per doctor’s orders, she was placed on bed rest for several days. Eventually, she recovered. Jean may catch another cold, but probably not the exact same one she just experienced. Why? Because her body is now immune to the particular virus that caused her cold.  Jean’s cold inspired me to reflect on a popular quote by Carl Jung, “What you resist, persists.” Let’s discuss….

This Jungian Life: A Podcast You Should Know

My friend Mae habitually procrastinates. If Mae has a Friday deadline to complete a task, she will start working on Thursday night. At one time in your life, you probably experienced procrastination directly or indirectly. What causes the propensity to put off into the future, what can be completed in the present?  Is it due to a lack of self-control? Laziness? Not caring? Apathy? As I pondered these questions, I coincidentally discovered This Jungian Life, a podcast which brings a psychological perspective to important issues in life, according to their introduction. From their episode on procrastination, I learned about causes for the tendency to procrastinate, and strategies used to overcome the habit. Let’s talk about it…

Peace Begins With You: The International Day of Peace, September 21, 2019

On September 21, 2019, I plan to join the world community in observing the International Day of Peace with rituals, reflections, meditation and songs. Join us. Like you, I believe peace is a daily goal. Who doesn’t want peace? However, we are challenged to manifest peace due to our internal and external political and social conflicts. Yet, within the human collective is a strong desire for peace. Why should you observe the International Day of Peace? Let’s talk about it….

Flashdance...What a Feeling: A Song Critique Using The Hero's Journey

Published on July 4, 2019

In a previous post, we discussed the benefits of writing and implementing personal mission, vision and values statements. The next step is belief. A popular 1980’s Academy Award winning song explores the power of belief. The song is "Flashdance…What a Feeling" written by Giorgio Moroder, Keith Forsey and Irene Cara; The movie is Flashdance. Let’s go on a journey….

Villains: A Case Study of Ressentiment

Why Villains are Important 

Note: For the purpose of this blog, a villain is one who opposes the goals of a hero. The person does not have to be evil like they are painted in movies. They have an agenda that conflicts with the hero. A prominent characteristic is their willingness to use graceless methods to achieve their goals. For me, they serve as tests and teachers.  Let's learn together and reveal the possibilities.

Song Critique - New Attitude by Patti LaBelle Using the Hero's Journey

What are the components that produce successful songs?  I used to believe it was only a combination of three elements: lyrics, music, and recording artist. For an example, New Attitude, a popular 80’s song, has redemptive lyrics, a techno danceable beat, and was recorded by Patti LaBelle, a well-liked R&B singer.  At the peak of its popularity, New Attitude was a staple on the air-ways, an anthem for empowerment, and was the introductory music for the Dr. Laura radio program. Recently, after hearing it on the radio, I became aware of another layer that makes it favored by many and still popular today-the songwriters used elements of the hero’s journey to craft a universally relatable story about redemption.