Any idea where the Cuckoo Nest is located in our current world? You may have three guesses but the first two don’t count. Obviously this depends on one’s perspective, and for mine…it’s the current newly elected administration. It had been quite some time since I had seen this movie in its entirety, so I watched it again with the purpose of exploring some common threads of this film and our current crazy/cuckoo nest that we find ourselves experiencing with our new regime.
Due to my nursing background, seeing Nurse Ratched was a major déjà vu for me. After graduating from nursing school in Denver, I was SO proud of my nursing cap (with two green stripes) and my golden nursing pin… both distinguish my hard-earned accomplishment and signified which nursing school I attended. And yes…those white stockings, white shoes, and starch-pressed white uniforms…it was all quite the symbol of authority and control…and in this mental institution setting… this was certainly the case. .
McMurphy (masterfully played by Jack Nicolson) was the epitome of a revolutionary in the movie…he broke the rules; he defied the system; and he also wanted the other inmates to go along with his disruptive antics…he was the icon of the call for change in their micro-society (the asylum). Meanwhile, Nurse Ratched can be paralleled to a dictator…who had absolute power inside the ward, and was capable of using both hard and soft power to control her subordinates (the patients). Despite certain instances of negotiation for change, McMurphy failed to loosen up the tight system enforced by Nurse Ratched, and it even cost his own wellbeing, as he was sadly subjected to a lobotomy to decrease his spirit.
However, McMurphy’s efforts were not totally in vain. At least, he inspired someone in the asylum to rethink about his own existence and to go beyond the system…and that was Chief Bromden. While pretending to be deaf and mute for all the time he spent with the inmates, he was seen by the others as dumb and good-for-nothing. However, motivated by McMurphy’s example, he finally saw himself ‘as big as a mountain’ and ready to escape the choking system inside the mental hospital. Although one may argue that he just waited for the right time to escape as the authorities focused too much on McMurphy while he remained silent in between the conflicting parties, I still consider Chief as a ‘roundabout character’s…informed by circumstances into a new character toward the end of the story.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” serves as a timeless exploration of the struggle between individuality and authority, reflecting themes that resonate with today’s political climate. The novel/movie offers insights into mental health, societal norms, and the nature of power reveal ongoing tensions in our current discourse. As individuals and movements continue to challenge oppressive systems, the spirit of McMurphy’s rebellion remains a potent symbol of resistance and hope. In navigating the complexities of the modern world, the lessons from this narrative remind us of the importance of fighting for individual freedoms and advocating for a just society.
How to fly above the “Cuckoo Nest” while maintaining our hope, serenity, sanity and wellness in our world…here are a few ideas:
- Involvement in speaking out for change via peaceful means (i.e. womens, LGBTQ rights)
- Contact our political representatives regarding issues they can support and those not supporting our freedoms
- Happy Socks–these could be SpongeBob, dogs or whatever floats your boat and resembles “happy” to you (they are also available in compression socks…what a deal!
- Decrease the amount of time spent watch/reading news and/or social media…I know this is easier said than done when we want to stay informed
- Play music that supports your soul and gives you joy (since the election I’m enjoying playing blues…Keb Mo and other like artists)
- Reach out to an old friend
- Downsize clothing and household items & donate them
Progress, not perfection Warriors! And let’s be gentle with ourselves along the way.
Spiritual Meditation:” One of the biggest spiritual problems in our life is simply not showing up. Sometimes our fear paralyzes us. We have to remember life is a participatory journey.” – Daily Medicine
Political Humor: food for thought: perhaps if RFK, Jr had received the “brain worm vaccination” …maybe he wouldn’t have a cuckoo nest in his brain.