“Magic Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?”
These iconic words have echoed through childhoods for generations, weaving into our understanding of beauty, fairness, and truth. Tomorrow, as the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Snow White premieres, audiences will once again hear the Magic Mirror deliver its striking truth:
Queen: "Magic mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"
Mirror: "I'm only bound by what is true, the fairest is not you."
As a child, I, like countless others, was captivated by Snow White’s kindness, her gentle care for animals and nature, her ability to turn chores into cheerful moments, and her unwavering commitment to friendship and acceptance. In fact, perhaps my own enduring love of animals and dedication to nature conservation was sparked by Snow White’s charming connection to the creatures of her woodland world.
But beyond the surface-level enchantment of Snow White’s kindness and beauty, the Magic Mirror’s message carries a profound double meaning—one central to the message of my newly released book, Magic Mirror.
“Fairest” does not merely denote beauty; it speaks profoundly of justice, integrity, and truth. This duality is critical to understanding our place in the world and our responsibilities to each other. In Magic Mirror, readers explore positionality—the lens through which we see and interact with the world, shaped by our identity, biases, and beliefs. Like the Queen, we often ask mirrors—literal and metaphorical—for validation of what we want to hear. Yet the mirrors we truly need are the ones willing to challenge us with truth.
My book invites readers on a journey to reflect deeply and honestly, examining not just our own perceptions but how those perceptions shape our interactions, choices, and, ultimately, our lives and organizations. Just as the Magic Mirror provides uncomfortable truths to provoke reflection, Magic Mirror guides readers to confront biases, acknowledge privileges, and recognize blinders that limit personal and organizational growth.
As we step into theaters to experience the magic of Snow White once again, let us be reminded that the greatest magic of all is found in truth-telling, reflection, and the courage to face what we find there.
“Magic Mirror on the wall, show us clearly, truth and all.”
