As I reflect on this issue, we must consider what exactly is missing in American popular culture. A central call to action involves creating a distinctly American fantasy narrative—one that defines its own cultural identity instead of borrowing mainly from European traditions. The success of 'Wicked' demonstrates a thirst for stories that resonate with the American experience, yet we find ourselves trapped in an unoriginal cycle where the fantasy genre is dominated by old-world myths.
J.R.R. Tolkien ingeniously created a mythological framework tailored to the English identity, filling a cultural void. However, many contemporary fantasy narratives still heavily lean on Northern European pasts, failing to branch out into uniquely American tales. While authors like George R.R. Martin show the genre's evolution, the call remains: we need stories that reflect America’s own diversity, struggles, and dreams, rather than continuing to recycle established Anglo traditions.
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