Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Tale of Democracy, Power, and Healing

"Democracy doesn’t die in darkness—it’s poisoned in plain sight, served on a silver platter by those who crave control more than justice. The question isn’t whether we see it happening. The question is: Will we wake up in time to stop it?" - Mary Coughlin

The upcoming live-action Snow White movie, featuring Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen and Rachel Zegler as Snow White, offers more than just a fresh take on a classic fairy tale—it serves as a striking metaphor for the times we live in. Watching the trailer, I couldn’t shake the thought that the Evil Queen mirrors the authoritarian figures of today, while Snow White embodies the spirit of democracy itself. My husband had the same reaction, which made me realize how deeply this theme resonates.

In many ways, democracy has found itself trapped in the Queen’s castle, poisoned by misinformation, divisiveness, and power-hoarding. Meanwhile, those who believe in justice, inclusion, and the well-being of all are left searching for ways to revive and restore what has been lost.

The Evil Queen and the Allure of Control

The Evil Queen’s obsession with being the fairest of them all reflects the vanity and insecurity that drive authoritarianism. She governs through fear, manipulation, and deception—ensuring that no one challenges her rule. Like certain political figures we’ve seen, her thirst for power blinds her to the reality that true leadership is not about dominance but about service.

We see these same patterns in real-world governance: the suppression of dissent, the demonization of the “other,” and the relentless pursuit of personal legacy over collective well-being. Just as the Queen’s magic mirror reflects only what she wishes to see, authoritarian figures surround themselves with sycophants and distort truth to maintain their grip on power.

Snow White as a Symbol of Democracy

Snow White, on the other hand, represents the resilience of democracy. In this retelling, she is not a damsel in distress but a force of hope and renewal. She builds relationships, seeks truth, and empowers those around her. The dwarfs—reinvented as a diverse group of magical beings—symbolize the strength of coalitions, the necessity of working together, and the idea that democracy thrives when diverse voices are included.

Much like democracy itself, Snow White is repeatedly threatened, weakened, and even left for dead. But she is never truly defeated. The antidote to the Queen’s poison is not more power, but love, connection, and a shared commitment to something greater than any one person.

A Trauma-Informed Perspective on Leadership and Society

The themes of this story align with the core principles of Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (TIDC), the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework, and Caring Science—all of which emphasize healing, equity, and human dignity.

• Safety & Transparency: Just as Snow White creates a safe haven for those she encounters, democratic societies must ensure that people feel secure, heard, and protected from harm.

• Belonging & Respect: The Evil Queen isolates herself in her tower, believing she alone defines truth, whereas Snow White finds strength in collaboration and radical belonging.

• Equanimity & Healing: Instead of seeking revenge, Snow White leads with grace, embodying the kind of leadership that heals rather than divides.

If we apply these trauma-informed principles to governance, we can shift away from power-driven systems of fear and control toward societies that prioritize care, justice, and the collective good.

The Call to Action: Will We Wake Up?

In the story, Snow White is awakened from her poisoned sleep. The question is: Will we awaken in time to revive our democracy?

We are living through a moment of reckoning. The mirror is revealing hard truths, and the poisoned apple has been served in the form of attacks on democratic institutions, voter suppression, and the erosion of truth itself. But just like in the story, there is still time to change the course.

Healing democracy requires more than passive hope—it demands active engagement, coalition-building, and a shared commitment to justice. It means:

• Speaking truth in a world of distortion

• Defending the dignity and rights of all people

• Centering care, compassion, and equity in leadership

• Voting, organizing, and resisting the allure of easy answers offered by those who seek only to control

The Evil Queen’s reign is only inevitable if we allow it to be. The future is unwritten, and we, the people, have the power to decide how this story ends.

Which role will we play? Will we be passive observers of democracy’s fading breath, or will we be the ones who wake it up?

Join the Movement

If this message resonates with you, let’s reimagine what democracy can be. Explore the We the Future movement and sign The People’s Declaration—a collective vision for a democracy that centers justice, belonging, and care.

Because in the end, democracy is not about waiting for a prince to arrive—it’s about all of us choosing to wake up.

The fairytale is breaking—but the future is ours to write.
Still weaving, still rising,
Mary

P.S.: Love is the antidote. Truth is the kiss. Democracy is waking up.

#CaringIsEssential #WeTheFuture #REIMAGINE