Falling with Style

Today I read a beautiful metaphor on one of my message boards. I’ve revised it a good deal, and present it to you here:

Most people have seen Disney’s Toy Story. A few years ago I watched the movie (again) and felt compelled by Buzz Lightyear’s character. As you may recall, Buzz was charismatic, confident and even charming. He believed himself to be an authentic space ranger, together with wings and a laser that could stun and even kill opponents. He believed he was an important member of a force fighting against a cosmic foe bent on destroying the universe.

Of course, he paid no attention to the fact that his cool gadgets didn’t really work. When he was asked if he could fly, he was able to demonstrate his flying ability to the satisfaction of all the other toys (except Woody). Buzz’s faith was so strong that he was able to produce the evidence necessary to vindicate it, quite convincingly, I might add, (almost miraculously) as he bounced around Andy’s bedroom appearing to fly.

Then something important happened. Woody was able to convince Buzz to test out his machinery, really, to see if he was truly a space ranger. Buzz watched a TV commercial, and tested his equipment. He started to seriously doubt. Later, Buzz’s doubts turned into complete hopelessness as he leaped off a staircase only to find his that his wings were useless.

As a broken toy, Buzz suffered in the depths of depression. He got rid of the stickers on his body that did nothing but serve as decorations. He experimented with his personality, acting totally different, for a while, from the way people had always known him. The courageous, confident Buzz seemed a broken and unhappy toy.

Buzz went through a major transformation. He became more human when he learned of his true identity and limitations.

He was just a toy.

Once he acknowledged this, he decided that his goal should be to try to help Woody and Andy find happiness.

At the end of the movie, in a desperate moment, Buzz had to muster the courage to use his wings to “fly” in order to take himself and Woody to the child, Andy. Amazingly, he was able to fly, only this time his response to the admiration of Woody was, “This isn’t flying. This is falling with style!” He recognized his limitations, yet working within them was able to accomplish amazing things.

I hope I can still fall with style.

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Note: I realize metaphors can be taken too far. As it stands, I think this one is beautiful; I’d rather not try to extend it too far to try to analyze the role of Andy as a loving caretaker, Sid as the incarnation of evil, and Mr. Potato Head as the need for comic relief. Or whatever.