The Stoicism of Footloose

Did the writers mean to create a stoic lead character?

The teen blockbuster Footloose was released on February 17, 1984, and is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. Unlike many of the movies from the early 80s, Footloose has held up surprisingly well, with relevant topics and the ongoing battle for personal freedom.

Watching it again after many years gave me a whole new perspective on the message of the movie. When I saw it last time it was a cute bubblegum movie about teenagers, rebellion, and dancing. Looking at it now — as a parent and someone with many more miles on the odometer — I see it as a study in philosophy that remains relevant.

I see Footloose as a study in philosophy that remains relevant today.

In one scene there is a conversation about Kurt Vonnegut’s book “Slaughterhouse Five,” and whether it should be banned. There’s even a scene with books being burned, something I had completely forgotten about. Like I said: relevant.

The heart of Slaughterhouse Five is what we know of as The Serenity Prayer.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.”