Freedom and Its Consequences

Summary

In this Independence Day reflection, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the theme of freedom through the lens of 'The Little Mermaid.' He contrasts the modern notion of freedom as 'license' with the true meaning of freedom as 'the power to do what I ought,' highlighting the responsibility that accompanies it. Using Ariel's story, he discusses the consequences of choices and emphasizes the importance of making decisions that matter, as they reflect our value and impact the world around us.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video is a discussion by Fr. Mike Schmitz on Ascension Presents about the concept of freedom, using 'The Little Mermaid' as a metaphor.
• 🇺🇸 The video is released or viewed around Independence Day, a celebration of the United States' independence from Great Britain.
• 🎭 Fr. Mike highlights the difference between 'license', the idea of doing whatever one wants, and true freedom, which involves responsibility.
• 🌊 He critiques 'The Little Mermaid' for portraying Ariel's disobedience without consequences, suggesting it teaches a flawed lesson about freedom.
• 🧙‍♂️ Fr. Mike references Saint John Paul II's definition of freedom as 'the power to do what I ought', emphasizing the link between freedom and responsibility.
• 👑 Ariel, as the princess of the sea, is shown to have everything she wants but disobeys her father, King Triton, to pursue her desires.
• 🤝 Ariel's actions result in a deal with Ursula the Sea Witch, leading to a series of events that nearly cost her father his kingdom.
• 🚫 Despite the dire consequences of her actions for others, Ariel faces no personal repercussions and gets what she wants in the end.
• 📚 Fr. Mike contrasts the Disney version with Hans Christian Andersen's original story, where Ariel's freedom leads to a tragic end.
• 💭 The video encourages viewers to reflect on the true meaning of freedom and the importance of making choices that align with responsibility.
• 🌟 It concludes with a reminder that everyone's choices have consequences and that recognizing this is a powerful truth to live by.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker in the video script is Fr. Mike Schmitz.

What topic does Fr. Mike Schmitz discuss in the video?

Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the concept of freedom, using the story of The Little Mermaid as a reference point.

What day is being referred to as Independence Day in the script?

The Fourth of July is referred to as Independence Day in the script, which is the day the United States celebrates its independence from Great Britain.

How does Fr. Mike Schmitz differentiate between 'freedom' and 'license'?

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that 'freedom' is not just the ability to do whatever one wants ('license'), but rather the power to do what one ought to do, with the understanding that it comes with responsibility.

What is the main critique of The Little Mermaid's story according to Fr. Mike Schmitz?

Fr. Mike Schmitz critiques that The Little Mermaid uses her freedom for license, doing whatever she wants without consequences, which he views as a flawed representation of true freedom.

What does Fr. Mike Schmitz suggest is the problem with Ariel's actions in The Little Mermaid?

The problem with Ariel's actions is that she disobeys her father and makes a deal with Ursula without considering the consequences for herself and others, which goes against the idea of true freedom rooted in responsibility.

What is the alternative ending to The Little Mermaid story mentioned by Fr. Mike Schmitz?

The alternative ending mentioned is from Hans Christian Andersen's original version, where Ariel becomes sea foam and has to spend a year for every tear a child cries throughout the world.

What does Fr. Mike Schmitz believe is the powerful truth about freedom?

Fr. Mike Schmitz believes that the powerful truth about freedom is that it comes with the responsibility of understanding that one's choices have consequences, and that one is not free to choose the consequences of those choices.

How does Fr. Mike Schmitz connect the concept of freedom to the moral agency of individuals?

He connects the concept of freedom to moral agency by stating that as moral agents, individuals have the power to make choices that matter and come with consequences, emphasizing the importance of making good choices.

What message does Fr. Mike Schmitz want to convey on Independence Day regarding freedom?

Fr. Mike Schmitz wants to convey the message that Independence Day is a day to act in true freedom, understanding the power to do what one ought to do and acknowledging the consequences of one's actions.

What is Fr. Mike Schmitz's final recommendation regarding the movie The Little Mermaid?

Fr. Mike Schmitz's final recommendation is to watch The Little Mermaid, acknowledging it as a fun movie, but also to consider the deeper lessons about freedom and responsibility.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Reflections on Independence Day and The Little Mermaid

Father Mike Schmitz begins his video with a casual and humorous tone, acknowledging the coincidence of discussing 'The Little Mermaid' on Independence Day. He reflects on the true meaning of freedom, distinguishing it from the modern notion of 'license' where one does whatever they want without consequences. He references Saint John Paul II's definition of freedom as the 'power to do what I ought,' emphasizing the inherent responsibility that comes with it. Father Mike then critiques the Disney film 'The Little Mermaid,' pointing out the moral implications of Ariel's actions and the lack of consequences she faces, which he contrasts with the original Hans Christian Andersen story where there are dire consequences for her choices. He concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding freedom as a power to make responsible choices, acknowledging the impact of those choices on oneself and others.

05:01

🌟 Embracing the Power of Freedom and Responsibility

In the second paragraph, Father Mike extends the discussion of freedom and responsibility to the viewers, regardless of their location or the day they watch the video. He encourages everyone to embrace the power of freedom as a means to do what is right, acknowledging the existence of consequences for our actions. He uses the metaphor of Independence Day to remind us that every day can be a day of independence when we act in accordance with our moral agency. He concludes with a light-hearted reminder to enjoy 'The Little Mermaid' for its entertainment value, while also considering the deeper moral lessons it could impart if it portrayed consequences for Ariel's actions.

Keywords

💡Independence Day

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the video, Fr. Mike Schmitz uses Independence Day as a backdrop to discuss the concept of freedom, drawing a parallel between the historical event and the personal freedom of individuals to make choices.

💡Freedom

Freedom, in the context of the video, is a central theme that Fr. Mike Schmitz explores in relation to the story of The Little Mermaid. He contrasts the common misconception of freedom as 'license'—doing whatever one wants—with the true meaning of freedom as the power to do what one ought to do, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with it.

💡License

In the video, 'license' is described as the mistaken belief that freedom means one can do anything they desire without consequences. Fr. Mike Schmitz uses this term to critique the portrayal of Ariel's actions in The Little Mermaid, where she acts on her desires without considering the repercussions.

💡Responsibility

Responsibility is highlighted as an intrinsic part of true freedom, as explained by Fr. Mike Schmitz. It is the recognition that one's actions have consequences and that with the power to make choices comes the duty to consider those outcomes, which is a key message in the video.

💡The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a Disney movie used as a narrative device in the video to illustrate the concepts of freedom and license. Fr. Mike Schmitz critiques the movie's portrayal of Ariel's pursuit of her desires without considering the consequences for her actions, which he contrasts with the true meaning of freedom.

💡Consequences

Consequences are the outcomes or results of one's actions, a concept that Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes throughout the video. He discusses how true freedom involves understanding and accepting the consequences of the choices one makes, using Ariel's story as an example where she seemingly avoids consequences.

💡Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II, also known as John Paul the Great, is referenced in the video for his definition of freedom. Fr. Mike Schmitz quotes him to clarify that freedom is not just about doing what one wants but having the power to do what one ought to do, which is a pivotal point in the video's message.

💡Moral Agency

Moral agency is the capacity to make moral judgments and to act according to those judgments. In the video, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how each person, as a moral agent, has the freedom to choose but must also consider the moral implications and consequences of those choices.

💡Ursula the Sea Witch

Ursula the Sea Witch is a character from The Little Mermaid who plays a significant role in the video's discussion on freedom and consequences. Ariel's deal with Ursula, which results in her gaining legs but losing her voice, is used to illustrate the idea of pursuing one's desires without considering the consequences.

💡Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen is the original author of the story 'The Little Mermaid,' which has a different ending from the Disney version. Fr. Mike Schmitz contrasts the Disney ending, where Ariel gets what she wants without consequences, with Andersen's version, where there are dire consequences for her actions.

💡Sea Foam

In the original Hans Christian Andersen story, the Little Mermaid turns into sea foam as a consequence of her actions, a detail mentioned by Fr. Mike Schmitz to emphasize the importance of consequences in the concept of true freedom. This outcome is used to highlight the difference between the Disney version and the original story's moral lesson.

Highlights

Father Mike Schmitz begins his talk on Independence Day, drawing a parallel between the celebration and the theme of freedom in 'The Little Mermaid'.

He distinguishes between 'license' and true freedom, emphasizing that freedom entails responsibility.

Father Mike Schmitz recounts his initial impressions of 'The Little Mermaid' and its appeal during his high school years.

He critiques the movie's portrayal of Ariel's actions, suggesting it teaches a 'terrible lesson' about the misuse of freedom.

Ariel's disobedience to her father, King Triton, is highlighted as an example of pursuing license over true freedom.

The consequences of Ariel's deal with Ursula the Sea Witch are discussed, pointing out the negative impact on others.

Father Mike Schmitz expresses disappointment in the movie's ending, where Ariel faces no consequences for her actions.

He contrasts the Disney version with Hans Christian Andersen's original story, which has a more somber and consequence-driven ending.

The concept that freedom comes with the power to do what one ought, not just what one wants, is underscored.

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the importance of recognizing the impact of our choices and the inherent responsibility in freedom.

He encourages viewers to embrace the truth that their choices have consequences and that they matter.

The talk concludes with a call to action for viewers to make good choices, inspired by the principles of true freedom.

Father Mike Schmitz reminds us that we are moral agents, capable of making choices that carry weight.

The significance of the 4th of July as a day to reflect on the power and responsibility of freedom is highlighted.

A final blessing and invitation to rewatch 'The Little Mermaid' with a critical eye for its portrayal of freedom is offered.

Transcripts

Hi, my name's Fr. Mike Schmidtz ... that was fast... I'm gonna start over again.

Okay, sorry, sorry. I’m just so excited to talk about Little Mermaid.

Hi, my name's Fr. Mike Schmitz and this is Ascension Presents.

So, um, it is Independence Day today — Fourth of July.

Or it's another day, and you just happen to be watching this video on a different day.

Maybe it's not even July; maybe it's snowing outside where you are right now.

Or maybe you're in a different country and you're like “Fourth of July? What the heck?”

Fourth of July is a day that we in the United States celebrate our independence from Great Britain.

Um, hey everyone in the UK! Miss you! *Laughs*

I mean that in the best possible way, right? Here we are. It's our current reality.

I thought, what better day than Independence Day to talk about the Little Mermaid?

Because it just makes sense, you guys. And it's gonna make sense in just a second.

I'm gonna slow down a little bit because I am super excited to talk about freedom.

We talked about — in a different video before — a lot of times in our modern world,

freedom can be defined as ‘license,’ right?

So a lot of people think freedom is ‘I can do whatever I want to do.

I have freedom, I can do whatever I want.’ That's license, it's not real freedom.

Saint John Paul II, or John Paul the Great, he defined freedom in this way: he said,

“Freedom is not just the ability to do what I want. It's the power to do what I ought.”

With freedom comes responsibility.

That's why I want to talk about The Little Mermaid.

Because I remember watching this movie when I was...

I was in high school when I watched The Little Mermaid the first time.

And I remember being blown away by like, “These graphics! This is so cool!”

And the songs and the whatever. “Great movie for kids,” I thought when I watched it.

And then I went back and rewatched it and thought “This is a terrible lesson.”

Here's Ariel, who is doted upon by her father, King Triton, absolutely. She could have anything she wants.

She is the princess of the king of the sea.

He says, “Don't do this thing.” “I forbid it,” he says, you know, in a very... no wait.

Is that from Beauty and the Beast? Anyways.

He is very clear: don't do the thing. It's whatcha do. She does the thing.

She makes a deal with Ursula the Sea Witch,

and she gets legs but she doesn’t have a voice, right?

And so she basically says to her dad, who seems to be relatively loving —

I mean he did destroy her stuff... that was kind of an over-reaction on his part.

The whole rest of the story is all about her doing ‘the thing’ because she wants to do it:

“I want to do what I want to do.” Remember, license: I get to do whatever I want.

“I am the daughter of the king. I made a deal with the sea witch.”

And now everyone else has to pay for her stuff, right?

So you have this one point — her dad's gonna die,

the ocean is gonna belong to King Urs— King Ursula? Queen Ursula (you know, formerly Ursula the Sea Witch).

And that's not the ridiculous part! The ridiculous part is, after all that happens,

Ariel gets everything she wanted, no consequences.

And everyone's happy for her.

Did you notice this? Like, even her dad and her sisters are like,

“Yeah, see ya Ariel. So happy for you.

So happy you disobeyed my orders and my wishes as a father who loves you.”

It is very disappointing.

Why?

Because she used her freedom simply for license, and there were no consequences.

That's why I actually like Hans Christian Anderson’s — I don't really *like* Hans Christian Anderson's version —

but do you know, in the end of the non- Disney version of the story, Eric chooses the other gal to marry.

And Ariel ends up — or The Little Mermaid — ends up becoming sea foam.

Just foam, on the sea, for a hundred years.

And she has to spend another year as sea foam for every tear a child cries throughout the world.

That’s a long time, maybe infinite time.

Now [laughs] it's like, “Wow, this is kind of a downer.”

It totally is a downer. You know why?

Because freedom is not license (the ability to do whatever I want with no consequences).

Freedom is rooted in responsibility, and freedom is rooted in “I have the power to do what I ought.”

And there's going to be consequences. And I think there's something really powerful about this.

Because one of the things it reveals is: I am free to make my own choices,

but I am NOT free to choose the consequences of those choices.

Ariel? Yep, no consequences. Got off scot-free. Did whatever she wanted. (License)

True freedom — the power to do what we ought — entails this incredible responsibility,

but that responsibility comes from one massively important principle:

you matter.

You matter and your choices matter.

You were created as a free agent.

Now, we're not entirely free, right? Because we’re bound by our circumstances.

We’re bound by internal stuff, maybe even, you know, bound by our fallen human nature.

But we still are moral agents. We're still moral actors.

And that agency — that action, the things we can choose — they matter,

and there's consequences for every one of the choices we make.

And I think that's really, really good news.

Yes, there's consequences to my choices that can be really negative.

There's also consequences to my choices — and to your choices — that can be incredibly positive.

And that's an incredibly powerful truth to embrace

and really powerful truth to live out.

This 4th of July, this Independence Day, this day of freedom, I invite you —

wherever you live right now, even our brothers and sisters in the UK,

wherever you are in the world right now,

on this Independence Day —

actually you what? Any day!

Any day, right now, if you're a human being,

if you have been given freedom in Christ, this day - whenever you're watching this - is an Independence Day.

It's a day to act in freedom: the power to do what you ought,

knowing that there's consequences to those actions.

Why? Because you matter, and they matter.

So make good choices.

Don't become sea foam.

From all of us here at Ascension Presents, my name’s Fr. Mike. God bless.

And go watch The Little Mermaid — it's a super fun movie, right? Man.

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