lessons from bikini bottom
You’re probably thinking “what the heck even is this?” but hear me out.
It doesn’t matter that the first episode aired in 1999, you’ve probably seen Spongebob before.
Whether as a child or whether you still do now, it doesn’t matter.
What matters is that it’s a great show.
It’s funny, diverse in its wackiness, and if you pay close enough attention, there are quite a few things to learn.
And you know me – all about learning stuff from the most unlikely stuff.
I’m a very big fan of characters that are nuanced and deep, and the characters of this cartoon are both of these in many ways.
SpongeBob SquarePants
The man himself.
Always smiling and optimistic; even in the direst situations.
His defining trait is that he’s always enthusiastic.
He approaches every day with a smile and a positive “I’m ready!” attitude, even though he has to deal with a miserable neighbour and a greedy taskmaster as a boss.
Obviously, it’ll be very stupid for anybody to view real life with the same ‘rainbows and jellyfishes’ lens that Bob here does, but would it be so bad to have his positive outlook on life?
Unfortunately for him, SpongeBob’s biggest strength is also his biggest flaw.
He’s naïve and ignorant, and he’s always exploited and bullied by the people around him.
So, however outgoing and energetic as you might want to be, always be cautious.
Or else people will use every chance they get to take advantage of you.
Patrick Star
Patrick does not have the highest IQ under the sea, but what he does have is a calm and simple life.
It’s easy to laugh at his stupidity, but in the end, he’s just a simple guy that finds joy in the smallest, most mundane aspects of his life.
The older we get, the more we’re swamped with challenges that will often make us forget the things that make us happy and keep us grounded.
I think that if we choose to find joy in the “little”, everyday things more often, we would enjoy living life a little more.
Just like Patrick.
However, while we can excuse his common foolishness and ignorance because he literally “lives under a rock”, we cannot do the same for ourselves.
It’s just the bare minimum for you and me to develop critical thinking skills and be knowledgeable about many different things.
A mind that’s not constantly learning will die.
Squidward Tentacles
The poster boy for miserable living.
I actually feel so bad for him sometimes.
He hates his job, he lives between two obnoxiously infuriating neighbours, and his dreams of stardom and fame just refuse to materialise, no matter what he does and regardless of how hard he tries.
It’s easy to laugh or pity him, but Squidward’s refusal to give up on his dreams can be admirable sometimes.
However, the major downside to Squidward’s drive is that it’s often present because he desperately craves the validation, love, and respect that he thinks will come with being rich and famous.
He thinks those things will give him satisfaction in life, and he couldn’t be more wrong because true fulfillment can only ever come from within.
On the flip side, Squidward is also a self-absorbed, narcissistic squid who has no empathy or respect for anyone.
He always frowning, spreading negativity everywhere he goes, and refusing to leave his self-absorbed bubble.
That’s probably why his life is the way it is, and good for him, to be honest.
Mr. Krabs
Say whatever you want about him but you can’t deny the business genius of this crustacean entrepreneur.
He singlehandedly created the biggest underwater restaurant, solidifying the brand with a signature meal that’s in constant demand by every citizen.
And despite his ridiculous fast-food prices and terrible customer service, his diner is never ever empty.
Krabs is prudent; constantly cutting costs, milking every penny from every customer, and thinking of new ways to increase his wealth.
He’s a proper and ruthless businessman.
But…
He’s also very greedy and has an unhealthy, inhumane (in-crustacean?) obsession with money.
Which are two things you and I should never ever be.
Mr. Krabs is ever willing to sacrifice integrity, dignity, and even relationships just to save or earn a few extra cash.
The most baffling part is that he does not even spend any of this money.
He doesn’t buy luxury speedboats or take vacations on the beaches.
He just keeps all the money in his safe so can kiss, speak to, swim and dance in it.
It’s ridiculous.
(Question - Can someone quickly explain the logic of a sandy beach being under the sea to me?)
Plankton
As much as I like him, there’s really nothing positive to say about this guy.
He’s painted as the “bad guy”; the businessman envious of his rival’s success and desperate to have it all for himself.
I thought about highlighting his dedication to achieving this goal, but that’s not a worthy trait to emulate, in all honesty.
Rather, it should remind us of the dangers of unchecked ambition and jealousy.
Kudos to him though, despite the fact that they never succeed, he’s very creative in his attempts to sabotage his enemy.
He also has the most patient and understanding “wife” ever, so big W for him.
Sandy Cheeks
Imagine you suddenly have to live in a new environment, far away from everything and everyone you’ve ever known, what will you do?
Do you wail and despair?
Or do you, like Sandy, find every possible way to adapt in the new reality you’ve found yourself in?
We should all learn something from her resilient and innovative spirit.
Some people can’t even step out of their comfort zone for a few minutes, and here’s a squirrel living in the same place with a bodybuilding lobster and a green pirate ghost.
I think that’s very admirable.
I didn’t add how Pearl’s obsession to be “popular” and loved by her friends does nothing more than drive her into more and more depression.
Or how Mrs. Puff’s ability to endure and keep training that one student that refuses to pass her class is a trait every teacher/leader should imbibe.
Or the many other examples I could have added.
The point is, there’s a lesson everywhere and in everything.
You just have to be paying attention.
Fun Fact - I wrote this post on November 22 last year, but decided against posting it for whatever reason.
I was wondering if I’d ever write again when I remembered that it’s just been sitting idle in my drafts.
Better late than never, eh?
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I remember watching some sort of documentary about this show.
I remember being so sad when the show’s original creator died, and when one of SpongeBob’s voice actors died.
At one point in my life, I found squidward completely relatable. Glad I moved on from that dark phase.
But on some days still, I tend to have that melancholic outlook to everything and everyone around me.
I love SpongeBob but I’m a pessimist and I hate to see his hopes dashed and people take advantage of him time and time again. I’m glad he’d always have Gary his pet snail who meows for some reason.
I want to talk about other characters but I’m hungry so I’ll stop here bye
Immediate yes.
I love this so much and I love it even more cause an hour a ago I saw a video of a girl talking about how watching SpongeBob added to who she is today and I totally agree