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What can we learn from SpongeBob?

Damojo

SpongeBob SquarePants is autistic (according to Tom Kenny, his voice actor). I've shed many a tear (of laughter) watching the gloriously insane antics of SpongeBob and friends. My son is also a huge fan. I think he can teach us a lot about how to live authentically and joyfully in the world. Discuss.

Here's a primer on his traits:

  1. Literal Thinking: He often takes things literally, leading to misunderstandings.
  2. Intense Interests: He has a strong passion for his job and hobbies, like jellyfishing.
  3. Social Challenges: He sometimes struggles with social cues and norms.
  4. Repetitive Behaviours: He engages in routines and repetitive actions for comfort, like making Krabby Patties.
  5. Emotional Expression: He displays a wide range of exaggerated emotions, sometimes struggling to regulate them.
  6. Strong Sense of Justice: He stands up for friends and fairness.
  7. Unique Perspective: He sees the world differently, leading to creative problem-solving.
Parents

  • I can defo relate to all of this list here lol! I can also take things literally, though I do find I can actually see the funny side of dry/sarky humour too. I also have a strong passion for interests like gaming and doing random crafty stuff, if I get told something bad about what I like it will deeply hurt me and unfortunately I’ve been in that position so many times that I feel guilty doing what I love, I mean I even question myself if I really like what I love. I actually admire SpongeBob that he doesn’t let anyone stop him doing what he loves! I can also related to the social cues and defo unable to relate to the “norms” of this day and age (being gen z makes things worse). I also noticed I do things repeatedly like I find I can stim a lot and also feel I need to do certain routines or I feel awful if I fail to do so. I also show a wide range of expressions and also I struggle to regulate though I think I’m worse compared to SpongeBob. I defo have a strong sense of justice, like I want to be a vigilante but I just don’t have what it takes. Don’t get me started on the media!! I also probably see the world differently and I am defo more of a black and white thinker and I’m defo more glass half empty but I find that can be helpful in some cases.

    I think SpongeBob comes across as a generally nice guy (or sponge in this case)! I think SpongeBob is a great role model if you ask me and I also find that his show is one of the few that have actually stayed good all this time. I can’t wait for more of his episodes and now watching him knowing he’s apparently autistic I can’t wait relate to him all the more!! Thank you for this post! Sorry my switch 2 prevented me from seeing this sooner

Reply

  • I can defo relate to all of this list here lol! I can also take things literally, though I do find I can actually see the funny side of dry/sarky humour too. I also have a strong passion for interests like gaming and doing random crafty stuff, if I get told something bad about what I like it will deeply hurt me and unfortunately I’ve been in that position so many times that I feel guilty doing what I love, I mean I even question myself if I really like what I love. I actually admire SpongeBob that he doesn’t let anyone stop him doing what he loves! I can also related to the social cues and defo unable to relate to the “norms” of this day and age (being gen z makes things worse). I also noticed I do things repeatedly like I find I can stim a lot and also feel I need to do certain routines or I feel awful if I fail to do so. I also show a wide range of expressions and also I struggle to regulate though I think I’m worse compared to SpongeBob. I defo have a strong sense of justice, like I want to be a vigilante but I just don’t have what it takes. Don’t get me started on the media!! I also probably see the world differently and I am defo more of a black and white thinker and I’m defo more glass half empty but I find that can be helpful in some cases.

    I think SpongeBob comes across as a generally nice guy (or sponge in this case)! I think SpongeBob is a great role model if you ask me and I also find that his show is one of the few that have actually stayed good all this time. I can’t wait for more of his episodes and now watching him knowing he’s apparently autistic I can’t wait relate to him all the more!! Thank you for this post! Sorry my switch 2 prevented me from seeing this sooner

Children
  • in reply to Elfilis

    Yeah, SB's a nice guy. A lot of plot lines see him being taken advantage of, but every time he falls down he gets back up again and he doesn't let it get to him. He stays true to himself and his friends. Lives life his way. [I think I got something in my eye...sniff...]

  • in reply to Elfilis
    Elfilis said:
    I defo have a strong sense of justice, like I want to be a vigilante but I just don’t have what it takes

    I wanted to be Batman for a long time, probably dare I say up until my mid 20s :S I would often fantasise that someone rich would hear me out and fund my quest for justice on the basis it was the right thing to do. I did question how I’d get about on rooftops as most of them around here are sloped and what if I was caught? I’d be a laughing stock.