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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

  • 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...]

Reply Children
  • in reply to Elfilis

    Listing all them is making me want to play more Mario kart lol! Wish grumble volcano was in the newest one! 

  • in reply to Damojo

    “Boating school” is the first episode to feature on of the best quotes. “My leg”! It’s where Patrick tells SpongeBob the answers and how to drive but fails when SpongeBob realises he’s cheating. 


    “The chaperone”is actually the episode where Pearl can’t find a date for her prom so she has to take SpongeBob but Mrs Puff isn’t in that episode at all.

    Season 2 episode 20 is actually “Squid on strike” and again nothing to do with driving. Are you thinking of the episode “No free rides”? That’s where Mrs Puff passes SpongeBob with an extra credit thing and she tried to steal the boat SpongeBobs parents bought him

    “Mrs Puff you're fired” is the episode where she gets fired and a new teacher takes over teaching SpongeBob but again fails. Yet SpongeBob can actually drive blindfolded.

    Some more driving episodes are “The hot shot”, “Boat smarts”, “Boating buddies”, “Yellow pavement”, “Driven to tears”, “The getaway”, “Tutor sauce”, “Bumper to bumper” and “Potato Puff” if you are interested ;) 

    An honourable mention to “Squidtastic Voyage” as this has SpongeBob pilot a submarine 

  • in reply to Damojo

    Aww I love that episode! And it’s nice to see Patrick keeping SpongeBob in check and supporting him despite losing it in the Krusty Krab. I do feel Mr Krabs takes SpongeBob for granted all the time though but there again he is shown to be caring towards SpongeBob at times too. But some of Krabs cheapest episodes are “Bummer Vacation”, “Patty Caper”, “Kracked Krabs”, “Best Frienamies” and “Spongebob you’re fired” as Krabs literally can’t part with so much as one nickel, let alone one dollar! 

    The episode that shows SpongeBob and his strong passion for the Krusty Krab and making krabby patties is Spongehenge. At the end of that episode we really see SpongeBobs strong feelings are for the place and his job when he sees the KK somewhat buried in sand. I think it’s also a reference to the original Planet of the Apes films

  • in reply to Elfilis
    Elfilis said:
    He clearly suffers from anxiety

    I watched the very first episode last night, "Help Wanted". He applies for the job as fry cook at the Krusty Krab. He rehearses his "script", gets psyched up, chickens out, Patrick gives him a pep talk, he gets psyched up again, marches to the KK, opens the door confidently ... then loses his marbles completely, becomes incoherent and starts bouncing around the room (literally). Then he gets taken advantage of because he doesn't realise Mr. Krabs and Squidward are trying to make a fool of him. You can just feel the anxiety pouring off the little guy and he goes through this ordeal, and his innocent taking of people at face value. We've all been there.

    He comes good in the end, of course, because he is REALLY good at his special interest.

  • in reply to Elfilis

    My son is preparing for his driving test at the moment. He brings me out for a drive most evenings. We've been working on getting his parking just right outside the test centre, as he'll have to do that at the end of his test. He keeps getting a bit flustered and missing his lines, which is odd, as he's fine at everything else.

    I must queue up this list for us to watch (courtesy of AI, so it might be a bunch of hallucinations):

    1. "Boating School" (Season 1, Episode 3): This is the first episode where Mrs. Puff attempts to teach SpongeBob how to drive, leading to chaotic and humorous situations.

    2. "The Chaperone" (Season 1, Episode 16): In this episode, Mrs. Puff is again involved in teaching SpongeBob, showcasing his struggles with driving.

    3. "Driving Lessons" (Season 2, Episode 20): This episode focuses on SpongeBob's driving lessons with Mrs. Puff, highlighting his challenges and the comedic outcomes.

    4. "Mrs. Puff, You're Fired" (Season 4, Episode 4): In this episode, Mrs. Puff's teaching methods and her relationship with SpongeBob are explored, including driving lessons.

  • in reply to Damojo

    I always feel sorry for him when he doesn’t pass his driving test. He clearly suffers from anxiety and lets face it Mrs puff and the students aren’t really the most comforting. But there again I suppose I’d be scared if I was driving with SpongeBob