If you didn't grow up diligently watching Spongebob, then my nostalgic heart is breaking for you. Nothing riles me up more than watching old episodes (pre-Stephen Hillenburg's resignation, of course) and chuckling at all of the jokes that previously flew over my precious, sheltered head. When I was the ripe age of seven years old, the show was just a bunch of sea critters doing a lot of dumb stuff for the sake of making me laugh. In a sense, yeah, that's the essence of it. Now, I can't look at anything, even a "children's" cartoon, without being hyper-psychoanalytical, and perhaps maybe too much. But, adults are the ones creating children's media and literature, so it makes perfect sense.
Having said that, I want to talk about one character who I hold very close to my heart: Patrick Star. Alright, so he's kind of dumb. But even though his choices aren't the most sensible, he's got a big heart and a big imagination and doesn't shy away from what he really wants to say. And sure, some of his plans aren't practical and tend to fall apart at the seams, but I can certainly relate, and everyone who says they can't is a liar.
Let's look at a few of Patrick's, well...moments, for some wisdom, simplicity, and appreciation.
1. The Time When He Just Wanted To Win An Award
Sometimes we just want recognition and validation for what we bring to the table. Sure Patrick got in over his head trying to become something that he wasn't, but at least he was determined to prove himself and eventually embraced his personal successes, no matter how small.
2. The Time He Was Way Too Thrilled For Grandma's House
He inspired some mad jealously with this one, and although it may have been wrong to insert himself into Spongebob's family life, he proved a pretty valid point: don't take love, warmth, and generosity for granted in this cold, cold world of ours. Plus, you DO NOT refuse when someone goes out of their way to buy sweaters, make cookies, and read books.
3. The Time He Remembered The Wonder Of Technology
In the middle of a crisis, such as getting a speck of paint on your greedy, narcissistic boss's millionth dollar bill, you have to think fast. Patrick identified that we have tools at our disposal and we should use them. He just, well, didn't necessarily use them the right way.
4. The Time He Used Spongebob As A Dummy Decoy
His parents, along with 99.9 percent of the population, had insultingly low standards for him. All he wanted was some love and respect. Should he have asked his friend to act like an idiot to make his own self look like less of an idiot? No, it wasn't ideal. But I mean, cut him some slack. His real parents had been absent for decades, and he had to live his life under the regime of some very convincing impostors.
5. The Time Of The Elaborate Theory Of Wumbology
Another time when Patrick had to act in time of crisis, however this time with a different approach. It wasn't completely irrational. A lot of actions have a logical reverse action, this one just...wasn't. But, a lot of great ideas come out of mistakes, and I'm pretty sure "wumbo" could be a great idea.
6. The Time He Made Spongebob Shout His Woes From The Rooftops
I can't say that screaming at the top of one's pineapple as a result of peer pressure to confront one's insecurities is the most effective thing, but the idea behind it is liberating. Patrick was a firm believer in combating silence and suppression of one's feelings.
7. The Short-Lived Time He Spent In Boating School
He wasn't your ideal student, and he only wanted good noodle stars to be more like his best friend (just trying to get some R-E-S-P-E-C-T), so he didn't have the healthiest motivations for success. However, he was able to put his differences aside with Spongebob in order to help save Roger the class egg. If that's not honorable, then I don't know what is.
8. The Time He Suggested To "Take Bikini Bottom And Push It Somewhere Else"
If an Alaskan Bull Worm threatens your hometown, you need someone to stand up and organize action in light of the panic. Essentially his only solution was to run from the problem instead of facing it head on. NOT GREAT ADVICE. But someone had to step up, and no one else had any thrilling ideas. Plus, I would say that being responsible for such an iconic line is worth something.
Despite his failures, Patrick Star is a LOYAL friend. Everyone constantly undermines and invalidates him. Maybe he's not the most intelligent of the bunch, but he's curious, fun-loving, and reliable, which I can admire.
