So on Sunday morning when I could sleep no longer, I rolled out of my bed and headed downstairs. After pouring myself a nutritious bowl of Cocoa Puffs I plunked myself down on the couch. After turning on the television I was pleasantly surprised to find the old classic, Spongebob Squarepants.
Now I expected a silly plotline with a few jellyfish and crabby patties. Little did I know that Spongebob would be feeding me life lessons before 10am. The episode was “The Battle of Bikini Bottom.” After a drawn out fight over cleanliness Spongebob goes into a soliloquy that goes a little something like this:
“Fret not, my dear friend, for I have learned the truth. It matters not whether one is dirty or clean, for can cleanliness exist without filthiness, and would we know filthiness without cleanliness? We must not re-enact the history that divides us, rather we must embrace that which draws us together. All must be free to choose their own path.”
Needless to say I almost spilled my Cocoa Puffs. The rest of the day I was inspired by the words of wisdom that I had observed during my Sunday morning cartoons. While many people are worried about the messages their children are learning from the television, the writers did something right with this episode.
With all of the hate that we observe in the news daily, I think it is quite important that we do embrace what draws us together as people. Without differences in appearance or lifestyle, all people would be the same and life would be boring. Opposites can serve as forces to balance each other out and show different perspectives.
This message can be brought back to the greek community as well. We often get so caught up in the little differences that differentiate our chapters. However, as a community we have so much that draws us together. No matter which chapter you approach on our campus you will find a creed filled with similar values and a large group of members who are passionate about academics, service, and being the best that they can be. As a community we can embrace what we share regardless of the path (chapter) that we chose when we joined.
Whether Spongebob was only talking about Bikini Bottom or not, now I have even more reason to relax and watch one of my favorite cartoons.
