1.
When Patrick pinpointed the anguish of the human condition.
2.
And Plankton worked to erase the stigma associated with mental health issues.
3.
When SpongeBob and Patrick highlighted our culture's heteronormative definition of family.
4.
When Mr. Krabs addressed the unfair expectations we place on women in society.
5.
And the residents of Bikini Bottom subtly called out unfair censorship of the female body...
6.
...as well as the male body.
7.
When Mr. Krabs and SpongeBob embraced the importance of seeing the world through a different lens than your own.
8.
When SpongeBob highlighted how we're so often shamed for being sexual creatures.
9.
And led the charge in shamelessly embracing his own sexual urges...
10.
...being open to experimentation...
11.
...and knowing when and where to draw the line.
12.
When SpongeBob used Patrick's birthday cake as an opportunity to teach him about the value of safe sex.
13.
You need to know how to protect yourself.
14.
When SpongeBob perfectly expressed the struggle of feeling anxious in social settings.
15.
And Squidward embraced the healing power of alone time.
16.
When SpongeBob reminded us that words are powerful and can cause great pain.
17.
When Squidward perfectly captured the episodic nature of life.
18.
When the importance of having a good work-life balance was summed up in one shot.
19.
When Patrick demanded respect in his personal relationships.
20.
When SpongeBob let young viewers know that there are more important things in life than school.
21.
And having a steady job.
22.
When Squidward acknowledged that growing up is hard.
23.
When Patrick and SpongeBob reminded us that money is fleeting — it's the experience that really matters.
24.
When SpongeBob showcased the importance of self-acceptance.
25.
And knowing who you are, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.
