Stephen Hillenburg: Shaping a Generation
Stephen Hillengburg, the creator and writer of SpongeBob SquarePants has passed away due to ALS. At 57 years old and with the disease that he had, this is a sad and rather tragic death to hear about. I do fully acknowledge that there was an entire team of people that brought the television show to life, but after Hillenburg’s departure after 2004 the show was never the same. His impact and contributions shaped the show and the characters that are permanently part of popular culture. This is in remembrance of Hillenburg, what he did and his impact with his creation.
The Meme Generation as I will call us, grew up on this show. We were born within about two or three years of the show’s premiere. It is rare to meet someone who didn’t grow up watching SpongeBob. Quotes abounded for years in school and social circles. Even in high school, we still quoted SpongeBob. Actually we quote it sometimes in college too. We would quote and reference without shame because we all had the same mutual understanding of the show. We all know that we grew up on this show and it has become a classic that has transcended our early childhood. Anytime someone is around a campfire, there is a reference to the Campfire Song Song. The song Sweet Victory is immortalized as a part of one of the best episodes in the show “Band Geeks.” Now we have memes and gifs that permeate the internet and YouTube videos of different things portrayed by SpongeBob (basically the video version of a meme). I would honestly say that in terms of impact on its audience, that SpongeBob SquarePants is just as up there with Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry.
I think that one of the most important things that Hillenburg did was demonstrating what creativity and passion could do. He created a show that combined two areas that wouldn’t traditionally go together: marine biology and animation. The show featured an underwater show that simply had characters and was a cartoon. It wasn’t there to teach or for helping little kids learn about the ocean. It was a comedy cartoon with bold and memorable characters, some fantastic dialogue, and timeless moments. Hillenburg maintained a brand of comedy and a certain animation style with SpongeBob. He combined two things that he loved and enjoyed and that passion translated to one of the most impactful shows of all time.
Despite the silliness and some stupidity in the show, I think my generation learned some good lessons. We were taught to use our imagination and the power that came with that. I think that the most powerful lesson is to not turn into a Squidward. This doesn’t mean don’t grow up, it doesn’t mean don’t become more mature. It means don’t lose the joy in life. Don’t become so completely jaded. Maintain the childlike optimism and determination. Don’t let the world that is in front of you stop you. Accomplish the impossible.
I try to keep these thoughts my own. Sometimes there is influence from other sources, so I will try to give credit wherever credit is due. That last point about not becoming Squidward may share some similarities to the following video that I watched a few weeks ago.
Stephen Hillenburg created one of the greatest shows of all time and some of the most well known characters in popular culture. He had a hand in shaping a lot of my generation. We lost our own Hanna-Barbera or our own Chuck Jones. Rest in peace, Stephen. You will be missed.
