Is SpongeBob Gay?
xerxes @ Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:24 am
Just saw this on the BBC's website. First, it made me laugh. Then it made me kind of sad becuase these people are serious.
$1:
US right attacks SpongeBob video
Spongebob is popular among adult gay men
US conservative groups are up in arms over a music video featuring children's TV heroes such as the cheerful cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.
Focus on the Family and other groups say the video - a remake of the Sister Sledge hit, We Are Family - is a vehicle for pro-gay propaganda.
The video's makers plan to mail it to US schools in the spring to promote tolerance and diversity.
They say the attack is based on a misunderstanding.
The video also features children's favourites like Bob the Builder, along with characters from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.
But James Dobson, founder of right-wing Christian group Focus on the Family, singled out SpongeBob at a black-tie dinner in Washington in the run-up to President Bush's inauguration, the New York Times said.
SpongeBob - who appears on the children's cable channel Nickelodeon - is seen as an icon for adult gay men in the US, apparently because he regularly holds hands with his sidekick Patrick.
His creators deny that he is gay, but he is not the first such character to cause controversy.
In 1999 conservatives claimed handbag-carrying Teletubby Tinky Winky, an import from the UK, was a bad role-model.
'Easy lesson'
Nile Rodgers, who wrote the song and is founder of the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) which released the new video, says it is intended to help teach children the values of co-operation and unity.
"We believe that this is the essential first step to loving thy neighbour," he said. "And the fun and exciting format makes it a lesson that's easy for children to learn."
But conservatives say it sees the video as a cunning attempt to promote homosexuality.
They point to the fact that the WAFF is linked to a pledge being promoted by some liberal groups which includes a recognition of tolerance of sexual identity.
"We see the video as an insidious means by which the organisation is manipulating and potentially brainwashing kids," Paul Batura, a spokesman for Focus on the Family, told the New York Times.
Mr Rodgers said the groups may have confused his foundation with an unrelated organisation with a similar name that supports gay youth.
WAFF spokesman Mark Barondeso told the newspaper that anyone who thought the video promoted homosexuality "needs to visit their doctor and get their medication increased".
Spongebob is popular among adult gay men
US conservative groups are up in arms over a music video featuring children's TV heroes such as the cheerful cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants.
Focus on the Family and other groups say the video - a remake of the Sister Sledge hit, We Are Family - is a vehicle for pro-gay propaganda.
The video's makers plan to mail it to US schools in the spring to promote tolerance and diversity.
They say the attack is based on a misunderstanding.
The video also features children's favourites like Bob the Builder, along with characters from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show.
But James Dobson, founder of right-wing Christian group Focus on the Family, singled out SpongeBob at a black-tie dinner in Washington in the run-up to President Bush's inauguration, the New York Times said.
SpongeBob - who appears on the children's cable channel Nickelodeon - is seen as an icon for adult gay men in the US, apparently because he regularly holds hands with his sidekick Patrick.
His creators deny that he is gay, but he is not the first such character to cause controversy.
In 1999 conservatives claimed handbag-carrying Teletubby Tinky Winky, an import from the UK, was a bad role-model.
'Easy lesson'
Nile Rodgers, who wrote the song and is founder of the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF) which released the new video, says it is intended to help teach children the values of co-operation and unity.
"We believe that this is the essential first step to loving thy neighbour," he said. "And the fun and exciting format makes it a lesson that's easy for children to learn."
But conservatives say it sees the video as a cunning attempt to promote homosexuality.
They point to the fact that the WAFF is linked to a pledge being promoted by some liberal groups which includes a recognition of tolerance of sexual identity.
"We see the video as an insidious means by which the organisation is manipulating and potentially brainwashing kids," Paul Batura, a spokesman for Focus on the Family, told the New York Times.
Mr Rodgers said the groups may have confused his foundation with an unrelated organisation with a similar name that supports gay youth.
WAFF spokesman Mark Barondeso told the newspaper that anyone who thought the video promoted homosexuality "needs to visit their doctor and get their medication increased".
I've said it before and I'll say it again: America is being run by the Puritans.
Twila @ Thu Jan 20, 2005 12:34 pm
I guess their kids aren't allowed to draw rainbows either.
How sad. If you seek then you shall find.
Rev_Blair @ Thu Jan 20, 2005 1:15 pm
Sponge Bob has that Squirrel chick as a girlfriend, doesn't he? I don't generally watch it but that's what I thought.
The religious right needs something better to do with their time than pick on children's programming.
Twila @ Thu Jan 20, 2005 1:20 pm
Shhhhhh! Rev. You'll give the idea that Spongebob, Sandy Cheeks (the squirrel) and Patrick are practicing polygamy!
I'd personally like to believe that Spongebob and Sandy Cheeks are common law and they look after Patrick who is obviously mentally handicapped. Possibly Fetal alcohol syndrome or a type of Autism.
alsocanadian @ Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:36 pm
Johnnybgoodaaaaa @ Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:20 pm
I used to watch spongebob all the time when I was high 
I think this whole gay thing is ridiculous. People are being huge fanatics and causing people to look at it in a sexual matter.
Lets not forget the US was founded by puritians, weren't they? Can't live with them, wish we could live without them.
I'm still angry they got rid of most/all the bong shops. I mean damn, if someone wants to smoke pot, I bet they could find a way to use almost anything as a bowl(although tin foil is usually the best choice if you're broke).
Gonzo @ Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:21 pm
Sure, war is okay but Spongebob will mess kids up. This shows how misguided the religious right are. What is wrong with that country?
Oz @ Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:31 pm
seeing how i watch spongebob with my nephew i dont remotley see ONE gay refrence.... i mean come on some goofy thing lives in a pineapple under the sea ..un ya thats DIFFERNT not GAY.. being a straight male that DJ's at a male / female gay bar i think im intitled to know what gay is supposed to look like and SPONGEBOB IS NOT IT!
smokinjoe @ Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:51 pm
I would think that VeggieTales is a little gayer.
DMP08 @ Thu Feb 10, 2005 5:12 pm
I have ALWAYS believed that our society's are becoming way too concerned about EVERYTHING! I would like to direct you to the rants and raves section because I have decided to vent about stuff like that. Just look for the thread started by me.