The jovial cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants continues to soak up real-life criticism from Christian conservatives who believe he is gay and a harmful influence on children.That is where, I think, things got sour and messed up. In the choice of what song to have the characters sing at the end of the video. That song, while in the context of the video is fine, has been associated with Gay Pride, like the article stated.
The latest incident involves a "pro-homosexual video," featuring SpongeBob and other popular children's TV characters, that, according to Focus on the Family founder James C. Dobson, will be mailed to U.S. elementary schools.
The producer of the children's video, Nile Rodgers and his We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), said the video promotes the togetherness implied by the word "family." Though WAFF supports a policy of nondiscrimination that includes sexual orientation, the video does not address sexuality, Rodgers said.
According to the WAFF Web site, characters in the video sing a version of the song "We Are Family," which Rodgers wrote. The song was also a disco hit for Sister Sledge in 1979 and has since become a Gay Pride anthem.
However, to simply say that Spongebob is gay simply because of some of his actions echoes that of the TeleTubby Tinkie-Winkie being purple and having a triangle on his head thing several years ago. In other words, people are looking way too much into something that was simply made for entertainment.
Besides, I don't see anyone getting upset over Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny kissing scenes. Or when Chip and Dale hug each other and dance around. Or when Snagglepuss says "Heavens to Betsy!" all lispy. Heck, I saw a cartoon where Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse dressed in drag!
Bottom line is Spongebob is aimed at kids as family entertainment. Something that they can laugh with their parents over. Just because he appears in a video promoting family togetherness and sings "We Are Family" doesn't make him or any other character gay. If anything, it just shows how popular he has become as a cartoon character.
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