SpongeBob being exploited by gay activists?

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In summary, Dr. James Dobson criticized a "We Are Family" video slated to be mailed out to 61,000 public and private schools, citing SpongeBob as one of the characters. Focus on the Family claims that the real issue lies elsewhere; however, the SpongeBob-KVUU incident has brought attention to the issue.
  • #1
BobG
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Is SpongeBob gay? Is he (along with Barney, Jimmy Neutron, and Snufalufagus) being exploited by gay activists?

Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, singled out SpongeBob in his criticism of a "We Are Family" video slated to be mailed out to 61,000 public and private schools.

The media has found the issue kind of silly (and for good reason).

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~31908~2670433,00.html
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6852828/

How silly has the situation gotten? This morning (Tues), two local DJs were absent from their morning show from KVUU radio in Colorado Springs (home of Focus on the Family) with no explanation other than "Coffey and Aleysha are off. On Thursday, KVUU will announce the future of the KVUU Morning Show".

Why (or at least the most likely reason why)? On Monday morning, the DJ's were doing phone interviews with someone dressed up as SpongeBob who was walking around the Focus of the Family grounds carrying a sign that read "I like girls! Go focus on your own family!" and trying to talk to Focus of the Family employees. He was eventually escorted off the grounds by police. (Presumably, the guy was associated with Coffey and Aleysha, since they're missing from the air this morning).

According to Focus on the Family, the real issue lies elsewhere (they've made no mention of the SpongeBob-KVUU incident):

http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=17669

Personally, I think Dr. Dobson was guilty of bad public speaking. His "Attention Getting Step" overshadowed his main point. I think folks in the advertising industry would consider this a case where "the hype killed the feature attraction" (kind of like showing the butler killing the victim in a movie promo and asking viewers to come see how the murder was solved).

As a public figure, speaking gaffes are an expected hazard. Of course, the media will jump all over this because it was a ludicrous statement. Dr. Dobson should just take his lumps and move on.
 
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  • #2
www.afa.net[/url] i think these guys are the ones making the big fuss about it, it makes me sick. (off topic but here's an essay by the guy who runs that thing [PLAIN]http://afajournal.org/2005/january/1.05don.asp )
 
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  • #3
It wasn't the AFA that started this, it was Squidward! :rofl:
 
  • #4
I knew it! This is why I refuse to watch cartoons: They are all trying to make me gay.
 
  • #5
What about the old classic cartoons that they used to have? Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny, or even Elmer Fudd (which would be the most likely gay candidate)?

Or how about even older with the black & white non-sound cartoon strips? Did they make that generation gay?

What about comic strips in the daily paper? Would Dilbert be gay just because his tie is starched up?
 
  • #6
motai said:
What about the old classic cartoons that they used to have? Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny, or even Elmer Fudd (which would be the most likely gay candidate)?
In "The Rabbit of Seville", Elmer and Bugs get married—cartoons had already started pushing gay marriage in 1950! Who knew?
 

1. What does "exploited by gay activists" mean in relation to SpongeBob?

"Exploited by gay activists" refers to the use of SpongeBob SquarePants, a beloved children's cartoon character, as a symbol or representation for the LGBTQ+ community and related political or social causes.

2. Is SpongeBob actually gay?

SpongeBob's sexual orientation has never been confirmed by the creators of the show. While there are some hints and jokes made throughout the series, the character's sexuality has never been explicitly stated.

3. Why do some people believe SpongeBob is being exploited by gay activists?

Some individuals believe that the use of SpongeBob as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community goes against the original intention of the show and its creators. They may also view it as a form of appropriation or exploitation of a character that was not originally intended to represent the LGBTQ+ community.

4. Are there any instances of SpongeBob being used to promote LGBTQ+ causes?

Yes, there have been a few instances where SpongeBob has been used in this way. For example, in 2002, a music video featuring SpongeBob and other cartoon characters was released to promote tolerance and diversity, including a brief shot of SpongeBob holding hands with another male character. Additionally, in 2020, the official Nickelodeon Twitter account tweeted an image of SpongeBob with the colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag to celebrate Pride Month.

5. Does the use of SpongeBob as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community have any impact on children watching the show?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that children are negatively impacted by seeing SpongeBob as a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, many children's shows and movies have featured LGBTQ+ characters and themes in a positive and educational manner. Ultimately, it is up to parents and caregivers to discuss and educate their children about these topics in a way that aligns with their personal beliefs and values.

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