Camp cartoon star 'is not gay' - ( SpongeBob )

BBC ^ | October 9,, 2002

[UnklGene]

Wednesday, 9 October, 2002, 15:44 GMT 16:44 UK Camp cartoon star 'is not gay'

SpongeBob SquarePants: A hit with adults and children

The creator of one of the most popular new cartoon characters for years, SpongeBob SquarePants, has rejected claims that his cheerful creation is gay. SpongeBob has become an icon among homosexuals in the United States as well as a huge hit with children, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Who is SpongeBob? A yellow sea sponge whose home is a giant pineapple Lives in Bikini Bottom on the bed of the Pacific Ocean Best friend is pink starfish called Patrick Likes winding up his neighbour, Squidward Tentacles Goes to Mrs Puff's Boating School He holds hands with his pink best friend, lives in an underwater pineapple and gets boating lessons from a teacher called Mrs Puff.

SpongeBob may be "kind of special", but he was not designed to be a gay character, his creator Stephen Hillenburg has told the Wall Street Journal.

The gay community likes the show because it has a tolerant attitude, Mr Hillenburg said.

"Everybody is different, and the show embraces that. The character SpongeBob is an oddball. He's kind of weird, but he's kind of special," he said.

"I always think of them as being somewhat asexual."

The US religious right said Tinky Winky was gay

SpongeBob is the latest sensation on children's cable channel Nickelodeon, and was recently voted among the top 10 cartoon characters of all time by fans.

His sexuality has become the biggest talking point since US campaigners claimed handbag-carrying Teletubby Tinky Winky, an import from the UK, was a bad role-model.

SpongeBob's innocent optimism, "soft" personality and bright, camp world have endeared him to gay men, the Journal said.

Adult fans

Nickelodeon says the show is not aimed at a homosexual audience, but it is the channel's most popular show with adult viewers.

It may be designed for children between two and 11, but almost one in four viewers is aged between 18 and 49, the paper says.

It is screened at 2330, and at 2300 on MTV, as well as more child-friendly times.

In the UK, the channel said 40% of the show's one million viewers were over 16.

The Wall Street Journal says part of its reported $500m (£322m) merchandise sales have come from gay men snapping up branded toys, lunch boxes and even thongs.

[mewzilla]

That was a hoot! Did you see the one with Mystery, the seahorse? That was great, too.

[biblewonk]

He looks pretty eager to try anything once doesn't he.

[geege]

Never saw that one....I'll have to keep watching:0)

[headsonpikes]

"Boy, I say, Boy....!"

'Now tha-at's a chicken!

[UnklGene]

I have two nephews that say SpongeBob "sucks."
(ages 7 & 9) But what do they know?

[mhking]

Spongebob is not gay; those five guys on "Queer Eye" are gay...

Just damn.

If you want on the new list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[BSunday]

Listen, pal, SpongeBob rocks. And he's not gay!

That's right! Sponge Bob rules!
PS I am the father of 8 and they are not part of some elaborate coverup on my part, either.

[fml]

Baahahahahahahah!

[4mycountry]

The things I learn about FReepers on threads like these...

I am 13, and have pretty much stopped watching cartoons. Occasionally I watch one, but only if it's anime and not aimed at 5yr olds.

[Experiment 6-2-6]

A Pet Snail named Gary.

Which Meows..

SpongeBob Squarepants Rules!

[bethelgrad]

My kids love the Wiggles. My first thought was to question their sexuality. But all four of them are married and have children.

[george wythe]

The creator of one of the most popular new cartoon characters for years, SpongeBob SquarePants, has rejected claims that his cheerful creation is gay.

????

Never even thought about a sponge being gay, but some people have difficulty deciding whether a sponge is a plant or an animal.

[Okies love Dubya 2]

I LOVE that one! Another good one is when SB and Patrick take care of Sandy's pets while she is away and the caterpillar becomes a butterfly--the two freak out because they think something ate the caterpillar and drive Bikini Bottom into a frenzy thinking there is some monster on the loose!

[geege]

Oh yea.....the "monster"......I've seen that a dozen times and still get a kick out of it.....I heard that oceanographers created or helped create this cartoon.....

[JonathansMommie]

I'm Glad to see that i'm not the only one that (Besides my son) Is into SpongeBob Squarepants Fairly odd parents is a good one too My son also likes Rocket Power.

[King Prout]

I don't care. The animation is appalling. That's enough that I will not watch it.

[King Prout]

you have taste. some, sadly, do not.
this squarehead spongepants abomination is an eyesore.

[Richard Kimball]

Where are the SpongeBob Tampons?

There's a lotta ways to answer that question.

[4mycountry]

Cartoons just seem stupid and childish to me. There comes a point when you have to stop watching Cartoon Network and start watching Fox News, if you know what I mean.

[gathersnomoss]

He's 'Mo Happy.