Posted on 08/26/2003 9:39:07 PM PDT by 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.
Hehe, delayed reaction, indeed. Somebody linked to this thread in a current one...:)
"don't ask don't tell"....LOL!!!
It's always the purple one.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? ping
If you want to watch cartoons, hey, that's fine. It's your life. If I want to watch animation, I'll find a good anime, but not some kiddie show.
And Siouxz: I never said roller coasters were childish.
My young friend I have watched cartoons my entire life and sports as well. Both are thought to be worthless activities by some but both stimulate me and provide enjoyment thus they are worthwhile in my book. Watching them hasn't stopped me from pursuing studies of the most serious sort or being entirely up to date with the state of the world.
I appreciate a serious attiutude in a young person most are more concerned about having fun than anything. My boys were at your age but now are undertaking serious endeavors themselves. Have some fun though it will make you live longer. Cheers.
Optimus Prime was as gay as a goose. Everyone knows he had fabric swatches and other interior design tools in his trailer.
There was a Minute Maid ad that clearly was saying Popeye and Bluto were gay. They share a Minute Maid and ignore Olive Oyl, riding off on a bicycle-built-for-two.
BTW, what happened when Napoleon went to Mt. Olive? Popeye got pi**ed.
My son will pass out (or go get his weapon) when I ping him to this. He dearly loves Optimus.
Optimus wasn't really gay. It was the fact that he was so opposite from gay that made me single him out. :)
Sounds like he's asking to be used in strange ways.
I got the joke. I saw ole Optimus a couple of times myself. Didn't see anything gay about him and my gaydar is pretty strong. : )
We went to a Wiggles "concert". It was really a lot of fun. We were very surprised.
OH MAN! Great reply! ROTFLMAO!!!
They are a great insight into out culture.
Especially the Tex Avery cartoons of the 40s!
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