Stephen Hillenburg, 43, creator of the hit cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants, has gone on record to say that SpongeBob is definitely not gay. His comments were made to Reuters at the Asian premier of the movie based on the characters.
The controversy over the sexuality of the cartoon character came after a scene in which SpongeBob held hands with a pink lobster. Far right wing Christian groups have warned that such behavior is clear proof of SpongeBob’s gay lifestyle.
Hillenburg responded to the accusations by pointing out that SpongeBob is nothing more than an animated sea creature and sexuality has nothing to do with the show aimed at children. He further commented that if anything SpongeBob was asexual.
There have been so much 'outing' of childrens characters lately. These idiots need to get a life and re-read the parts of the Bible about judging others.
Children don't have a concept of sexuality anyway. They certainly do not see two friends holding hands as conclusive proof that there is some gay sex going on.
Heck if we took all gay influence out of the media, we'd have no decent TV, music or movies anyway.
I kinda like the idea of spongebob beening gay. I adore spongebob.. I think it's a gr8 cartoon for kids and adults. These so called christian fools need to get alife and BACK OFF. SPONGEBOB IS COOL
Spongebob is pretty gay, and I mean that in the sense that it is one of the most pathetic, lame, and moronic cartoons ever produced. Only Ren and Stimpy beats it for sure stupidity. That is why I as an individual, choose not to watch it.
Now, the issue of whether Spongebob is or isnt homosexual, or possessing homosexual leanings is an interesting one - we see all sorts of role models in our media, and if Spongebob is as successful as indicated, then 'he' is one of them. I've not seen any evidence of these homosexual leanings, so I can't comment on that - but I do think its about time we cleaned up, and considered the ideas and role models we are giving to our children.
It used to be that children learnt some sort of moral structure from what they were shown - Popeye, Smurfs, for subtlety , or Brother Bear for something more explicit it its moral themes. Childhood, or the formative years, is when children learn a lot of the behaviors and beliefs that will accompany them through their teens, into young adult hood.
It's my belief that a good parent will see to that part of their upbringing as much as any other part - but perhaps society should give it a thought too?
In any case, there are plenty of dubious role models to clean up before Spongebob that is for sure.
But now a days, people are more hateful twards minorities not complying with a certain religions rules, laws, etc.. but if you think about it, homo's and straights should have the same rights. B/C there are religions supporting both, and if a straight sexual act can be shown on tv, why cant a gay one be put-out as well. the only thing i am against is gay marriage. b/c the christians ccame up with "marriage. and if you want to be rightfully "married" you need to comply with the bible. I could go on, but it is late....
“Spongebob is pretty gay, and I mean that in the sense that it is one of the most pathetic, lame, and moronic cartoons ever produced.”
- Hmm, they missed that sense of the word gay out of my dictionary. Maybe it is in the Biggot edition.
“Only Ren and Stimpy beats it for sure stupidity. That is why I as an individual, choose not to watch it.”
- Well given that it is a children’s cartoon, it’s probably a good idea that you don’t watch it.
”Now, the issue of whether Spongebob is or isnt homosexual, or possessing homosexual leanings is an interesting one - we see all sorts of role models in our media, and if Spongebob is as successful as indicated, then 'he' is one of them. I've not seen any evidence of these homosexual leanings, so I can't comment on that…”
- Well you just said you don’t watch it, so how would you have seen any evidence of homosexual leanings?
“but I do think its about time we cleaned up, and considered the ideas and role models we are giving to our children.”
- Or maybe it is about time parents act as parents and decide what their children are allowed to watch on TV. I don’t see why all TV has to be sanitized on the basis that bad parents might let their kids watch crappy shows.
”It used to be that children learnt some sort of moral structure from what they were shown - Popeye, Smurfs, for subtlety , or Brother Bear for something more explicit it its moral themes.”
- Could I borrow those rose tinted glasses when you’re done with them please.
“It's my belief that a good parent will see to that part of their upbringing as much as any other part - but perhaps society should give it a thought too?”
- No I have a problem with that concept. I want to watch edgy TV. I am not offended by nudity or bad language or drug references. It’s called freedom of speech and expression. I am sick of watching shows in which the most innocuous double entendre is censored on the off chance a child might hear something ‘bad.’
”In any case, there are plenty of dubious role models to clean up before Spongebob that is for sure.”
- In the quest to ‘clean up’ TV there is a lot more that needs to be removed before SpongeBob, starting with my pet hate, Fear Factor. We can see people eating a liquefied rat, but god forbid someone says shit on TV. It’s a screwed up sense of priorities. I was infinitely more offended by seeing a brief flash of someone eating pig bowels than I was of Ms. Jackson’s partially covered tit.
However, I feel that this quest to clean up TV is a bad idea. TV in America is already way too clean. Let’s fire all the censors and disband the FCC. Then use the money we save to fund after school programs.
... at the Krusty Krab. Would make the day a lot more interesting. IT'S A CARTOON! OKAY!!!? If their names were SpongeBabs and Pattie and were 5 years old we wouldn't care if they held hands while they ran! Sheesh!
zct, lauriesman - I completely agree with zct. That's the most biggoted, ignorant statement I've ever heard you make.
parents - You want to ban SpongeBob from television because he makes stereotypical homosexual leanings? What's next? "Timmy, you can't play with Bobby because he has a high voice. And, as we all know, if Bobby has a high voice, that means he's gay." C'mon, give it a rest.
I just found the cartoon irritating, but shockingly enough it was for kids so i guess i'm not the target demographic hey? But gay?
I remember seeing one episode of Transformers in 1986 or something where after being shot in the shoulder Ironhide was being repaired by ratchet and comforted by prowl, by placing a hand on his shoulder, gay? I don't think so.
p.s if anyone insinuates that any of the Transformers were gay i will hunt you down and remove your eyes with an icecream scoop xx
what makes you think Christians came up with marriage or the concept of marriage ?? There is other religions where people get married too you know lol and these religions are older than Christianity seriously common nowwww
No spongebob, no ren and stimpy... you must be a real stick in the mud. Those cartoons are just about fun... they're not trying to teach anyone anything about sexuality, and they are definitely not hurting anyone.
And besides, you people are right, children have no idea of what sexuality is... unless you start claiming that all their favorite telivision cahracters are gay, and THEN you have to explain it. Why can't we just let them have some innocent fun for a change, and not start these ridiculous claims that characters are gay. My guess: Some ultra right conservative group started this horse sh!t, and somehow the media decided to pick it up. LAME!
are great! My two boys and I watch them every morning. They love them, and I as their mother, see no homosexual undertones. But I'm also not looking for them either. That would make me a pervert. Now wouldnt it? <shrug>
He has taken his pants off, and NOTHING is there. There are much better wars to fight. Spongebob's comedy is abit on the crazy side but very well done, and in good taste. I remember one scene where he goes to the bad part of town. Instead of the Neon signs saying "GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS" they said "FUN FUN FUN" or "Good wholesome fun!" but as an adult I knew what was supposed to be there. Very well done.
There are more important things on TV to go after. These right-wingers need to make a top 100 list of bad stuff on tv and start at the First 10 and work there way down. Then not waste time on #99 and actually get something done.
