Editorial: Spongebob Gaypants

Jolijt Tamanaha

First Spongebob was being stolen from Burger Kings but now he’s mixed up in a much messier controversy. The popular children’s cartoon character, Spongebob Squarepants is being attacked but right-wing Christian groups. According to some Christians Spongebob is gay because he holds hands with Patrick in some episodes. Spongebob isn’t the first children’s character accused of being gay. Tinky Winky, from the Teletubbies, was also accused of being gay because he carried a handbag.
According to James Dobson, from the Focus on Family group, Spongebob is an icon for all adult gay men. At a black tie dinner with Congress Dobson stood up, and with a straight face, said that Spongebob had been included in a pro-homosexual video that would sent to schools. In on the plot to ruin children’s minds were Barney and Jimmy Neutron!!! It’s attack of the pro-gay cartoon characters!
There is a video put it really isn’t promoting gayness. It contains no references to sex, sexual preference, or sexual lifestyle. The 8 page teacher manual that comes with it has 3 passing references to same-sex parents. Otherwise the packet tells teachers how to answer questions regarding families with adoptive parents or other uncommon families. Teachers are told to remind students that all families are different and they’re all based on love.
The video is a remake of the Sister Sledge video, We Are Family and was designed to promote tolerance in elementary schools around the US. It features characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets along with other characters from Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and PBS. It was written and created by Nile Rodgers, from the We Are Family Foundation. The foundation was designed to teach children the value of unity and co-operation. However, the Focus on Family group insists that the video is a sneaky attempt to brainwash children. As if those who watch will suddenly get the urge to wax their chests and pierce their ears.
Mark Barondess, a lawyer for the We Are Family Foundation told the “New York Times” that any critics of the video “need medication”.
If you’d like to watch the video check MSNBC but watch out it may make you gay! When I watched the video Spongebob was barely in it but I did notice Barney had something for purple. Maybe he’s gay too!

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