David Ayala

 
     The cartoon show SpongeBob SquarePants has, for almost two decades, fazed young children and teens alike. Its unusual form of comedy and humor has appealed to many age demographics. Critics have referred to the show as “charming and whimsical, but clever enough to appeal to teens and college-aged kids.” Despite its long run success, SpongeBob has not been without its controversies. These take shape mainly due to the uncertain sexual orientation of the title character. Despite not intended to do so, the show often mirrors themes and undertones that sympathize with the LGBTQ cause, even before the cause was becoming more acceptable. These, however, take the form of exaggerated LGBTQ stereotypes. The controversy also resulted due to the fact that the show was aimed at children. The question that will be answered in this analysis is whether the show intends to display its sympathy to the LGBTQ cause, albeit in a subliminal way, and does the audience, in this case children, are affected by the exposure of this.
Developers
     The show was created by Stephen Hillenburg and developed by Derek Drymon, Tim Hill, and Nick Jennings in 1999. Throughout its run, many other producers and co-producers have been involved in the show, but the one that has been more involved, aside from Hillenburg, is producer Paul Tibbit. The show is produced by Nickelodeon Animation Pictures and is distributed by Viacom International & Paramount Television. It airs in the Nickelodeon channel. Regarding the two main producers, through my research, I found none of them to be part of the LGBTQ community or even being active advocates for it.
     I selected this media product because I am very familiar with it as I used to watch it as a kid, and it influenced a great part of my life. However, I am convinced that there are indeed LGBTQ undertones and themes within the show. Aside from the contradictions of its creators, who claim that the show isn't meant to advocate or subliminally support anything, the controversy it has had against anti-LGBTQ advocates and the obvious LGBTQ representations make it a perfect example of media content for this analysis.
Themes and Innuendo
     The title character, SpongeBob SquarePants, described as an asexual, has actually gained popularity among gay viewers. In the show he is exaggeratedly optimistic, good-natured, naive, cheerful, and enthusiastic. However, many of his manners and reactions can be reflective of exaggerated representations of effeminate men. Much of this is owed to the fact that the relationship between SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick can be considered intensely erotic. For example, there was an episode where SpongeBob and Patrick find a baby seashell and decide to take it in and raise it. Throughout the show, SpongeBob takes the position of the mother, even dressing like a house mom, and Patrick takes the position of the working father. Despite both being male in the show, these roles are seen akin to the gay masculine and gay femininity in certain gay relationships.
     Another example in the show is SpongeBob's relationship with Squidward, his neighbor and coworker. Despite Squidward's comedic disdain for SpongeBob, SpongeBob shows a questionable obsession with Squidward, in one instance while leaving on an adventure, he’s saying goodbye to Squidward and his boss Mr. Krabs. After saying goodbye to Squidward one more time, albeit in a flirtatious way, Patrick tells him “you said goodbye to Squidward twice,” as SpongeBob responds with “I like Squidward.” Other examples include SpongeBob and Patrick dressing many times in drag, Patrick dancing while dressed as a stripper, and SpongeBob reacting in a feminine way while having eyelash on his eyebrows.
Representation of Stereotypes
     The representation in the show reminds me of the example in the The Handbook of Gender, Sex, and More book, chapter 18, regarding Fantasy, Blockbusters, and Contemporary Queer Theory. The chapter uses the Pirates of the Caribbean films as an example. Johnny Depp’s character, Captain Jack Sparrow, despite not being gay, portrays, or represents, certain characteristics or manners that can be considered queer. My analysis shows that this is the same case with SpongeBob, except that I consider him to be more in use of such characteristics.
     Aside from other sexual innuendo examples from the show, it is important to analyze the reactions of the creators and the detractors of the show regarding the LGBTQ theme and undertone claims. Hillenburg has repeated that the sexual preferences were “never considered during the creation of the show,” while much of the shows cast have expressed surprise that the show is in even in controversy due to its supposed undertones. The conservative group Focus on the Family, accused the show of being a gateway for “homosexual propaganda.” We Are Family Foundation, a foundation that promotes diversity and tolerance, sponsored a video where many of the shows characters where dancing and singing to children about tolerance and diversity. Focus on the Family took issue of this and declared the show as dangerous to children.
Consumption
     Thus, this brings us to the matter of consumption. As I stated before, this show influenced me and my siblings, and I am sure it impacted many other children across the world. As the main audience of this show is children and teens, it is obvious that the themes and representations in this show have a clear and lasting influence in their minds. Maybe the intention of the creators was not to have an LGBTQ agenda to spread tolerance into the young minds. Perhaps SpongeBob is really meant to be an asexual character without any sexual preference in the other characters as well, but it is important to denote that the creators of the show have involved into the show, LGBTQ themes, undertones and attitudes unknowingly. Thanks to this show, my generation and other generations who watched it have grown to become more tolerant, at least in a subconscious level. Being exposed to these mannerisms, characteristics, and themes can help normalize them. However, the exaggerated portrayals and traits in the show also bring forth a false representation that is applied to everyone in the LGBTQ community. It is a case of not intentional, but unintentional. Obviously, not all members of the LGBTQ community act the same with the eccentric attitudes that are portrayed with SpongeBob.
Conclusion
     In conclusion, the significance of this media analysis brings forth the answer to critical questions regarding the media product in regards to queer theory. SpongeBob SquarePants displays unintentional sympathy for the LGBTQ cause, albeit not conscious by the creators. The characteristics and manners of the characters and of certain episodes, enforces the idea of queer stereotypes present in certain children shows. Children watching the show are greatly affected by the shows underlying tones as well.
 

References
Ross, Karen. The handbook of gender, sex, and media. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell, 2014. Print. Chapter 18

Rodriguez, Nathian. "JMS 410." Media and Sexuality. SDSU, San Diego. 17 Apr. 2017. Lecture.

Silverman, Stephen M. "SpongeBob Asexual, Not Gay: Creator." PEOPLE.com. Time Inc, 28 Jan. 2005. Web. 17 Apr. 2017.

Dennis, Jeffery P. (June 2003). "Queertoons". Soundscapes. 6. Retrieved December 17, 2014.

Chang, Pauline J. (January 28, 2005). "Dobson clarifies Pro-Gay SpongeBob Video Controversy". The Christian Post. Retrieved June 11, 2007.

Hillenburg, Stephen. "SpongeBob SquarePants." Nickelodeon: n.p., n.d. Television.

 

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