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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe right-wingers found a new hero in its war against the poor. SpongeBob SquarePants
Jobless SpongeBob nets fans on rightBy LUCY MCCALMONT at Politico
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/11/jobless-spongebob-nets-fans-on-right-99375.html
"SNIP...................................
Eschewing the thought of unemployment benefits, SpongeBob says, Unemployment may be fun for you, but I need to get a job.
The episode, to air Nov. 11, garnered attention from the the Washington Times as well as the New York Post and Fox News, both of which hailed SpongeBob for immediately returning to the workforce.
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The right-wingers found a new hero in its war against the poor. SpongeBob SquarePants. Thats right. SpongeBob SquarePants. The GOP is now using the lovable cartoon sea sponge as a new way to attack the safety net, Sharpton said during a Oct. 31 broadcast.
So a sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea doesnt need government help. That means no one does? [Friday] 47 million Americans will see their food stamp benefits cut. 47 million Americans. Theyre not moochers, Sharpton said, taking a swipe at Fox Newss coverage before going into a debate on cuts to food stamps.
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AverageJoe90
(10,745 posts)This here, says it all, in my honest opinion:
For their part, Nickelodeons President of Content, Russell Hicks said the show is tapping into the news of the moment, but did not specifically address any political leanings or ideologies within the episode.
Like all really great cartoons, part of SpongeBobs long-running success has been its ability to tap into the zeitgeist while still being really funny for our audience, Hicks said. As always, despite this momentary setback, SpongeBobs eternal optimism prevails, which is always a great message for everyone.
However, Dr. Alison Bryant co-founder and CEO of PlayCollective, a non-partisan group that works with clients including Nickelodeon, Disney and PBS on outreach and marketing, dismissed any political undertones in the economically-focused episode, instead saying the show is addressing real issues that the shows viewers see.
I dont think theyre handling political issues, I think theyre handling the reality of kids lives, Bryant, who previously worked in digital research for Nickelodeon, said.
Bryant said that the recession has led to a huge shift in childrens programming addressing issues such as homelessness and joblessness, much like the early aughts and mid-aughts, kids were more worried about things like not surprisingly terrorism and the environment.
Something like a SpongeBob, its not going to go into the full political realm and ecosystem, but you know what it can address? Is, Hey! This happens! And look, this happens to SpongeBob! Youre not isolated, youre not some kid who this is only happening to you, Bryant said.
Monk06
(7,675 posts)Autumn
(45,120 posts)And a really piss poor one at that? Almost as piss poor a cartoon that congress is.
Lex
(34,108 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,946 posts)they were vilifying Spongebob for his supposedly "gay" relationship with Patrick the starfish. No, really. I'm not making that up. http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/01/21/spongebob-accused-promoting-homosexuality/
applegrove
(118,874 posts)fit with their world view and are novel enough to stick in people's minds. As if going out and getting a job is a solely republican thing. But if you let them they will run with such bullshit, that they are all good and democrats are all bad (lazy).
Nine
(1,741 posts)Real life fast food restaurants don't need to fire workers to save money. They just pay slave wages and encourage the employees to get government help to make ends meet.