Posted on 11/07/2013 6:17:17 AM PST by JoeProBono
BURBANK, Calif., An upcoming episode of Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" has political commentators dueling about the social safety net.
The Nov. 11 episode, the focus of reports by the New York Post and Fox News Channel, involves the titular character being fired from his job at the Krusty Krab fast food eatery so the owner, Mr. Krabs, can save "a whole nickel," The Hollywood Reporter reported Wednesday.
SpongeBob's friend, Patrick, attempts to show him the ways of "glorious unemployment," but SpongeBob eventually decides the life is not for him.
"Lest he sit around idly, mooching off the social services of Bikini Bottom, a depressed SpongeBob sets out to return to gainful employment wherever he can find it," the New York Post's Andrea Morabito wrote. "No spoilers -- but it's safe to say that our hero doesn't end up on food stamps, as his patty-making skills turn out to be in high demand."
The report, as well as similar commentary on the Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends," drew the ire of left-wing media watchdog Media Matters, which used the headline, "Right-wing media use SpongeBob SquarePants' firing to attack social safety net."
"Right-wing media have a long history of attacking the social safety net. Recently, Fox attacked low-wage workers in the fast food industry who have to rely on necessary federal benefit programs because they earn below subsistence wages," Media Matters said.
Russell Hicks, president of content, development and production for Nickelodeon, said the episode was designed to have a universal message.
"Like all really great cartoons, part of SpongeBob's long-running success has been its ability to tap into the zeitgeist while still being really funny for our audience," he said. "As always, despite this momentary setback, SpongeBob's eternal optimism prevails, which is always a great message for everyone."
And to think Mr. Krabs promoted Squidward over Spongebob to be Manager.
*sigh* Really? A lot of Stephen Hillenburg’s work has been thought-provoking and relatively moderate. Rocko’s Modern Life and Mother Goose and Grimm cartoons weren’t edgy in any real substantive way, but there were always lessons taught.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he leaned a little to the right, but then most Hollywood types are lefties. Perhaps he’s different. I know he’s an Oklahoma boy.
No question the Government is exerting pressure on the entertainment industry, it’s happened before.
I should point out an episode where Squidword quit his job at the Krusty Krab. Kind hearted Sponge Bob tried to help him out but soon Squidward became an obnoxious mooch with a sense of entitlement.
You COULD take that as a commentary on what welfare does to people.
First Ashton Kutcher promotes a good work ethic and now SpongeBob Squarepants! There may be hope yet!
BTTT
good one
If Spongebob gets fired from the Krusty Crab, Plankton would snatch him up for top dollar cause the sponge gots skills.
Plankton already tried that.
The word “temporary” has come to mean “only for a generation or two (perhaps a bit more)”.
I love SpongeBob. He is a funny mindless release from pressing daily woes.
It was designed to be flypaper.
Listen, you crustaceous cheapskate! Squidward's been living at my house, driving me crazy! AND YOU'RE NOT GOING TO HIRE HIM BACK ALL BECAUSE OF A STUPID DIME?!
FOX is not “right-wing” by a long shot
bump
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