He Who Hath in a Pineapple Liveth

I, being out of ideas for writing topics, asked my sister to give me one to talk about. She, being only 7 years old, told me to write about Spongebob Squarepants. Well, dear audience, here you are.

Spongebob is an interesting cartoon character in the fact that he appeals to a wide audience. I, an adult of 18 years, still watch him frequently and quite enjoy myself. My parents like him as well, enjoying a few of the jokes aimed at adults, such as satirical depictions of parenting and the monotony of typical American jobs. Obviously the younger generation loves him and his nautical antics.

Interestingly enough, however, I have read several articles of how the homosexual community too relates with Spongebob and his intimate friendship with Patrick Star. Whether this is true or not is of no importance, but having a character who is related to by homosexual viewers is an extremely interesting trait for a children’s cartoon show to have. Even if not, in fact, homosexual in nature, role models who are open with their emotions enough to be themselves are in scarce supply, yet desperately needed.

This theme of originality is stressed heavily throughout the show, and I’ve always appreciated this message. Spongebob is frequently chided by his peers for being to0 cheery and child-like, yet he continues to behave this way rather than conform to the standards of Bikini Bottom. This is the only way that he wishes to live, and he refuses to bend to anyone else’s will. These traits are frequently seen in the strength of characters known to the theater, such as Jean Valjean or Hamlet.

A strong leading character is a valuable proponent of any play, for it creates empathy and participation, points stressed by Anne Bogart, for those who either relate to this protagonist or wish that they could. Most forms of media need a relatable main character with strong morals to get the creator’s intended message across to the perspective audience. An inspiring character can be found anywhere he or she is needed, even in a pineapple under the sea.