Highland 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 (edited) These people need to get a life. WASHINGTON - A music video promoting tolerance of others and featuring cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants is under fire from several U.S. religious groups, who charge that the "pro-homosexual video" is an attempt to "brainwash" kids. Dr. James C. Dobson, founder of religious group Focus on the Family, spoke of the video Tuesday evening at a black-tie dinner in Washington, criticizing what he called a "pro-homosexual video." A DVD of the music video is set to be mailed out to U.S. elementary schools along with educational lesson plans developed in collaboration with the Anti-Defamation League and a "tolerance pledge" that includes a mention of tolerance for different sexual identities. Barney, Clifford, Arthur, characters from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, Bill Cosby, Diana Ross and Whoopi Goldberg also appear in the footage. The work itself, which has already appeared on several TV networks, doesn't include any reference to sexual identity. Though not mentioned on the video, the "tolerance pledge" – which is borrowed from the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center – is available on the foundation's website. Nile Rodgers, who penned the disco hit We Are Family, helped create the video through the We Are Family Foundation. He founded the organization following the Sept.11, 2001, attacks in order to teach children about diversity and multiculturalism. "The fact that some people may be upset with other peoples' lifestyles, that is O.K.," Rodgers told the New York Times. "We are just talking about respect." Objections a misunderstanding? Rogers also suggested that objections are based on a misunderstanding, with critics confusing the video with an unrelated website that supports gay youth, also called We Are Family. Paul Batura, assistant to Dobson, stood by the accusation Wednesday. "We see the video as an insidious means by which the organization is manipulating and potentially brainwashing kids," Batura said. "It is a classic bait and switch." Though incredibly popular with children, SpongeBob SquarePants also has a substantial cult following among adults. Critics have previously suggested that the yellow sponge character is gay, pointing to his affectionate relationship with his sidekick Patrick and his favourite TV show, The Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. But it does piss me off that a cartoon is being used to force kids to accept a lifestyle practiced by less than a percent of the population as the norm. Edited January 21, 2005 by Highland Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nighthawk 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I'm teaching my kids to hate gays, even though I'm gay myself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jingus 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 The work itself, which has already appeared on several TV networks, doesn't include any reference to sexual identity. Though not mentioned on the video, the "tolerance pledge" – which is borrowed from the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center – is available on the foundation's website. So to find the actual pro-gay message, you have to go on the Internet and find it. Which is probably slightly more difficult than finding hardcore gay porn. These rich archconservative fundamentalist times have way too fucking much spare time on their hands. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndrewTS 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 They must really, really, really miss Tinky Winky. At least there was something that vaguely supported what they thought they were seeing. As a Christian, I'm offended that so many prominent ones are such fucking dipshit bigoted tools. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mole 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I thought Spongebob was bi. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Fundies. Can't live with 'em, can't beat the Democratic Party without 'em. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CronoT Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Everyone in the CE folder knows that Dobson is a fucktard, and most of the people in there will admit it, too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Open the Muggy Gate 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Spongebob is gay? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Smues Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I figured Spongbob was asexual. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nighthawk 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I was attracted to that squirrel in my weaker moments. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted January 21, 2005 jesus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Amazing Rando 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I was attracted to that squirrel in my weaker moments. who are you, like Bernie Goetz or something? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I can't even put into words how this angers me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NoCalMike 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Who'd expect anything less from Dobson? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Highland 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 It's a cartoon. Can nothing in this world me immune to politicalization and polarization? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ted the Poster 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I was attracted to that squirrel in my weaker moments. who are you, like Bernie Goetz or something? *crickets* I can't even put into words how this angers me. You and me both. Although Patrick IS pink, and if you break up a star you see that it's made up of triangles, so... Also, why's he only going after Spongebob? I would think the big ol' purple dinosaur would be a target as well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest CronoT Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I was attracted to that squirrel in my weaker moments. who are you, like Bernie Goetz or something? *crickets* I can't even put into words how this angers me. You and me both. Although Patrick IS pink, and if you break up a star you see that it's made up of triangles, so... Also, why's he only going after Spongebob? I would think the big ol' purple dinosaur would be a target as well. Because the Big Purple Dinosaur has lots of money, and lots of friends in high places. It's a cartoon. Can nothing in this world me immune to politicalization and polarization? With Dobson involved, not a chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2GOLD 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 So wait....the hard worker, who dresses in a tie, likes his job, constantly exercises, and has a sense of humor....is gay? So does that mean Squidward is straight? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest JMA Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Man, religious fundamentalists must be the most useless people in America. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tawren 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Hasn't there been several episodes where SpongeBob goes on dates with chicks, though? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest ShootingStylesPress Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I was attracted to that squirrel in my weaker moments. Wait. A squirrel? At the bottom of the ocean? How the hell does THAT work? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest The Winter Of My Discontent Report post Posted January 21, 2005 I was attracted to that squirrel in my weaker moments. Wait. A squirrel? At the bottom of the ocean? How the hell does THAT work? watch the show and see@! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nighthawk 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Hasn't there been several episodes where SpongeBob goes on dates with chicks, though? They're not saying Spongebob is gay, they're saying the show promotes tolerance of a gay lifestyle, you retard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ted the Poster 0 Report post Posted January 21, 2005 Squidward is the only character on the show who shows a strong hint of gayness. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest netslob Report post Posted January 21, 2005 well, what can you expect from people who think that there's an invisible man who lives in the sky and he watches everything you do at all times? not the most rational people on earth, y'know? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Czech Republic 0 Report post Posted January 22, 2005 well, what can you expect from people who think that there's an invisible man who lives in the sky and he watches everything you do at all times? not the most rational people on earth, y'know? I liked your "cynicalprofit" user name better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanadianGuitarist 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2005 Hmm.....Bible thumpers say God hates homosexuals....Doesnt this same Bible say to love thy neighbour? Seems a little conflicting there..... There's a reason I don't believe in organized religion, you know.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2005 well, what can you expect from people who think that there's an invisible man who lives in the sky and he watches everything you do at all times? not the most rational people on earth, y'know? Fat, atheist, wrestling fan, hates the government, bitter at people with social lives. You're like the measuring stick of what it means to be a loser on the internet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Your Paragon of Virtue 0 Report post Posted January 23, 2005 Hmm.....Bible thumpers say God hates homosexuals....Doesnt this same Bible say to love thy neighbour? Seems a little conflicting there..... There's a reason I don't believe in organized religion, you know.... Canadian Guitarist is my favourite "totally oblivious to everything but likes to have a good time" poster. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cosbywasmurdered Report post Posted January 23, 2005 well, what can you expect from people who think that there's an invisible man who lives in the sky and he watches everything you do at all times? not the most rational people on earth, y'know? Fat, atheist, wrestling fan, hates the government, bitter at people with social lives. You're like the measuring stick of what it means to be a loser on the internet. You're my new favorite poster. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
