I was watching the news the other night when a segment caught my attention claiming that a “new study” suggests that SpongeBob Squarepants is bad for children of all ages, apparently because he doesn’t live in any kind of reality where there are consequences for physical actions such as breathing underwater, having porous skin that allows him to absorb moisture and can’t become hurt from falling great distances or being crushed by heavy objects.  I guess after 10 years on TV a panel of “experts” needed to confirm through a “study” that SpongeBob Squarepants is a cartoon sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea.  And he’s not real.  Brilliant work guys.

We have been through this sort of media attention many, many times over the past 50 years.  Looney Tunes have always come under fire for the same reasons, these so-called “experts” have to reiterate to the public that animals do not speak English or drive cars.  Hmmm.  How have 8 foot tall Disney characters walking around greeting and hugging children avoided this “study” for half a century?  What is the psychological impact of Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny & Tooth Fairy on children who believe these characters are real?

Blaming SpongeBob as a poster-child for our educational decline in this country is pretty low, how can a sweet little guy with such an optimistic view on life be considered bad for children?  Oh well, this won’t change the way SpongeBob is viewed for many people.  Maybe these “experts” need to sit down and actually watch a few shows once in awhile, I think SpongeBob can teach them a lesson about having a sense of humor, and having a good time.  I know I’m ready.

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