Long long ago, before children were a twinkle in my eye I heard of a strange new show on Nickelodeon called Spongebob Squarepants. I asked my coworkers who had children just what this "Spongebob" was about. I heard wild tales of a starfish named Patrick and something called a "Krusty Krab". I was not impressed. It sounded like a preschool show for little kids. Nothing for me and my sophisticated tastes. Then, years later, children came into my life and inevitably so did Spongebob.
I was confused at first. Where were the obvious morals for little kids. Things like don't steal, drugs are bad and knowing is half the battle. They were all absent. Instead this little sponge bounced along through his day in every episode, playing with his friend Patrick, working at the Krusty Krab with Mr. Krabbs and Squidward, and karate fighting with his friend Sandy the squirrel. There was nothing more than happiness, innocence and fun. Even the arch rival of Mr. Krabbs, and by far the most evil person of the show, Plankton just wanted to snatch a formula for a sandwich called the Krabby Patty. As the years went by Spongbob became a regular member of our household. The kids have had Spongebob their entire lives and he has always been a hit.
Now Spongebob as reached an unprecedented milestone. He has hit ten years old, and is still on the air entertaining legions of fans across the globe as the center of a billion dollar Spongebob business empire. In a world where childrens animated shows are destined to be canceled after three seasons Spongbob bucked the trend and blazed a new trail and has elevated himself up to the level of other great animated shows in history like The Simpsons and Family Guy. And, he did it without offending, sacrificing his morals, and above all else never losing his child-like innocence. So, happy birthday Spongebob. You will always be welcome in my home!
-Uncle Walter
My 17 year old daughter LOVES Spongebob. In fact she quotes him - INCESSANTLY. I'm beginning to think the doctor misdiagnosed her as ADHD. But I'll tell you what! If I were a psychiatrist being presented with a child to diagnose as hyperactive, the first question I would ask both the parent and child is "does the child watch Spongebob"? Geez, put the sponge on Ritalin or Valium or something!
Posted by: Deanatroi | July 30, 2009 at 12:48 AM
I love the BOB!
Posted by: Olivia | December 09, 2009 at 07:54 AM