SpongeBob Square Pants: Pop Culture Tsunami or More?
The author (Rice, 2009) does an excellent job of expounding on the elements of the show and explaining who SpongeBob Square Pants is. This is especially beneficial for audiences like me who have never watched this popular television show. As noted in my analysis, my thirteen year old niece is a huge fan of the show which prompted me to select this article as my research.
Originally geared toward children, SpongeBob Square Pants enjoys broad audience appeal. There is a growing adult population that regularly views the show. The show even has celebrity followers like Bruce Willis, Sigourney Weaver, and Dr. Dre.
The article expounds on the brands’ enormous marketing success with SpongeBob toys, video games, house slippers, underwear, fishing poles, and so much more. The author further analyses the elements of the show that appeals to such broad audiences. For example, many episodes feature lessons Sponge Bob learns via human trial and error. The show also contains humor and relevant issues. The author incorporates media research to identify what attracts children to certain television shows. The article explains for example, that children are attracted to shows that provide purpose and active viewer response.
The article provides a thorough analysis in an effort to understand the inner workings of SpongeBob but it primarily focuses on the show’s appeal to children. This was somewhat surprising given the percentage of adult viewership the show enjoys. I was looking for a more in-depth analysis on why the adult population is also interested in the content of the show.
Overall I was pleased with the analysis and walked away with an increased understanding of the shows’ ongoing success.
References
Rice, J. (2009). SpongeBob Square Pants: Pop Culture Tsunami or More? The Journal of Popular Culture, Vol. 42, No. 6, 2009. (EBSCO HOST)
I have never watched Sponge Bob either. The cast of characters is unique. Who has ever heard of a squirrel that lives under the sea? I found it interesting that they surveyed K4 through college aged kids to find out how many watch. Cartoons are not something that I normally watch, but this one sounds really good and it seems to be slightly educational. Good recap!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your review on Sponge Bob. While I am not an avid viewer, I have watched the show enough to understand the appeal. It is not surprising that many adults watch the show.
ReplyDeleteNice work on the review!
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting analysis. I was really interested in the reasons why children were attracted to the show. You stated that article said that children are attracted to shows that provide purpose and active viewer response, but I really wanted to hear more about that. I'm really curious about how anyone could be fascinated with such an annoying yellow sponge. ;)
Good analysis. I must admit that I like spongebob,and I'm over 40. It's a pretty interesting show. The funny thing about the show is that each character might remind you of someone you know. Take for instance Mr. Crabs. All he cares about is making money, and Spongebob is care free and naive. Any one comes to mind?
ReplyDeleteI must say that I myself hate this show. I continue to be awed by what kids find enteratining and why. He has such a large following but honestly I do not get anything about it.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent with a chld that watches the cartoon, I catch myself watching the television show with her. I think this might account for par of the growing adult viewing.
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