Club Spongebob

May 11, 2012

1. What does this episode have to say about being one of the group?

   This episode says that being in a group is better than being on your own. That if you are in a group and abide by that group's rules, you will have more success. 

2. This episode can be interpreted as a commentary on institutionalized religion: what is it saying?

   It is saying that as long as people have something to give power and have faith in, they will do whatever that item or person says. Also that any good fortune they have could be attributed to that thing that has all the power in their lives. 

3. Writers and creators are increasingly using the medium of animation to communicate adult themes; how/why does animation create a different effect?

   Animation creates a less serious effect when trying to portray a strong message. It also brings in a much wider audience because children do not pick up on the adult themes. 

4. Spongebob is a show created for young children. Do you believe that communicating adult, political, or social messages belong in shows marketed to children? Does it matter that the children don't actually know what is being said?

   I do not think it matters if there are adult messages in children's shows as long as it is done tastefully. With a show like Spongebob, it would take a lot of explaining to get a child to see and understand all of the subliminal messages that are being given. All they see is the innocence that is on the surface of each plot line.