Nicole Ward
Open Ended Questions:
1.Why are there ads before this video clip?
This clip is free; typically the only way that cartoons are free is if there are ads.
2.Why is this ad on a website for kids? What is it even advertising?
The advertisement’s target audience is obviously kids. Nickelodeon developed both Petpet Park as well as SpongeBob. Petpet’s are what each animal is called and is taken from the Neopet franchise. Even though this game is free, it’s relatively limited. Basically it is a way to introduce kids to the idea of Neopets which has an extensive line of merchandise (toys and games.)
3.Why would they give you a free gift to play whatever game this is?
By giving you a free gift you are more inclined to play. You are curious and want to see what your new surprise is, especially since you get the free gift for no (obvious) reason.
4.What does this say about our society?
Our society is centered on media that has only been made so extensive by advertising. Our society is also subjugated to gimmicks in order to get even our kids to participate or encourage their parents to participate in the marketplace.
5.What is the purpose of this cartoon?
This cartoon is meant to entertain, but some episodes have underlying values and messages that are obviously promoted by Nickelodeon and in turn Fox Television Network as family values. In 2005, Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family made the accusation that SpongeBob celebrated a homosexual lifestyle after SpongeBob was used in a We Are Family video about diversity of families.
6.Would this be as effective as a comic would? Why?
SpongeBob has actually been made into a comic. Its effectiveness would depend on the audience and what individual takes from each form of media.
7.What about a book without pictures? Why?
I wouldn’t think so, because the media would lose its nature as a cartoon, and it would be more difficult to portray silliness to kids. Although there are books such as Dr. Seuss’s books that text alone could capture this silliness.
8.Who do you think that SpongeBob is made for? Adults or kids?
The creator of SpongeBob, Stephen Hillenburg says that the cartoon is aimed at adult and children audiences. Adult humor is carefully placed in this in a way that even though most kids don’t get it they still laugh because it looks funny or sounds funny.
9.Look at the above screenshot. Why would Squidward drink his tea that way and why are there pictures of himself on the wall?
The cartoonists intentionally drew Squidward this way. They are trying to show how Squidward sees himself as high-class or mature in that he drinks his tea in this way; even the fact that he’s drinking hot tea shows this. The self-portraits are a reflection on his egocentric personality.
10.What stereotype of a personality does this portray?
This could be a stereotype of the rich, the British, or even homosexuality. Many of his actions are seen as negative though, despite that each of these stereotypes aren’t negative in themselves, just how certain groups of people and our culture perceives them.
11.Could it even be considered a stereotype?
Another way to consider Squidward’s character is that he is none of these stereotypes and these are simply pieces of his personality.
12.What relationship does Squidward have with SpongeBob and Patrick?
SpongeBob and Patrick clearly aggravate Squidward. They are both childlike figures, whereas Squidward is an adult figure. The concept of annoying neighbors is very much like the concept of “Dennis the Menace”.
13.Why do SpongeBob and Patrick irritate Squidward so much? Do you think this is funny?
It is pretty funny that Squidward gets so angry because of something so silly. Some people, even kids might not find this funny and might be irritated by SpongeBob, Patrick, and their slide whistle themselves.
14.How would you feel if you were Squidward?
I would feel just as frustrated as Squidward, though some people could handle it better and leave the situation or simply ignore the slide whistle.
15.Why would cartoonist put this relationship in the cartoon?
It’s funny to watch people get so irritated that they explode, and a slide whistle is a fun sound.