What does SpongeBob have to tell us about capitalism?
Capitalism is a total cultural system, not just an economic mode or principle. It encompasses class relations, media and consumer culture, and views on the importance of most aspects of life. That includes movies made for children, who are taught how to take their places, and stay in them, in this reigning system. While SpongeBob SquarePants may have started out as a marine organism, he was animated into a loving friend and happy worker, getting into various scrapes and adventures with his octopus, starfish, and squirrel friends. Positivity is the main theme, since SpongeBob bounces back from every reverse and challenge with renewed enthusiasm, everything works out, and all adventures end happily.
The boss is Mr. Krabs. SpongeBob is the short-order cook, creating the Krabby Patties that draw the entire population of Bikini Bottom to their restaurant, the Krusty Krab. Especially, the patrons are drawn away from the other establishment, Sheldon Plankton's Chum Bucket. We may note at the outset that only one regular character in the series is accorded an honorary title- Mr. Krabs. Like Mr. Potter and other bosses of film lore, the boss position is not just an economic function, but a social pedestal. SpongeBob is the epitome of an exploited worker, happily filling orders, then scrubbing the whole kitchen down at the end of the day, while oblivious to his true value to the establishment. Is he paid fairly? Of course not. He is barely paid at all, and children are taught the lesson of complete abandonment of any hint of whining, disgruntlement, or entitlement to fair treatment in this workplace.
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| Archetypal capitalist, Mr. Krabs. |
This pattern is, incidentally, painfully evident this weekend, as the NCAA tournament exhibits a billion dollar entertainment and gambling enterprise built on the unpaid labor of enthusiastic young athletes trapped in an exploitative system. Only when they join unions in the pro leagues will a few of them be paid fairly. Exploiting youth is still remarkably common, from the fast food industry to the research establishment.
In the current movie, SpongeBob does take some time off, for the important matter of tracking down his pet snail. The Krusty Krab promptly goes down the drain, and Mr. Krabs even goes so far as to join the crew in tracking down SpongeBob and friends to haul them back to Bikini Bottom. He even evinces some feelings. But any recognition of the business value, and monetary value of SpongeBob, in any way that leads to better pay, conditions, or partnership? Not on your life. Not in this ecosystem.
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