The SpongeBob SquarePants haters are back at it, this time over an episode where SpongeBob gets fired from his job at the Krusty Krab. Isn't this just a cartoon?

Of course it's just a cartoon, but one that has seen criticism from supporting homosexuality, being sexist and promoting child obesity. This time the lovable sea sponge is receiving flack for getting fired.

The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the episode has sparked political debates about "social services" and "labor laws," which lead to the New York Post, MediaMatters for America and other media groups chiming in on the subject.

Are people reading too deep into a children's show? Russell Hicks, president of content, development and production for Nickelodeon gave this statement:

Like all really great cartoons, part of SpongeBob's long-running success has been its ability to tap into the zeitgeist while still being really funny for our audience.

SpongeBob SquarePants is one of those cartoons made for children, but has an adult appeal so parents can also get a chuckle while "being forced" to watch something they wouldn't.

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