Azeri Sponge Bob

During our walk through Baku on Friday, we were passed by a bus with a large and animated Sponge Bob and Patrick on the back.  I couldn't help but wonder who actually watches Sponge Bob in this culture, and of all the TV shows we distribute, why they would choose him.  Nothing against Sponge Bob or Patrick, but thinking they are the best the USA has to offer the world is a bit scary to me.  Of course the other Azerbaijani programing I have seen is not much better, rolling with a definite UniVision feel to it.  With a McDonalds in the main square, Michael Jackson on the radio, and Sponge Bob on TV, its no wonder the USA rules the cultural landscape.  God help us.