#RIPCartoonNetwork takes over X: Is the iconic channel really shutting down? Here's the real story
Social media was recently flooded with posts under the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork, which led to widespread confusion amongst internet users and ultimately left them disheartened, fearing the closure of their beloved channel.
It all started when the X handle "Animation Workers Ignited" put forth an animation on the micro-blogging website declaring, "Cartoon Network is essentially dead."
The origin of the #RIPCartoonNetwork trend
The post by Animation Workers Ignited, which quickly went viral, underlined prominent challenges plaguing the animation industry, amid the backdrop of large-scale layoffs.
"Cartoon Network is essentially dead and other big animation studios are not far behind. What happened to all the animation workers? Many are unemployed in record numbers, with some jobless for over a year, despite carrying the industry during the pandemic. When COVID first hit, animation was able to operate completely remotely, making it one of the only forms of entertainment that could continue production uninterrupted. But studios repaid them by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs, and laying off artists en masse," the X account posted.
The video continued by saying, "But why would they do that?! Why else? Greed! Big studios make their finances look better by reducing spending and cutting staff, and CEOs and executives reaping the monetary benefits for themselves. So they wanna reap, huh? I'll show them reap! I don't think you'll be doing much with a plastic scythe, but you can help by spreading the word. Post about your favourite Cartoon Network shows you wish were still around using #RIPCartoonNetwork and #StayTuned for more ways to help TAG (The Animation Guild) by following this account. Animation is under attack. Which side are you on?"
Is Cartoon Network really shutting down?
The video generated huge traction online, which is evident from the fact that it amassed more than three million views in less than four hours. Responding to the online phenomenon, X users resorted to sharing their favourite Cartoon Network shows with the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork.
One user wrote, "Courage The Cowardly Dog will always be a favourite! It¡¯s very sad to hear that the animators were treated so poorly, and hopefully, they can find work soon!"
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Another user reminisced, "I¡¯ll probably remember that episode of 'The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy' when they tried to get her to smile for the rest of my life."
Even with the trend, there were reports that Cartoon Network was going to close for good. These reports are untrue, though. The purpose of the hashtag was not to announce the channel's closure, but rather to draw attention to the struggles experienced by those who work in the animation industry. Cartoon Network is not closing down; it is still airing its beloved programmes.
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The #RIPCartoonNetwork movement draws attention to the insecure conditions faced by animators as well as the larger issues facing the animation sector, emphasising the need for improved care and job security for these vital employees.
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