Trending Hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork Highlights Struggles of Animation Industry Workers.
#RIPCartoonNetwork has been trending on X (formerly known as Twitter) amid reports that the beloved channel is shutting down. The trend began when the account “Animation Workers Ignited” shared an animation claiming that “Cartoon Network is essentially dead” and highlighting the struggles faced by animation workers due to industry layoffs.
The animation stated, “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.”
Industry Issues
The video attributes these issues to corporate greed, claiming that big studios improved their financials by reducing spending and cutting staff, allowing CEOs and executives to reap the benefits. It urges viewers to spread the word by posting about their favorite Cartoon Network shows with the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork and to follow the account for more ways to support the cause.
Public Reactions
The clip quickly went viral, garnering over three million views in less than four hours. Social media users initially shared their favorite cartoons using the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork. One user commented, “Courage The Cowardly Dog will always be a favorite! It’s very sad to hear that the animators were treated so poorly, and hopefully, they can find work soon!”
Another 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.”
As the hashtag gained traction, rumors began to circulate that Cartoon Network was shutting down permanently. However, these claims are false. The account “Animation Workers Ignited,” associated with the animators’ union, is using the hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork to highlight the challenges faced by industry workers. The channel itself is not shutting down.
#RIPCartoonNetwork is trending on micro-blogging site X for a while now, but why is it trending? Is the 90’s favorite channel really shutting down? Let’s find out. It all started when a community-run account that shares information regarding the animation industry posted a video on X saying the “Cartoon Network is dead??”. The account identified as ‘Animation Workers Ignited’, had posted a video on the social media platform and wrote, “Cartoon Network is dead?!?! Spread the word about what’s at stake for animation!!! Post about your favorite Cartoon Network shows using #RIPCartoonNetwork.
The Cults Bay Concludes.,
In the video, the account discusses the problems faced by the animation industry and asks for help. The conversation between cartoon characters highlights the impact of layoffs and job cuts on animation workers, who were crucial during the pandemic. The video has been widely retweeted, garnering over 30k retweets and more than 65k likes in less than six hours from posting. While the hashtag suggests a shutdown, Cartoon Network is not shutting down but rather facing industry-wide challenges.
