On Tuesday, several social media users woke up to an unusual trend on social media. #RIPCartoonNetwork was trending on Twitter and with so many tweets but no solid piece of news behind it, many assumed that the popular channel for kids animated shows was shutting down. The viral tweets, however, have a different backstory.
The trend began when an anonymous account on X (formerly Twitter) posted a video saying the "Cartoon Network is dead??". The account identified a 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. Active members of TAG can help by filling out your survey! Today (7/8) is the last day!"
The tweet was not about the channel shutting down, however, as many assumed. It was about workers and animators’ rights.
In the Video the account talks about the problems faced by the animation industry and asks for help, the video is conversation between cartoon characters that goes like, "Wow! so, this is where cartoons get made! Not anymore, Cartoon Network is essentially dead! And other big animation studios are not far behind. What the hell. What happened to all the animation workers?! A lot of them are unemployed. In record numbers, in fact. And many have been unemployed for years. But, they carried the industry during the pandemic! That's right when Covid first hit, animation was able to animation was able to operate completely remotely. Making it one of the only forms of entertainment that could continue production uninterrupted, but studios decided to pay them back by cancelling projects, outsourcing jobs and laying off artists en masse. But why would they do that?! why else? Greed! Big studios make their finances look better by reducing spending and cutting staff, 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 favorite 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?" The conversation takes place between some of the most iconic Cartoon Network characters.
Cartoon Network is an American TV channel that also broadcasts in several other countriea across the world, including India. Launched in 1992 (and a few years later in India as part of the Turner News Network), the channel has aired some of the most iconic cartoon shows over the last 30 years and is a part of the childhood memories of several Millennials and Gen Z.
