#RIPCartoonNetwork has been trending on the micro-blogging site ‘X’, causing many fans to worry if the beloved channel is shutting down. This trend started when ‘Animation Workers Ignited,’ a community-run account focused on the animation industry, posted a video with the alarming message, “Cartoon Network is dead?!?” This video and its accompanying message quickly went viral, with over 30k retweets and more than 65k likes within just six hours.
The video features a conversation between cartoon characters discussing the state of the animation industry. It highlights that many animation workers are currently unemployed, despite having kept the industry running during the pandemic by working remotely. The video accuses big studios of greed, stating that they have responded to the industry’s success during the pandemic by canceling projects, outsourcing jobs, and laying off artists to cut costs and boost executive profits.
The characters in the video express frustration and call on viewers to spread the word about the plight of animation workers. They encourage fans to post about their favorite Cartoon Network shows using the hashtags #RIPCartoonNetwork and #StayTuned to raise awareness and support The Animation Guild (TAG), which represents animation professionals.
Despite the alarming hashtag, Cartoon Network is not actually shutting down. The hashtag #RIPCartoonNetwork is being used metaphorically to draw attention to the struggles faced by the animation industry and its workers. The aim is to raise awareness about the layoffs and project cancellations affecting many talented artists and creators.
The viral video and trending hashtag are part of a broader campaign to mobilize support for animation workers and to highlight the financial and employment challenges they face. It serves as a call to action for fans of animation to recognize the importance of the industry’s workforce and to advocate for better treatment and job security for those who bring beloved cartoons to life.
In summary, while #RIPCartoonNetwork might suggest that the channel is shutting down, it is actually a rallying cry to support animation workers and address the issues plaguing the industry. Cartoon Network itself remains operational, and the trend is a means to spark conversation and action regarding the industry’s current state.