On Sunday, March 31st, Cartoon Network made a post on their official Instagram account in celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility. The post included a picture of what appeared to be a rainbow in the colors of the pink, white, and blue transgender pride flag. The post featured a carousel of different frames, each with a different affirmative caption. The captions included statements such as “My body belongs to me” and “I am needed, and I am loved.” The post ended with the message, “You are valid, just as you are.”
Cartoon Network’s post sparked some controversy as it coincided with Easter Sunday, a holiday celebrated by over 200 million Christians in the United States. The lack of acknowledgment of Easter in the post led to some backlash from viewers who felt that the holiday should have been acknowledged as well. Despite this, Cartoon Network responded to the criticism by stating, “We’re not doing hate today. Be kind or be blocked.”
This is not the first time Cartoon Network has waded into the culture war. In 2014, the network aired an episode of “Adventure Time” that featured a gay kiss, sparking both praise and criticism. More recently, in 2018, Cartoon Network aired an episode of “Steven Universe” that featured a same-sex marriage proposal. The network has also been known to feature LGBTQ+ characters and storylines in multiple shows, including “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Teen Titans Go!”
Some viewers see this as a positive step towards inclusivity and representation in children’s programming. Cartoon Network’s target audience is typically children, and by featuring LGBTQ+ characters and issues, they are exposing young viewers to these topics and potentially fostering a more accepting and inclusive generation.
Addressing someone using their pronouns and name shows that you RESPECT them as their authentic self! 💖 We celebrate the journey of our trans and gender-non-conforming friends on this #TransgenderDayofVisibility!
🎨: steeeeevn/IG
#CartoonNetwork #TransDayOfVisibility pic.twitter.com/fMcEBQtrGr— Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) March 30, 2023
However, others see this as a form of indoctrination, arguing that children should not be exposed to these topics at such a young age. Some also criticize the network for not acknowledging Easter in their post, arguing that it shows a lack of respect for the Christian holiday and its significance to many viewers.
Cartoon Network has not responded to the criticism regarding the lack of acknowledgment of Easter in their post. However, they have previously addressed criticism for featuring LGBTQ+ content, stating that they are committed to diversity and representation in their programming.
According to a 2021 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA, approximately 1.6 million Americans over the age of 13 identify as transgender. This is a small percentage of the overall population, but the visibility and representation of transgender individuals in media have increased in recent years.
The Transgender Day of Visibility was founded in 2009 by Rachel Crandall, a transgender activist, and is observed annually on March 31st. The day aims to celebrate transgender individuals and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
Cartoon Network’s post on Transgender Day of Visibility aligns with their past efforts to promote inclusivity and representation in their content. Despite criticism, the network continues to feature diverse storylines and characters, reflecting the growing diversity in society.
In the past, the network has also faced backlash for featuring content deemed inappropriate by some viewers, such as violence and political commentary. Cartoon Network is known for its entertaining and sometimes controversial shows, but their commitment to inclusivity and representation shows a potential shift towards more socially conscious programming.