By: J.C. Elliot, Student Affairs Administration Master’s Student and W*SS Graduate Intern
In 2022, the then head of kids and family programming (which includes Cartoon Network)—Amy Friedman, discussed changes occurring at Cartoon Network at the time—specifically changes on how to invite families, preschool children and girls into the network. This comment raised some eyebrows as it was believed that girls were already watching Cartoon Network. However, the comment was an indicator of the controversial comments Friedman made afterwards. According to Friedman (2022), “Girls often graduate out of animation. Some of our most incredible competitors have been at the live-action game for a long time. We know that’s what girls want. With live action, we’re excited to reflect the world as it is, inviting girls in without alienating the boys.”
Needless to say, Amy Friedman just invalidated every single female animation fan with her words.
But unfortunately, Amy Friedman’s comments represent a belief that has been going on about animation for a while. For the audience, think about which channel out of the “big three”—Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, did you frequent the most and the least. I remember growing up, there was this belief that Disney Channel was more for girls, whereas Cartoon Network was more for boys. While Nickelodeon seemed to have a good balance of multiple genders within their audience, some of their live action shows maintained a large female audience—with shows like iCarly maintaining a 45% male audience with a 55% female audience (Holmes, 2011). This belief is also noteworthy considering that in the 2010s, Disney Channel sent their animated programs like Gravity Falls, Wander Over Yonder and Star vs. The Forces of Evil to premiere episodes on Disney XD, their sister network—or should I say “brother network” considering that the purpose of this channel was to appeal to boys ages six to eleven compared to Disney Channel’s female demographic. During this era, Disney Channel focused on their live action programming. This perpetuates the idea that animation isn’t for female audiences. This decision was ironic when it comes to the case of Star vs. The Forces of Evil—an animated series created by a woman and starred a female character in the lead. But despite these factors, it was still sent to air on a “boys network” because of the belief that animation is for boys.
Back to Cartoon Network, in a podcast with Kevin Smith in 2017, Paul Dini discusses the then current state of cartoons and why some cartoons get canceled. Dini specifically works in superhero animation and discusses how there has been a sudden trend in animation where networks want to go after little boys who are into goofy humor. He divulges into how networks like Cartoon Network do not want girls viewing their shows due the networks believing that “girls do not buy toys” and toys being life or death for several cartoons on the network. I find Cartoon Network’s lack of interest in appealing to girls very ironic considering that one of their most popular cartoons both in ratings and merchandise is The Powerpuff Girls. The show’s popularity had led to a theatrical movie, a reboot, and talks about another revival with the show’s original creator—Craig McCracken. Despite Cartoon Network’s insistence that their only important audience members are boys, they can’t seem to let go of The Powerpuff Girls.
When we say animation is for everyone, that includes girls. Claiming that girls “graduate” from animation is disrespectful to every female animation fan and every female animator out there. Animation is a powerful form of expression that women should be able to experience. Shows should not be punished for wanting to appeal to girls, as we all deserve representation as well.
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