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Can People Just Stop Whining About The Big O on Cartoon Network?

NOTE: I originally had responded to a thread on the Anime Jump Big O forum regarding The Big O's debut on the Cartoon Network. As it was the third such conversation I'd been in that day, I'd kind of had it. So, I posted a reply which I thought I'd repost here. In retrospect, it's a bit more harsh than it should've been, particularly towards the end, but it still needed to be said.

You know, it's funny, this is the third conversation I've had today about people being not thrilled with the idea of The Big O on network television. I aim this response not just at this post, but at every single person who bitches about how 'awful' it is that anime is so popular. I've had enough of it.
Did you know that once upon a time, anime on television was nothing but a fleeting daydream for most fans? That they never thought that there'd come a day when you could walk into Toys R Us and buy Gundam model kits? Or be able to see just about all your favorite shows on DVD? Or be able to buy birthday party stuff with Sailor Moon on it? Did you know that ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WERE A LOT LESS ANIME FANS, and it in fact wasn't until Sailor Moon was broadcast on televison in 1995 that the majority of the 1337-fansub-having boys and girls who like to trash dubs even knew what anime _was_? Myself included in this denomination? And if it hadn't been for anime being shown on TV here, that you'd probably never even have heard of The Big O?

So, let me get this straight. Because it's going to be on the Cartoon Network instead of IFC, you don't want to see it? Yeah, I guess watching a CARTOON on the CARTOON NETWORK won't make you look as fashionable as you would appear to be drinking a Cosmopolitan with your Kate Spade handbag-swinging ladyfriends while popping Vicodan pills and discussing the early films of John Cassavettes at 3 in the morning. Yes, by all means, please don't watch it. You're right, it's obviously not catering to the likes of yourself, but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be there for the people who do want to see it and enjoy it.
If you don't want to watch it, that's your choice alone. I'm going to go set my VCR to tape it on Cartoon Network regardless.

- Mara
posted 03-29-2001 01:28 PM ET (US)

So, there you have it.

Design & words © Mara K. All rights reserved.