The Erasure of American Folklore Explored in 'Over the Garden Wall' | The Observer

2023-10-15 20:54:04

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‘Over the Garden Wall’ and the Erasure of American Folklore // The Observer

There is something inherently American about the fall season. While examples like Fourth of July celebrations and monster trucks may come to mind, the true essence of the United States lies in autumn. For many, the foundation of the country can be found in Thanksgiving, a day that symbolizes the American melting pot through the story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe. Fall also represents other aspects of American culture, such as back-to-school season, American football, and Halloween.

The American Melting Pot in "Over the Garden Wall"

Cartoon Network's animated miniseries "Over the Garden Wall" beautifully captures the autumn atmosphere that defines America. The show transports viewers to the Unknown, where leaves fall in an orange-hued forest, two brothers embark on a mysterious journey in vintage clothing, and supernatural beings coexist with pumpkin-headed townsfolk. With its hand-drawn animation style and nods to classic American visual inspirations, the show portrays a timeless American setting.

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The Endangered Preservation of "Over the Garden Wall"

However, the availability of "Over the Garden Wall" is dwindling. Cartoon Network announced that the miniseries would be leaving their platform just two months before Halloween, its peak viewing period. Although it can still be accessed through other platforms like Hulu, some fans worry about the show's preservation. Cartoon Network has a track record of mishandling their miniseries, and the creator of "Over the Garden Wall," Patrick McHale, expressed concerns about the disappearance of such content from streaming services.

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The Challenge of Preserving Cult Classics

An article on Collider suggests that streaming services need to implement a curatorial component for cult classics or encourage fans to invest in physical media. However, these strategies have yet to be widely implemented. This brings forth a pressing question for fans of "Over the Garden Wall": In a modern and diverse America, what does folklore really look like? Is the miniseries a relic of a simplified American identity or a nostalgic preservation of forgotten culture?

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The Urgent Question of Accessibility

As we envision an evolving American Dream, the accessibility of "Over the Garden Wall" poses a vital question. Does it serve as a reminder of a homogenous American identity or a portrayal of a diverse culture we often choose to forget? The answer lies in our understanding of the significance of folklore in shaping our collective heritage.

Tags: America, American, Cartoon Network, Fall, folk stories, folk tales, folklore, folktales, lost media, over the garden wall, Patrick McHale

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