Rebecca Sugar’s Steven Universe is taking cartoons to a new level. This show is great for kids, teens, and young adults alike. It has a simple appeal, but as the story unfolds it has a much deeper meaning.
The show positively discusses homosexual relationships. Ruby and Sapphire love each other so much that they are permanently fused with one another. Sugar’s show is also riddled with bi-sexual and lesbian undertones. During Stevonnie’s first appearance in an episode, Sadie is so taken aback by her beauty that she gives Stevonnie her food for free.
The show gives kids realistic expectations on friendship. Connie and Steven go to great extremes to protect one another, and they show how a positive friendship can impact your life. On the other hand the gems show the other side of friendship. They show that it’s okay to disagree with your friends and argue from time to time.
The show also gives a great outlook on love. Sugar was able to effectively show how a great bond can make a relationship work. Rose Quartz & Greg are the poster couple for a strong relationship! There is an episode that dismisses the idea that love can be soley based on physical apperance and material things!
We can’t forget about the love between Ruby and Sapphire!
Steven Universe also touches on mental illnesses and emotional tramua. Pearl’s character development has revealed that she is suffering from some type of mental illness. She appears to suffer from some type of depression after she lost Rose Quartz. Her constant need for approval and self gratification pushes some fans away, but many find her to be relatable. Amethyst’s backstory revelaed that she is different from other gems becasue she was made on earth so she feels as though she is a mistake. The show develops these issues and allows the audience to go through the pain with the characters.
The gems are an example of great body representation. Each of the gems vary in size and shape. Their hair even comes in various shapes and colors. It is not every day that someone creates a cartoon that accurately depicts the female body.
Sugar also did a great job creating positive and relatable female characters. The main female characters on this show kicks butt on a weekly basis. They debunk the notion that women are inferior and that they need some type of male savior.
Bonus Reason!
In addition to these great points another reason to watch Steven Universe is Garnet is voiced by singer Estelle.
HCXO!