A friend of mine once commented on one of my posts that all she knows about "Steven Universe" is that she kept hearing only good things about it. To all the fans, that is no surprise. This show is the very first show on Cartoon Network to be created by a woman, Rebecca Sugar. There are warmhearted and impossibly catchy songs that connect us to the characters and the plot. The animation and art style are nuanced, whimsical, and have a tranquil effect. So much effort has been put into all of the aspects of the show that it has been nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award, the Annie Award, and more. However, this show is simply more than a work of art; it is also an invaluable show for children to watch. Here are six reasons why watching "Steven Universe" is so beneficial for children.
1. An accurate portrayal of emotional issues that many people undergo.
Many cartoons have characters with one-dimensional personalities. The characters are often flawless or have mild, occasional flaws, like intermittent jealously. As in every episode of "Keeping up with the Kardashians," a pointless conflict shows up and is conveniently solved within a span of 30 minutes. However, "Steven Universe" has no such characters or conflicts. Each person has different, complex personalities and flaws, which makes them so realistic.
Each person struggles with a unique issue, which could teach children to keep an open mind. This can also eliminate stigma against mental illnesses because it keeps these illnesses so realistic and approachable.
2. Inclusive and accurate portrayals of relationships.
One injustice media has committed is how it depicts relationships, making it so easy to mix “true love” with infatuation. Thankfully, "Steven Universe" is an exception. Rebecca Sugar tactfully explains what true relationships are like and what maintaining one requires.
This show is also the very first Cartoon Network show to openly announce an LGBTQ couple. Very much like "The Legend of Korra" and "Adventure Time," "Steven Universe" portrays attraction and relationships that are not represented by only heterosexual couples. This is such a major step towards breaking down stigma and helping children be more comfortable with exploring their sexuality.
3. The majority of characters are women/feminine non-binary people.
In "Steven Universe," Steven is the only male main character while the rest are women/feminine non-binary people. This is no accident, as Rebecca Sugar has stated, "My goal with the show was to really tear down and play with the semiotics of gender in cartoons for children because I think that’s a really absurd idea that there would be something radically different about a show for little girls versus a show for little boys." This is an important issue that should be addressed because cartoons often subtly reinforce gender norms for children. Girls are expected to enjoy shows about fairies or unicorns while boys are expected to obsess over shows with fighting and cars. However, by making the main fighters of the show feminine-presenting, Sugar is breaking down this division.
4. Humor that is positive and endearing.
An invisible rule for cartoons to uphold is to be funny, lest the children be bored. Unfortunately, some cartoons follow this rule with disrespectful and deprecating humor. Other shows feature cheap and trite running gags. Thankfully, "Steven Universe" moves away from this tradition with its refreshing, positive humor.
Sugar summarizes what motivates this healthy humor by explaining that negative humor "makes me really tired, because I just want to have a nice day and be around people that I like.” Previously children have learned that it's OK to be funny at someone else’s expense, but now children are aware that you can be respectful and humorous at the same time.
5. The portrayal of a healthy family.
Many cartoons depict main character's family as humorously dysfunctional or do not focus on their family at all. We rarely come across cartoons that depict nurturing families, but "Steven Universe" yet again tackles this stereotype. Although Steven is not in a traditional nuclear family, children can see that he is still very much loved and supported. Although the other main characters Garnet, Pearl, and Amethyst are not Steven’s mother, they still act as his caregivers, mentors, and friends. Steven and his father, Greg, also share a very strong, loving bond as well. Steven’s family teaches children that family is anyone you share a positive bond with.
6. The introduction of dark themes.
Many cartoon shows are whimsical and silly because children are supposedly unprepared for many issues that adults face. "Steven Universe" is similarly playful, but at times it is also very dark and serious as well. Intermittently, the show deals with issues like war and imperialism, prejudice, and toxic relationships.
These are all concepts that children are shielded from because most parents assume that they are too young to understand. Rebecca Sugar combats this and explains, “I don’t want to avoid that, I want to have it feel like that but also balance that out with the way then you have to talk to kids that are going through something like that and help them understand it." By subtly introducing children to issues that they must face later on, they are better prepared and more mature.
