People constantly ask me, "Alaina, what kind of T.V. shows do you like to watch?" When I tell them that I watch shows such as "Cutthroat Kitchen," "Chopped," and "Castle Hunters International" (did you know that you can buy a Scottish castle for less than your college education? Goodbye GCU, amiright?) I get the usual, "oh yeah, makes sense" response, because apparently that's what 'adults' watch. Then I tell them that I also enjoy "Adventure Time," "We Bare Bears," and "Steven Universe" and the response changes completely. Many question my sanity and others ask how old I am, as if my Pokemon tattoos don't completely give away the fact that I am essentially a 12 year old in a 20 year old's body (insert angst-filled eye role here). The reality here, though, is that shows on Cartoon Network, such as "Steven Universe," are so important in the development of so many individuals who also watch this show.
Steven Universe, the main character in the show, is a member of the Crystal Gems: A group of rebel space gems that are protecting the world from devastation brought by other space gems. Steven, the half-human/half-gem piece of perfection that he is, goes on adventures with his fellow gems, Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, and they always find a way to save the day from disaster (as any good superhero cartoon does). The difference when comparing "Steven Universe" to another CN superhero show, such as the "Teen Titans," is that Steven Universe is constantly breaking down barriers that are still often seen as taboo.
"Steven Universe" in its entirety tackles so many different topics that are prevalent to society today, such as gender roles, gender identity, self worth, and even rape culture, which is why this cartoon is so important for individuals of all ages.
Gender Roles
Aside from the fact that there are freaking bada** gems saving the planet from doom, "Steven Universe" does a great job at questioning and deconstructing the ideas surrounding gender roles as they currently exist within the U.S. There is one particular episode, Fusion Cuisine, where Steven is expected to introduce his family to the family of his friend Connie, who is expecting to see a nuclear family (two adults and their child/children). Instead, Steven brings his dad and the three Crystal Gems fused into one large gem, claiming that all of the gems are like his mom (since Steven's actual mom absolved her human form in order to make Steven. It makes sense once you watch the show, I promise). Through this episode and all of the weird things that happen, it is shown that not all families have to be the same and that not all individuals have to take on their traditionally assigned gender roles.
Gender Identity
Fun fact: All of the gems are genderless, though they may take on physical characteristics that are traditionally male/female. Through all of this though, each of the characters display parts of themselves that are inherently the opposite of the physical characteristics that they possess. Steven is portrayed as a male, though many parts of his personality are more traditionally feminine. Conversely, Pearl is portrayed as female, though she is a complete B.A. M.F.er that kicks butt and has other characteristics that are traditionally masculine. This whole show is an adventure for everybody who watches it, providing a catalyst for conversation about their own gender identity.
Self Worth
The episode, Coach Steven, hits hard and makes you think. There is a song within the episode (as there are in many of the episodes) that questions what it means to be strong "in the real way." This episode is a journey of self discovery for Steven, who thinks that brute strength is the key to success, and for Pearl, who believes that being mentally strong is a majority of the battle. In the end, both figure out what is important to themselves and what makes them feel positively about their person, instead of what makes others see their traditionally assigned importance.
Rape Culture
What?? A cartoon can tackle rape culture???? You bet your booty that it can! If you couldn't tell by now, this show plays towards its younger audience with all of the weird things that happen, but that doesn't distract from the messages that it seeks to convey. In Alone Together, Steven and his friend Connie fuse -- or come together to become one being. Stevonnie, as they call the fusion, is a beautiful character with female traits that is approached by many males. Stevonnie is asked to dance by one of the males that hits on them, and when they answers no, the male retorts by basically saying that they shouldn't have danced if they didn't want people to dance with them.
The exact quotation from the show is,
C�reep: "Hey baby, why'd you leave me on the dance floor?"
Stevonnie: "I don't want to dance with you anymore!"
Like, are you kidding me? YOU GO! Stand up for yourself! Don't let creeps talk to you like that! Stevonnie, the wondrous creation that they are, comes back and tells the creep that they don't exist to dance for other people, only for themselves. Though the larger metaphor may be lost to younger viewers, the message still remains that you should only do something if you feel like doing it, not because others want you to.
Cartoon Network is making some great strides and tackling topics that other networks have only attempted to integrate into their shows. Yes, "Steven Universe" is a cartoon and yes, I am a 20 year old college student, but my choice in television does not reflect a lack of maturity; instead, it reflects what society needs: More cartoons and more important conversations.
