Warning! Spoilers!
When I was introduced to Steven Universe, I didn't know how thoughtful and caring the show would be. I didn't know how deep, or funny, or heartfelt it was. Looking back at it now, it's a huge part of my life because it really speaks to me, it cares about it's audience, and it breaks the rules of contemporary cartoons.
It teaches us things, no matter what age we are:
1. Meditation
Garnet is teaching Stevonnie how to deal with their emotions to better fuse, but do you know what that is? Meditation. Children watching this (and even adults like me) will unknowingly pick this up. They might try it, or they might think of the song next time they get angry. This is invaluable, and I teared up realizing what the showrunners were doing.
2. Self-care
The character Kiki, along with Steven, taught us what it means to take care of ourselves. It doesn't always mean being mean to others, or that we are doing something wrong. It just means knowing our limits and listening to our inner self.
3. Breaking stereotypes...
One of my favorite moments from a recent episode was Jenny, one of the people of color in the show, asking "Do you know how many metal concerts I've missed?" It seems like a small statement, but without this little insight into her character, we might assume that she only likes raves and rappers. I brightened at knowing black girls who like hard music were getting a nod.
4. ...and gender roles
Steven is able to wear makeup and "girl" clothing without pretending to be a girl. He's still Steven, and he isn't uncomfortable or unsure. He's excited and he really enjoys it without it seeming to be a joke or a mockery.
5. Moving on
If you've watched the show, you know Pearl is infatuated with Rose. In love with her, even. And it takes a lot for Pearl to realize that she just has to let go of it to move on and be the best version of herself, by herself.
6. Recognizing and reacting to abuse
This was one that I was not expecting. Lapis and Jasper fused, and they tore each other apart. When Lapis is free, we see a different side of her. She's changed, just a little. And then they reveal it: even though she knows she wasn't good with Jasper, she wants it back. She got comfortable there and she misses it. When Jasper reappears and gives her that opportunity, though, Lapis looks her in the eye and says no.
So many people can't do this. Children watching the show don't even know what an "unhealthy" or "abusive" relationship is by definition. But they might experience it, and this small moment might help them find the strength they need to face those relationships in the future.
7. Letting go of guilt
Amethyst, Connie, and Steven all have a hard time letting go of how guilty or inadequate they feel about a lot of things. They hold on to personal failure and feel responsible for a lot of things that others easily forgive them for. They haven't learned how to let go of it completely, but they are constantly working on it.
8. Communication over violence
One of Steven's best qualities is his desire to save everyone. He wants to make friendships and preserve life instead of dealing with every situation through violence and bubbling. He wants to talk things over instead of being controlling and hurting people.
9. Dealing with harassment
Stevonnie finds themselves in a situation with a character that harassed them during a party, and they are influenced by anger and hurt. It takes them time to realize, while what happened to them is wrong and they shouldn't be forgiving, they also shouldn't let their negative emotions drive their actions.
and most important (to me)
10. Normalizing queer people and relationships
Stevonnie is nonbinary. There's no argument about this, really. A lot of people will see themselves in this character, and I think that's rad.
Garnet is made of Sapphire and Ruby - despite being alien space rocks, we all know that they are a powerful lesbian couple. Why do you think Jasper thinks their an abomination? Their relationship warms my heart and I can't imagine what it means to couples around the world.
Rebecca Sugar even came out as bisexual this year at Comic Con!
Do I have to say more? Is it so hard for people to realize the importance of a show like this? It's an escape, for short periods of time, but every episode we get something out of it. Life lessons, inspiration, something to think about. It's something I think we all need a little of.
