Cartoon Network has had a long run of stellar cartoons that have garnered legions of fans, which explains the longevity of the treasured television channel. Although some of the cartoons that have been premiered in the past experienced a short run, some recent programs have already amassed huge fan bases with dedication and love.
One of the recent programs that has achieved greatness is a cute but slightly confusing show called Steven Universe. Our story is centered around the titular character, Steven, and his hilarious yet heroic adventures with his inorganic family members, Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl. Going around solving problems and saving the day, the group, known as the Crystal Gems, help Steven get out of sticky situations in order to hone his gem powers, passed down from his gem mother, Rose Quartz.
Along with his best friend, Connie, and his loyal but enigmatic pink lion, the adventures seem endless in order to protect Earth from the ever-looming threat of Homeworld, a planet filled with gem beings ruled by the Great Diamond Authority.
One of the shows themes that is so omnipresent is the idea of gender fluidity and sexuality. It might cause people to scratch their heads and think, "why would the creators of a children's show put LGBT ideology in their brand?"
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, the creator of the show, Rebecca Sugar stated how it can be important for children to know about queer relationships and the idea of same-sex relationships. Sugar also stated how if children do not know about it early, then when will they learn?
The idea of this can seem like a healthy or positive process of reinforcement, and let children know, that it's not only OK to ask questions and be informed, but to let children know that these kinds of things exist.
One of the major examples that shows the queer positivism in the show is the act of gem fusion. From a scientific standpoint, gem fusion is the literal fusing of two gem beings, thus forming a new, bigger and better form. Such examples are one of the major characters, Garnet. Being a fusion of Ruby and Sapphire, her fusion is an example of not only a healthy relationship in general, but of a healthy queer relationship. Although gem beings in the show do not have a defined gender, almost all of them are female in appearance and behavior.
Another example of fusion was the unhealthy and abusive relationship of Lapis Lazuli and Jasper, forming Malachite. Lapis, being submissive, quiet but charming in behavior, was forced into a fusion with Jasper, one of the show's major antagonists, who is aggressive and nasty. Their fusion was a metaphor for how bad queer relationships can truly exist, in which one partner tends to be abusive to the other, and how the submissive partner can develop dependency on the other.
It also shed some light that domestic violence can exist in non-heterosexual relationships. Even Steven and Connie are able to fuse, showing an example of a heterosexual relationship that has its ups and downs.
Despite potential homophobic censorship and backlash, Steven Universe is a great show, and it can help children find their identity. Especially in this day and age, tolerance starting with the youth will lead to a brighter future for years to come. Say what you will, and from a straight male, Steven Universe is awesome. We should shine bright like the Crystal Gems.
