What’s so great about Steven universe?

I know what you’re thinking, “how could a cartoon meant for children possibly be so important?” Well that’s exactly what I’m here to tell you. Steven universe was recommended to me by a friend and I am not going to lie my first impression wasn’t the best. The show starts off with a 12 year old boy that thinks he has magical powers that come from eating icecream. My first thought was that this was just another pointless cartoon for parents to put on to keep their children busy. I decided to keep watching despite my first thoughts. After getting about halfway through the first season (which consists of 72 episodes) I discovered that this was way more than a silly cartoon.

Let’s first start off with Steven and his parents. Right away we discover that Stevens mother isn’t in the picture, he’s instead being raised by his goofy father and three magical beings (the crystal gems.) His father, Gregg Universe, is first made out to be like every father character in every show ever. A lazy, overweight, unintelligent oaf that has no business raising a child. And while he is a little lazy and chubby, he proves to be a caring, smart and loving father to Steven. A show where a child is raised by his father and three other women is definitely something different, especially a show for children. Something important Steven Universe does is educate about topics that are hard to understand especially for the younger age range. They touch on the troubles of growing up with one parent and the struggles of being the single parent. Often not knowing what to do as a single dad we see Gregg learn and evolve as a father. Another parenting lesson we learn about is that of Stevens best friend Connie. Connie and Steven grow closer as the show goes on and we see Connie struggle under the grip of her overly protective and strict parents. Eventually with the help of Steven and the gems, Connie is able to stand up to her parents and become her own person or even THEIR own person. Which brings me to my next topic.

In this world of Steven Universe two gems can do something called fusion, this is where two gems combine their physical form into one. Steven is half human half gem, so no one was sure whether or not Steven could fuse. But soon into the show Steven actually fuses with his fully human friend Connie. Steven is a boy and Connie is a girl so when they fuse what pronouns do you suppose would be used? They/them of course! This show often touches on the subjects of pronouns and gender identities. All of the gems are presumably female but the humans in the show are sometimes introduced as nonbinary. The Steven and Connie fusion, otherwise known as Stevonnie uses they/them pronouns and is often portrayed as androgynous. In later seasons another non-binary character is introduced. This character is Shep another non-binary character. Steven himself uses he/him pronouns but we see him often expressing his more femine side, wearing makeup or dresses and singing pop star songs covered in glitter. This display of Steven being comfortable with his feminine side can be very important for young boys watching that are worried about being too girly. The uses of non-binary characters is easily understandle because the writers make it THAT simple. There is no obvious pointing out that they’re different it’s just simply the way it is. It is vital to teach kids, especially in today’s society about different pronouns and that sometimes boys can be feminine and girls can be masculine. This silly little cartoon makes it that easy for children.

One of my personal favorite things about Steven universe is how they portray sexuality. My all time favorite character is Garnet. A gem that is presumably the leader of the crystal gems, is actually a fusion all the time. She is made up of two gems that fell in love and decided to remain fused forever. Sometimes they un fuse and we get to see they’re cute dynamic, but mostly they stay together. Pearl, another gem, is obviously in love with stevens mother. They never once make the point of the gems being gay. They simply just show they’re interest in the other characters. It’s not some big huge coming out party it’s just how it is. Seeing this through the eyes of a child will help them to understand that not everything is black and white. Love and acceptance is important for everyone, and some parents aren’t good at or just don’t want to explain to their kids that you’re allowed to love whoever you want no matter what.

One of my most favorite points about this show is in a lot of episodes we see characters press upon the importance of NO MEANS NO. We see Steven protecting his friends when a guy is being pushy or when they’re forced to do something they don’t want to do. It is so important to learn how to speak up for yourself and learn that no does in fact mean no. It doesn’t mean maybe or later or that you’re playing hard to get. It simply means no. The show also touches on depression, trauma, anxiety, and the feeling of loss and grief. Something you don’t see often in cartoons.

Surrounding all of these important lessons and such. Is beautiful imagery, catchy songs, and deep and details characters that are so easily lovable. If you’ve ever considered watching Steven universe then you should 100% go for it. It’s very much worth your time and energy and will suck you in really quick. Watch with an open mind and make sure you have snacks and lots of water cause you won’t wanna lead your couch or look away from the screen.