Steven Universe is a children’s
show that aired on Cartoon Network on November 4th 2013. The show is about a magical,
out-of-this-world family known as the “Crystal Gems”; more specifically, it
portrays the life of half-human, half-gem Steven. This program is unlike most child shows in
that its main themes center on sexuality.
Steven Universe explores
homosexuality, attraction, and depicts the physical act of sex in a metaphoric
way, through character “fusion.” As a
result, the show introduces children to the idea of sexuality, even if they are
unable to grasp it at such a young age.
A recurring
theme that takes place in the show is the aforementioned act of “fusion” in
which the characters, usually following some type of romantic setting, morph
into one body. The fusion’s physical
appearance has qualities from both individual bodies, and is much larger in
size compared to the other characters in the show. Furthermore, both male and female alike are
attracted to fusion characters, regardless of whether the fusion has more
feminine or masculine features. Due to
the fact that this fuse takes place following a romantic encounter, it can be
understood that it is meant to represent sex.
This is a theme that could be easily understood by adult viewers of the
show, but would not be as readily apparent to children. However, the show may prompt children to ask their
parents questions regarding the fusion, which may lead to a premature
conversation about sex.
Outside of
the act of sex itself, the show explores sexual identity. According to the article “Steven Universe”,
the show is recognized for its transgender representations. The article states that fused bodies, or
trans bodies can represent transgendered people, and that these forms are “malleable,
unfixed, ever-changing and able to combine at will.” Furthermore, the show depicts homosexual
relations, with many characters in the show having feelings for other
characters with same-sex characteristics.
According to the article, the show is “willing to push the boundaries of
gender representation.” As a result, Steven Universe has found popularity
during its time on air for addressing ideas of sexuality in a way unlike any
other child’s show.
Personally,
I did not enjoy the show. More
specifically, I did not like that the children (i.e. Steven and Connie) would
do the act of fusion, just like their older friends. Since fusion was meant to represent sex, it
made me uncomfortable watching Steven and Connie engage in this act. In one program, Connie even tells another
character to not tell her parents about her fusion with Steven because her
parents were unaware that she was doing “magical” things with him. In my
opinion, I think the show should have kept the act of fusion specific to the
older characters. However, if the show intended to encompass the entire idea of
sexuality, and make it relatable to children, then it succeeded in doing
so. Ultimately, the show stands out from
other children’s programs, and provides a forum for discussions to take place.
