It’s the first show on Cartoon Network created by a woman. 

That’s right, our beloved Rebecca Sugar is the FIRST woman to create a show on Cartoon Network! Why it took so long, no one knows! (Well, women know, but lets not make this a gender debate, shall we?) All we know is that we are proud of this Emmy nominated animator and the beautiful characters she has created! 

The Animation is GORGEOUS

Sugar has a knack for not only creating beautiful characters and places, but also flawless animation. It isn’t anime, but it isn’t a normal cartoon either. With Sugar’s beautiful pastels, monochromatic color schemes and more, fans are mesmerized by the animation. 

It’s Appealing to All Ages

Although it was originally geared towards children, the show has attracted teenagers and adults as well. Many kids love the jokes and colors, teenagers can understand the dark undertones and issues with growing up, and adults can enjoy the story arc and heavy yet playful themes. 

It Handles Adult Themes Well

Steven Universe isn’t new to sad moments and dark themes. It deals with issues (like abusive relationships, depression, loss, self esteem issues, LGBT relationships, slavery, war, PTSD, anxiety, etc.) in a manner that shows maturity, but not so much so that it gets too heavy for kids and adults alike. It’s an important part about the show that is handled well. 

Diversity in the Cast

Most all of the cast are women of color. Nuff’ said. 

Body Types

There are many body types in this show, along with different skin colors. In fact, many of the characters who are usually bigger are praised for their beauty! 

Lots Of LGBT Characters! 

There are a lot of LGBT characters in the show, often represented by fusion, the act of when two gems become one. It’s good that all types of love is shown in this show, kids and teens alike usually have questions about sexual preference, and it’s healthy for them to see their favorite characters are relatable! 

Comment if I missed anything! 

I was rewatching some old seasons when I noticed something. 

In “Catch and Release”, when Steven releases Peridot from her bubble, she seems startled and cautious around him. When she notices the other poofed gems around her, she says this. 

What does this mean? What is gem harvesting? And why is Peridot so fearful of her fate? 

I think this has a darker meaning. And I think Peridot knows more than she’s letting on. 

I think Homeworld has run out of resources. Think back to when Peridot said

“They can’t make gems like they used to.” 

Not won’t, can’t.

Look at Homeworld.

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Homeworld is cracked open. There are craters and you can see the core of the planet. This could be due to gems drilling into the core to create gems, much like they did to te Earth. But as you can see, Homeworld is all hollowed out.

Homeworld is out of resources, and it’s getting harder and harder to create gems. But as we all know, the Diamonds believe that all gems that don’t fit the mold are wrong. 

Gems like them. 

Gems like her. 

What if they have plans for “unwanted” gems? A way to “fix” defective gems. To make them into the gems they were originally supposed to be? 

Maybe I’m just thinking too deeply about it, but I think gem harvesting could be something very dark indeed. 

Many may already know of this, but I believe that gem placement helps describe gems and their attributes/personalities. 

Here are some examples: 

Collar Bone: 

As seen in Blue and Yellow Pearl, their gem placement represents slavery. Much like a dog collar, their gem placement represents lack of self-ownership. We all know that Pearls in the Gem Universe are slaves, made to serve higher class gems. They are made to be pretty and delicate, and this quite literally symbolizes the Diamond’s pearls are both loyal, yet fearful or their masters. 

Forehead: 

This is found in multiple gems, such as Peridot, Pearl, and White Diamond. The forehead placement has gems that are intelligent, or at least oriented around facts and/or intelligence. (Or maybe lack thereof, as White Diamond seems to be insane and tends to show physcopathic capabilities.) 

Chest: 

Amethyst, Bismuth, Doc, and both Yellow and Blue Diamond have chest gems. This represents emotions, which can lead to irrationality and/or quick temperment. Amethyst is emotional about her self worth and quickly angered, Bismuth was upset over the breaking point (leading to a battle between her and Steven), Yellow Diamond has been angry multiple times through the seasons, and Blue Diamond has, if you haven’t already guessed, been INCREDIBLY emotional over the shattering of Pink Diamond. 

Back: 

Lapis Lazuli has a back gem placement, represents her inability to look forward, as she seems to dwell on her past and what she has left behind. (Also, where else where would they place it, as she has wings!) 

Palm: 

Garnet (or Ruby and Sapphire) has gems placed on both of her hands. They represent one for each gem. Ruby took love into her own hands, while Sapphire’s gem (on the right hand) represents influence, as she is a high class gem. 

Back of the Hand: 

So far, only Padparadscha only has a gem on the back of her hand, mainly because she is an off-color. But, I believe this represents her ability. Sapphire can see into the future (and her gem is placed on her forehand), symbolizing foresight. But Padparadscha has the ability to look into the past, the things that have already occured. 

Navel: 

Steven, Rose Quartz, Navy, Pink Diamond, and White Pearl all have gems placed on their bellies, symbolizing sensitivity and femininity. Many of the gems that fall on the more feminine side of the scale with this gem placement tend to be motherly, as the umbilical cord is attached to the belly button. This symbolizes maternal influence. 

That’s all for now, comment below your thoughts/theories! 

As most Steven Universe fans know, Stevonnie is a fusion between Steven Universe and his best friend Connie Maheswaran.

Stevonnie represents a lot, like Steven and Connie’s love for each other, and Steven’s ability to fuse with humans, but I think Stevonnie represents something deeper.

Stevonnie represents anxiety. 

Now, as someone who has anxiety, I noticed the symptoms of Stevonnie’s behavior almost immediately in their debut episode, “Alone Together.” And, this may be a stretch, but I think they do represent the mental illness, anxiety.

There are many signs in some of the episodes.

For example, in their debut episode “Alone Together”, Stevonnie goes to a local rave hosted by Sourcream when they decide to dance.

They have a fun time dancing for a while, until they realize that everyone is staring at them. That’s when Stevonnie goes into a tailspin.

Sugar then shows Stevonnie sweating, having difficulty breathing, and is noticibly unable to function in the room. This represents social anxiety, which is a fear of social embarrassment or judgement, often causing someone to be unable to function in social situations.

This is also shown in “Mindful Education”, where Stevonnie has anxious symptoms due to both Steven and Connie’s bad memories.

This can represent anxiety that stems from PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It isn’t surprising though, as Steven has been through some stressful situations as a child.

So, the main question is why.

Why is it that two people, who love each other, have such bad chemistry when they fuse? I think it represents that even though they do have anxiety together, their relationship helps them get through anxiety attacks.

Though this hasn’t been confirmed by Rebecca Sugar, I think it’s an interesting concept.

Maybe I am way off, but I think my theory may be true.

Comment your thoughts below!

Welcome to my Steven Universe blog! Here, I will expand on theories, art, and other news in the Steven Universe world!