Steven Universe: One Of The Best Cartoons To Air On Television
By: Valerie Gutierrez
Cartoon Network's Steven Universe is one of the greatest shows to air on television. It explores and discusses important topics like toxic relationships, grief, trauma, mental health and so much more. It is well-known for its LGBTQ representation. Steven Universe was the first animated kids show to air a lesbian proposal and wedding. This made a lot of their fans feel seen and accepted. It welcomes everyone from every race, age, sexuality and gender to watch the story unfold.
Steven Universe is about Steven, a young boy who is half human and half gem and lives with three other gems: Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl. Together they go on adventures and protect Earth. It aired from 2013-2019.
While most cartoons are created for the sole purpose of entertaining kids and teenagers, Steven Universe goes beyond that. Rebecca Sugar, the creator of the show, makes sure the stories she tells are personal and relatable. Sugar created a show that inspires people to be their authentic selves. Steven Universe created a wonderful community for those who felt unheard or different. It impacted numerous fans in a way no other show has done before.
Not only does Sugar explore important topics through the storylines and character arcs, but she does it through music too. The songs from the show are catchy, fun and have deep meaning. One song from the show "Here Comes A Thought" touches on the importance of speaking to someone about what you are facing mentally or emotionally. The episode that premiered this song was "Mindful Education".
"Mindful Education" encourages its viewers to seek help when things are overwhelming. The episode addresses the importance of mental health, taking care of yourself and to be mindful of what you are feeling.
Garnet, who is voiced by singer and rapper Estelle, states "To find balance, you must understand your feelings. To understand your feelings, you must see them clearly without running from them".
Today, mental health is being discussed more than ever. I think it is important for young people to know that they are not alone and everything will be okay; this is what the show provides. Steven and all the other characters teach young people important life lessons that should be talked about. While this is still a kids show, there is a good balance of it being fun but not holding anything back.
As a fan of the show, I can say it has helped me during tough times. For someone who grew up in a household where mental health was not talked about often, Steven Universe gave me a safe space to feel normal and be open about what was going on. It made me feel less alone in a world that made me feel small.
I encourage everyone to give Steven Universe a try and get lost in the incredible stories being told.