Recognizable variations of femininity
The gems are not biologically female. They are made of light, they don’t need to eat or drink, they don’t age, and they don’t reproduce as humans do. However, in terms of gender performance, they are clearly women (sometimes GIANT women). They present as women, and they perform distinctive but recognizable variations of femininity. Choose one of the Crystal Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl) and break down the ways that character performs femininity in her own way. What “kind” of woman is the gem? How do you know? What are the most important markers, behaviors, and stylistic choices that define the character for you?
2. For as show as focused on queer and feminist issues as Steven Universe, it can sometimes seem surprising that it has a little boy as the main character. But the show is very careful not to take Steven’s maleness and masculinity for granted. What are some of the ways that the show’s portrayal of Steven and his relationships critiques or deconstructs toxic elements of masculinity and heteronormativity? What are some examples of places where Steven displays alternative or queer forms of masculinity?
3. The show is also clearly playing with the format and expectations of the action toon and Shōnen-anime, with many episodes focused on Steven’s training and growing powers, fighting monsters, and especially in the way that fusion combines gems to form larger, more powerful forms (which you might recognize (Links to an external site.) from many (Links to an external site.) other places (Links to an external site.)). What are some of the ways that you see Steven Universe leaning into the usual narratives, subjects, and style of the action cartoon? What are some places where it is clearly critiquing or subverting some of those tropes or assumptions?
4. What do you make of Steven and Connie’s relationship? How does their cute time (jam buds 😄) rework or subvert typical heteronormative assumptions?
5. One of the most interesting shifts in the show is the reframing of Pearl’s anxiety and protectiveness. Early in the show, these traits, along with her costuming, frame Pearl as hyper-feminine. As the show continues, and especially in “Rose’s Scabbard” and “Sworn to the Sword,” we start to see that these aspects of Pearl’s character are tied to her grief and trauma as a widow and a war veteran. What did you make of this shift? How did it change the way you saw Pearl’s character, and her role in Steven’s queer family?
6. Just as the gems are not female, they have no “race” in human terms. However, Garnet clearly draws on aspects of Black womanhood in her performance of self. What did you think about the way Garnet draws on the Blackness to project strength and coolness?
7. What did you think of Greg and Steven’s unconventional father-son relationship? Is Greg a “good dad”? How does this reconfiguration of Fatherhood fit into the show’s overall exploration of non heteronormative queer family?
8. Rose Quartz didn’t give birth to Steven, she became Steven. How do you feel about this? How does it impact your understanding of his sex and gender?
9. Fusion: what’s going on there?
