Steven Universe and the Evolution of the Sensitive Male

Popular culture has had the tendency in its history to give us one view of what it means to be a man. Men get to be strong, protective, violent, and smart, but they don’t get to have feelings, and they certainly don’t get to be sensitive. That has begun to change, amazingly enough, with the lead taken by cartoons meant for kids. Adventure Time is one example, in which protagonist Finn isn’t afraid to cry or openly deal with his fears, and one of the main women characters, Princess Bubblegum, is a super-intelligent scientist, and Steven Universe presents kids with an even more nuanced and out of the box male character. While much has been written (with good reason) on the amazing Gems themselves, and how they present women, just as important to our changing understanding of gender is the representation of Steven himself as a sensitive boy who sees the best in everyone and acts as the emotional core of the show.

Steven being shown as the sensitive male begins in the very first episode of the show, from his appearance to his actions. Steven is a half-human, half-gem, (if you are unfamiliar with the mythology of the show, his three caretakers and his mother are all ‘gems,’ aliens from another planet, who have gems that give them special powers) and his gem is a rose quartz imbedded in his belly button. Steven goes through life with a pink gem, a color associated with femininity in modern times, in his stomach. This color acts as the first clue that the audience is dealing with a different kind of masculinity.

Of course, appearance can only go so far towards upsetting expectations, but Steven’s actions aren’t too far removed either. We see the juxtaposition throughout the show of Pearl, Garnett, and Amethyst using strength and violence against their enemies. In the first episode, we see Steven summon his special “weapon,” which turns out to be a shield, a symbol of protection and defense instead of violence. His shield also happens to be pink. Compare that with the stone fists, whip, and spear of the other gems, and a fascinating image of gender begins to emerge, which contrasts with traditional expectations.

Steven’s actions continue to show his sensitive side throughout nearly every episode, as he always wants to save the enemies who try to hurt him. He strives to understand them and repair them. In later episodes, it is also revealed that he can actually repair cracked gems by using his saliva, as well as summoning a protective bubble that surrounds him and anyone else he wants to protect.

Steven never really hides his emotional side from those around him, often allowing his emotions to guide him. He believes in the inherent goodness in everyone, even in those who are attacking him and his friends. He presents himself as something different than the typical male in all aspects. This message of the sensitive male goes out to a sea of young boys who might otherwise not get such a delivery. Will this lead to a sea-change in other popular culture as these boys grow up? Only time will tell, but hopefully shows such as Steven Universe will lead boys to be more comfortable with their emotions not only in relation to media, but also in the world at large.

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