I thought I’d get this out there while I’m up in some MAJOR feelings right now about this topic (I write better this way, so let’s get with it.)
I quit interacting with the fandom sometime ago. The fandom drama became a nuisance to the point where any interaction with fandom content made it difficult to appreciate. The sad truth is, I think for some of us that left awhile back, we let petty fandom strife get in the way of something beautiful and the message Steven Universe brings to its audience. So, why comeback? More specifically, why comeback to this specific point in the show’s story where the resolution begins to take its course. (And why it’s now officially my favourite episode.)
No story is perfect technically. Steven Universe is not a perfect story in its technical aspects. You can say what will you about the shows flaw of character models being inconsistent, the timing and pacing of the show being too stiff, or too childish, or anything else that’s too much or too little. That’s fine, understandable even. Acknowledging it’s weaknesses as an audience, it is what it is. However, don’t let that get in the way of how Steven Universe handles the themes of literal growth, change, and development, themes that are very much prevalent and can be applied to anyone’s life. Lest we forget, how we analyze how the show treats its villains, not just as antagonists with a warped sense of morality and they forever remain stagnant characters, but as characters who can have their own moments of redemption and change. However, their redemption comes at a price and they must be willing to put in the effort towards their redemption and growth. If they recognize their flaws, if they are willing to seek out and take the offered helping hand of others, to change their minds and hearts to become, not perfect, but better. Not everyone is willing to forgive, not everyone is willing to let go of the hurt of their past, not everyone, but in time if they proceed with small steps and determined hearts, they can learn to heal.
Tonight’s episode, Change Your Mind, is a beautiful testimony to changing the heart of a hardened mind, whilst also acknowledging the person we are is the person we are, and the person we will become to love, no matter the environment, no matter our past, or what created us. A message I think is so very important that is being exposed as a children’s medium.
Steven has feared throughout the series if he was his mother, if he was the result of love, or a selfish act of rebelliousness. If he was a fusion or not. The scene where Pink Steven and Steven hug are the manifestation of his mental and physical aspects of himself. Steven has always been Steven! He has always been himself and never not his mother, Pink Diamond, or Rose Quartz. The flashes of his gem morphing between Pink Diamond, to Rose Quartz, to finally, just Steven. It spoke volumes to him that he was always himself. Steven can finally be content with this thought and his dissociation of body and mind can be at peace with this answer. The main message being seen here is, “loving yourself”, quite literally! (Also, the animation where Steven reunites with himself had my heart in a headlock.)
However, White Diamond is confused. She is upset, angry even at the gall of this playful, little act that has Pink’s name written all over it! She doesn’t understand this.
White Diamond cries out in frustration her fears to Steven.
“I’m suppose to be flawless! If I am not perfect, then who am I? If you’re not Pink, then…who are you? Who is anyone?”
Her questions hit us like bricks. How could she love herself if she is not the impossible standard of perfectionism she’s set for herself. Her purity facade falters, her passive aggressiveness and ruthlessness crumbles. She is utterly embarrassed of herself and her flaws! What of it? Why should we care? She used her powers to manipulate and control other gems, she locked away Pink Diamond and Steven in a tower for days. She created a restricted regime and system of tyranny, of discrimination, of abuse that stifled love, happiness, and growth. The list goes on. How can we forgive that? And yet Steven knows this, Steven understands this. A child (what’s your excuse?). How is Steven still able to look at White Diamond and still want to help?
He knows she isn’t perfect, even if she hides it underneath her bright, dazzling aura. (All things eventually are seen underneath the light.) White Diamond is a representation of a heart scared of change and was afraid of listening to others in fear of tampering with her own rigid mindset.
“But I’m not suppose to be like this. I’m suppose to know better. I’m suppose to be better. I’m suppose to make everything better!”
And Steven’s reply to all of that makes you laugh while crying.
“You can, but first, you’re gonna have to leave your own head.”
(Wow, they really went for that metaphorical and literal rhetoric. Gonna go cry an ocean real quick.)
And being the character in the series who is willing to see the best and worst in others, and is willing to help with both aspects, acknowledges this too. White Diamond has the authority and power to make things better. She begins with her words of being, wanting, to be perfect, to then plead that she should be better. She steps outside of her mindset and tentatively begins to see the world through others, instead of puppeteering them to her will.
Steven Universe’s fundamental concept of love is with oneself and love with others. In the case of this episode, things begin to tie together. Love, change, growth. It all wouldn’t be possible without pain, without strife, without struggle. Questioning authority, forgiving even the worst of people and their actions, accepting change, not just accepting what your flaws are, but what steps can you take to proactively better yourself. Even Steven’s song towards the end made my heart leap.
I don’t need you to respect me, I respect me.
I don’t need you to love me, I love me.
But I want you to know
you could know me
If you change your mind.
“I don’t need the validation of others, I need the validation of love from myself. But if you wanted to know me, without judgement, without bias, change your mind. Grow, learn.”
You already understand the message. You know what to do with this. It is so raw, it is genuine, it is real. Our love comes from within and it is beautiful, and so is the love of others that we are willing to accept. I have no other words, the episode does itself a certain kind of justice. I’m sure there are plenty more analysis’ of this, but this is just my quick review overall .
So a thing about the bit, with Steven getting his gem pulled out, and Gem!Steven showing up?
We see the scene from Steven’s point of view, after- and his vision is split.
As is, he sees his fleshy body with one eye-
- and the Gem!Steven forms and sees what they see from his other eye- and we can safely say Gem!Steven has the same vision.
Steven is confused and hurting- but, despite the horror of the situation, he bursts into tears, because he’s suddenly feeling desperate.
“I have to-”
“I need-”
Reaches out towards Gem!Steven, weeping, begging to be reunited- and Gem!Steven evidently feels the same, as there is no hesitation as they start walking towards Steven
I see people saying ‘They are a fusion’ but… no, not really?
They are part of a whole that has been sepparated physically, but mentaly they are still one.
Two pieces struggling to find each other, so they could form and be whole again.
Like the gem shard in the Cluster, really.
Or any gem- any shattered gem.
So I am proposing Steven just experienced what is essentially being shattered.
One of these days Yellow Diamond is gonna cry and reprimand Blue Diamond for making her do it but Blue’s eyes will be dry and Yellow will be like “aw fuck it’s me”
I am Silver Tongue, I am an artist. I have many characters and you can check out my art in the art tag. I occasionally practice witchcraft though I don't do anything too complicated. I am girl 2 and don't know what else to put here.
