Steven Universe: Race and Sexuality

Steven Universe is a children's cartoon that centers on a family of three intergalactic aliens (Gems) Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, and their half human-half gem son, Steven. In a particular episode, "The Answer," we are able to see a metaphor for relationships across the racial and socioeconomic lines.

In the episode we are introduced to the first fusion of Garnet, one of the main gems. Garnet is a fusion between sapphire and ruby (which is the literal embodiment of a romantic relationship between the two.) Fusion is the process in which two gems become one as a way of combining their power and experiencing a new mode of being. In the episode we can see that sapphire has elevated status, and ruby is her guard, therefore has a lower status. In terms of race, ruby would be African American, and sapphire white. These assumptions could made because of their features, as ruby seems to have a traditionally black hairstyle, Afro, and sapphire has white characteristics. But, garnet, their fusion, strongly depicts the characteristics of a black woman.

 

Although the gems are agender, they are all given female attributes, therefore along with the race lines there is also the factor of sexuality. The article, “Steven Universe, Fusion Magic, and the Queer Cartoon Carnivalesque” by  Eli Dunn says, “It is Fusion that pushes the magic of the fantasy cartoon to its most useful for queer representation in Steven Universe, as Fusion serves as the prism through which the show addresses agender desire and genderqueer representations.” When the two gems fused for the first time the gems of the colony reacted negatively. "They've never seen fusion of two different types of gems." The other gems referred to the fusion as, "unbelievable," "disgusting," and "unheard of." This compares to both interracial and same-sex relationships. Interracial relationships have taken place in America since colonial times, but couples in such romances have faced continuous problems. There was a couple who was hauled from their house and thrown into jail for several days, all for getting married. They were an interracial couple. Similarly, same sex couples continue to go through similar circumstances. In regards to the gems, Ruby was going to be broken for having fused with Sapphire.

Gloria Anzaldua states, "most cultures have burned and beaten their homosexuals and others who deviate from the sexual common. The queer are the mirror reflecting the heterosexual tribe's fear: being different, being other and therefore lesser..." This could be seen as what occurred to the gems, however, Rose Quartz, leader of the rebellion, and Steven's mother said to Garnet after she expressed confusion, "No More questions. Don't ever question this. You already are the answer." The answer was, love.

Fez- A displaced foreigner

Fez is a main character in the Television series, That 70's Show. Fez is an acronym for "Foreign Exchange Student," however, his actual name and nationality are never disclosed. The only information that we are given is that he is an undocumented (until he gains his citizenship) immigrant from who knows where. Fez never mentions a family, and his customs are often perceived as weird. Fez is forced to assimilate to the American teen culture in the 70s. He dives into a culture that is extremely different from his own. His friend group helps him become accustomed and assimilated into the ways of "Amedica," as Fez calls it.

 One thing that I especially find odd is that Fez never mentions any family and when he does mention his childhood it is extremely distinct to the stereotypical childhood in the US.   Fez also never shows any urgency to go back to his native country. He strives to become an American, and obtains his green card by marrying Eric's sister. His foreign exchanged student family is only on one episode of the entire series. His close net group of friends become Fez's family, almost literally. 






Throughout the show we see fez grow increasingly dependent on his friends.  He struggles greatly with being alone and is always willing to be a third wheel in hopes of not being lonely. He's depicted as a hyper sexual virgin, who always needs the companionship of his friends. At some point in the show he even fake dates Eric's girlfriend Donna and becomes attached to her, and hopeful of the situation. His circle of friends, and the mother and father of Eric Foreman become Fez's family.

On the show Fez often times reached out to Kitty in search of a motherly figure. There are many scenes where kitty takes on the role of fez's caretaker by feeding fez, defending him from Red (her husband), etc. Fez even asks Kitty for advice with girls. She gives him "the talk,"  something that is usually given by a parental figure.









By the looks of the show we can perceive that Fez came to find himself and sense of belonging when he came to the U.S. He was exposed to different music, magazines, Star Wars, teen pop culture, etc. In the article, "How do kids; self-identities relate to media experiences in everyday life," Joellen Fisherkeller states, "Many studies show how kids identify themselves as members of friendship and peer culture through media." We see that Fez learned from  media platforms what it was like to be a teen in the U.S. and they even helped establish friendships. Fez went to a Ted Nugent concert with his friends however, with a shirt that read Tad Nugent instead of Ted. The platform of 70s music and popular culture was something that helped Fez establish his circle.

Similarly, Gloria Anzaldua states in her book, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza, "I had to leave home so I could find myself, find my own intrinsic nature buried under the personality that had been imposed on me.” This first breakthrough from the familiar represents the beginning of the journey in building her own identity, which I  believe is what happened with Fez.

Social media, memes, Danielle Bregoli, and the Double Standards of Cultural Appropriation

Unless you have been intentionally avoiding the internet, social media, or any news outlets, you have probably heard of Danielle Bregoli, also known as the girl that said, "cash me ousside howbow dah.," on the Dr. Phil Show. Her appearance, was not a good one, but the following memes, song remixes, and dance challenges, led Bregoli to become an internet sensation. Although all of these things died off soon after, Bregoli held on to her stardom. She gained a principle role in Kodak Black's music video, and comedic roles in videos with popular YouTube stars. All which have led her to land advertising deals and many other offers. Her Instagram following is in the millions, depicting how great of an audience she has reached.

Take in mind that Bregoli is only 13 years old, and in a sense is praised for what she does. On the Dr. Phil show, we were subjected to the crimes she openly discussed that she did. She admitted to stealing cars; most recently got involved into an altercation with a woman on a plane, and got into a fight outside of a bar. Why is it that this behavior is encouraged an applauded when someone that is white is doing it?

The problem with this meme and her popularity is that it began through cultural appropriation. This meme appropriates black language, culture, and creativity. By saying, “cash me ousside, howbow dah,” Bregoli has come into fame through the culturally appropriated use of ebonics, which is defined as “African American vernacular English.” 

Bregoli is praised for the use of this language as a white woman, whereas African Americans who use ebonics are discriminated against and seen in a negative and racist light.They are depicted as “ghetto” or “ratchet.” Bregoli more than likely does not have any knowledge of the history of ebonics nor the black culture yet, her social media persona relies on using this culture as a funny trend to gain fame and fortune.

This is not a unique situation as celebrities constantly appropriate cultures through their styles, roles, etc. We have seen white designers refer to the traditionally black hairstyle, Bantu knots, as mini buns.

Gloria Anzaldua mentions the idea of la facultad, which is the capacity to see in surface phenomena the meaning of deeper realities, to see the deep structure below the surface.The appropriation of cultures may feel as it does no harm, however, cultural appropriation is not the same as cultural exchange or culture appreciation. People who have la facultad understand that culture appropriation trivializes violent historical oppression. Similarly it makes things considered"cool" for white people, but "too ethnic" or in this case "ghetto" for people of color.

Lack of Diversity and the incorporation of stereotypes/gender roles in the Media

Diversity lacks greatly in the media. Although New York is one of the most diverse states in the U.S. TV shows like Friends, Sex in the city, and  How I met your mother do not portray any main black characters. This is also seen in movies. Disney films often portray their princes as highly masculine and more often than not, white (with the exception of Aladdin, prince Naveen, and Li Shang).

According to a study by researchers at the University of Southern California, "of the top 100 films of 2014 nearly three-quarters of all characters were white. Only 17 of the top movies that year featured non-white lead or co-lead actors." We often see whites playing roles of other races and ethnicity as well; whether it is in films, TV shows, or even in photo-shoots. One of the most recent forms of cultural appropriation is Scarlett Johansson playing a Japanese anime character in the new movie, Ghost in the Shell. And also, why is a movie all about jazz have two, white, lead actors?

I am sure by now we have established that there is a lack of representation of minority groups in the media, however, when we do see these groups represented we often do so through stereotypes and gender roles. It is rare to see a film portray a Hispanic woman in a main role or in any other role other than the "spicy/ sassy Latina," "the maid," "the immigrant," etc. Similarly, Hispanic men are portrayed as gang members, "Cholos," "property keepers (e.g. landscapers, gardeners, maintenance workers, etc.,)" When black men and women are portrayed in media it is also through stereotypes and as supporting roles (unless its a black film like ATL, Boyz in the Hood, etc.,) Black men are depicted as "thugs", "poor", "hood", and "savage like." The women are given the stereotype of "the maid," " the mammy," "the Jezebel," and "Welfare Queen,"etc.

 It has not been until recently that films like: Fences, Hidden Figures, Get Out, and Moonlight, depict African Americans in a different light. Yet we still lack the representation of Latina/os  in the media. One movie that I like depicts Eugenio Derbez, a Mexican director/actor,  as Valentino, a ladies man who was forced to change his ways because a former fling appears at his doorstep with what appears to be his daughter. Instructions not included, although does not fail to include the stereotype of "the immigrant," paints a Mexican man as a compassionate and wealthy man who  fights for his daughter. In a sense it reverses the role, as the media is more likely to portray a Mexican, Hispanic or Latino man as a maintenance worker, a cholo, etc. This film portrays a Mexican man for what they are most commonly like, including the values attributed to them. The article, Post-Princess Models of Gender: The New Man in Disney/Pixar, looks at the ways films have began to portray males in movies, in a way defying gender roles. The article focuses on Lightning McQueen a main character in the movie Cars, who through relationships turns away from extreme masculinity and develops the values of caring, sharing, nurturing, and community, similar to the portrayal of Valentino who deterred from a self-centered ladies man to a nurturing father. Both characters, in different ways encompass their "femininity."

Gloria Anzaldua states," ¡Animate! Raza, a celebrar el dia de la chicana." Anzaldua encourages men to try it the woman way. This can be seen in many forms, it is known for mexican men to  be extremely macho. However, Anzaldua encourages men to encompass women and a sense to learn from them. "We can no longer blame you, nor disown the white parts, the male parts, the pathological parts, the queer parts, the vulnerable parts. Here we are weaponless with open arms, with only our magic. Let's try it our way, the Mestiza way, the Chicana way, the women way."  

20 Feet from Stardom: "The Other"

The  film, 20 Feet from Stardom, looks at the various setbacks and obstacles faced by historic black backup singers. The film portrays the faces behind some of the biggest names in music like Ray Charles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, etc. These backup singers were often overlooked and in the events of going solo, they were not successful. The film demonstrates the history of backup singers and how lead artists were interested in a deep vocal/gospel sound for their music. Only then did these main lead singers want black backups as they had something that the other girls did not; sass and depth. During a certain portion of the film the producers focus on the relationship of Claudia Leanne with Mick Jagger and David Bowie. Jagger mentions several times that she was “Hot.” In fact so hot, she inspired songs by both Bowie and Jagger; “Brown Sugar” and “Lady Grinning Soul.” 

In the Bell Hooks Piece, “Eating the other: Desire and resistance” we see the notion that the majority- those who are a part of the dominant strata (those who are white) are enticed by the exoticism of the other. The other refers to anyone in the minority, however, most accurately in regards to this discussion, the African American community. Hooks also discusses the commodity of the other. She states that those who are different to the majority add spice to season the otherwise bland and weak taste of mainstream White culture. In the example of this film we see this portrayed in the music industry. According to the documentary, these women were often exploited by those who they held a contract with. However, though the inclusion of diversity we see the lives of these white males become richer and better, yet, this demonstrates that the, “white male desire must be sustained by the “labor” of a dark other," an idea explained by Hooks.

 In the perspective of gender through  Gloria Anzaldua's novel Borderlands/ La Frontera: The New Mestiza, she states, "Males make the rules and laws;women transmit them." She also states, "Woman is the stranger, the other. she is man's recognized nightmarish pieces, his Shadow-Beast." The women in the film shadowed and served to benefit their lead singers (who were often men.) Despite the great talents of these women, they seemed to be overlooked, they were only wanted for what they could offer to the music of these producers.

The curiosity for “The Other” is something people will continue to look into. The majority finds excitement and thrill by attempting to see what it is like to become “the other.” This explains the desperate want for the black backup singers, as they brought a different flavor to the music industry.

Race Relations: A focus on Zootopia

Many have taken to the movie Zootopia to explain difficult concepts to children. Throughout the movie it is not difficult to see the take on prejudice and stereotypes. The main Character, a bunny, named Judy Hopps has a complex structure of identities. Judy's identity as a bunny or a female bunny depicts marginalization, when no one believed she could be a police officer. As part of the non-predator group she became a part of the majority, and did not receive the treatment those who were a part of the predator group did. Similarly, there were stereotypes given to each animal.  Judy perceives the city of Zootopia as a place where anyone can do anything, and everyone can live in peace and harmony, often times diminishing the discrimination and prejudices other characters identify. In the book Racism without Racists, Eduardo Bonilla Silva talks about the idea of Color Blind Racism which refers to the notion that if we stop talking about racism it will go away, or the idea that we shouldn't see race, just humans. This movie does a great job challenging this because no animal is the same, and their differences are acknowledged.

The lead male character felt the need to conform to the stereotype of the “sly fox.” Nick, the fox, had a sense of internalized oppression, in which he acted out on the stereotypes that were created about him when he was young. If he was to be treated as a criminal all the time, why not just act like a criminal? This depicts that how minor stereotyping and prejudicial attitudes can impact the lives of the young.

Gloria Anzaldua, in the book, Borderlands La Frontera: The New Mestiza, looks at the divisions those that are minorities have with the majority. She discusses how minorities should allow the majority to be our allies. She suggests minorities introduce the majority to their ways of being, culture, history and needs. The animals in this film are aware of their differences. Judy realized the prejudice she had about Nick and even learned from him.

Looking deeper into this film, we can see the metaphor of the majority-non predators, and the minority- predators. Comparing this film to current day we can see the white population as the majority and the African American community as the minority. On the scene with the bus we see a mother bunny pulling her bunny child closer to her away from a tiger.

One thing wrong with this metaphor is that Judy stated that it was a part of the predator animals' biology to be savage. Although this may be extremely accurate for animals and for the film, in the analogy we see the confirmation of the ignorant remarks made by racist scientists stating blacks were biologically more savage/aggressive, and the remarks made by Hillary Clinton when she referred to black kids as, "superpredators," during the war on drugs. Although the metaphor can be set for interpretation, I believe it portrays black and white relations in the U.S.

"Do the Right Thing" Racial Tensions within Society.

Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" looks at a small New York neighborhood, in which everyone knows everyone.  Through the prevalence of the working and living dynamics between Italians, Asians, Puerto Ricans, and African Americans, we are able to see some racial tensions. Something in particular upsets Buggin' Out, a young black male in the community. Sal, an Italian owner of a Pizzeria located in the small town has a wall of fame within his restaurant. Buggin' Out believed that because the pizzeria is located in a black neighborhood the wall should include black people, however, Sal disagrees. Mookie, being the mediator throughout the film, precipitated the riot at the end of the film after Radio Raheem was killed by the police. He makes the decision that is captured by two quotes, one of Martin Luther King against the use of violence, and one from Malcom X arguing that violence is intelligent when used as self defense. As Mookie threw the trashcan through Sal's pizzeria window we can see both why he should have done it, and why he should have not.

The film does a great job looking at how members of a community give space a meaning. The production of space by Henri Lefebvre, looks at the different forms of space we as human beings create. He identifies three spaces, the perceived space, the conceived, space, and lived space. Identities can be tied to a space, just as space can be a constituent of interethnic social relations. The lived space, as describe by Lefebvre, refers to spaces of representation, which is the realm of struggle, counter discourses, and resistance. This space is easily portrayed in "Do the Right Thing." Sal was perceived and always attempted to prove himself as part of the community until he showed otherwise, by referring to the kids that grew up on his food as "niggers." Sal, although attempting to incorporate himself into the community had an underlying prejudice, and often fell into stereotyping. He would seem compassionate to the kids of the community, yet would refer to their music as "jungle music." Like wise, one of Sal's sons was in a similar position, while the other openly expressed his feelings as an outsider.

Overall, this movie portrays the accuracy of racial tensions and prejudices within society, which is an issue relevant to current events, especially with current politics being placed that are directed towards specifics group of people. Likewise, the movie also looked at the issue of police brutality, an issue that is extremely relevant to this day.