Summary of Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl

The Demise of Rose Quartz

Steven Universe starts with a bunch of innocent and fun adventures, but it all changes when we learn of Rose Quartz. It is sadly revealed that in order for Steven to exist, Rose Quartz had to give up her physical form permanently. Everything that made her who she was was wiped from her gemstone so that Steven could use it to live. This event marked the start of the Crystal Gems' character development, and was further catalyzed by the reveal that Rose Quarts was in fact one of the rulers of Homeworld. Essentially, Rose Quartz was part of the reason why so many gems have suffered and so many planets were destroyed. The show used these reveals to introduce mature topics in a way that children can understand.

Character: Rose Quartz of the Crystal Gems
Gem: pink stone placed on navel
Summoned weapon: Shield

Important topics

Body positivity and disabilities:

Through Amethyst, the show was able to convey that being born different from everybody else does not make you inferior. That the right people will love and support you no matter what you look like or what you are physically capable of.

Healthy Relationships:

Through Garnet, the show taught us that love at first sight does not exist. Love takes time, effort, and commitment. And most of all, the healthiest relationships are based on trust.

Trauma and Abuse:

Through Pearl, we learned that finding people to support you is crucial in healing from trauma. Pearl faught in wars and was emotionally abused by Rose Quartz for more than 5,000 years. She also formed an unhealthy attachment to her abuser, which is very common. However Steven and the Crystal Gems were able to pull her out of this darkness.

Final Thoughts

This show is important for adults and children alike. It teaches us that harmful behaviors are not normal, and that we do not have to put up with them. It also teaches us how to heal from these experiences and empathize with others. And most importantly, it teaches us that there is always hope. The video below is the new intro to the series, and it depicts how hopeful the Crystal Gems are after overcoming their trauma.