I think Tumblr gets too much grief for examining relationships in cartoons like Steven Universe. The thought process is that it’s “just a cartoon” or “not that serious”. But the fact of the matter is that the relationships portrayed in this new generation of “wholesome” cartoons are a really great method in modelling behavior in order to make it more easily understood and talked about. What’s more, the younger generation of psychological professionals is taking notice. Using Steven as a way, especially for those of us who work with children, to have a way in to discuss some pretty deep topics in a way that builds rapport and makes these issues easier to identify with. If I ask a tween if they think their relationship (usually their first BIG relationship and sometimes one that leads to their first sexual experience) is one that’s healthy for them to be in, the realization that maybe they need to work on themselves and their relationship instead of diving all in is a lot easier for them to identify with if explained in regards to the possessive nature of Jasper’s love for Lapis compared to one like Steven and Connie or Ruby and Sapphire. My point (and I swear I have one) is that Tumblr for all its flaws is helping to shape the way we communicate with clients and making discussing feelings or situations easier for everyone involved. This post was inspired by a recent video by Thomas Sanders featuring adults acting as couples (or real couples?) visiting a mental health professional (played by Sanders) in which the relationships in Steven Universe are used in couple’s counseling . I don’t have any professional history with counseling adults (outside community outreach programs which don’t require accreditation) so I can’t say how this translates to adults. However, I and a few colleagues definitely have used SU to discuss things with our clients (7-15 year olds for the most part) and we also like to discuss it among ourselves but that’s mostly as fans...
