Steven Universe: Rebecca Sugar's Broken Fusion System

[@kermy1465]

I love seeing content like this where they go in-depth with the show’s themes. A lot of its secrets are still unresolved and somethings just need to be talked about

[@TheCrowReviewer]

We're just getting started, tackling one topic at a time. Thanks for being the first comment! 🥇

[@NOAHandmycreations]

How can you send a emoji of Steven's shield TEEEEELLLLLLLL MMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

[@TheCrowReviewer]

@@NOAHandmycreations Haha, I set it up for members of the channel. When someone becomes a member they get access to a couple of Steven Universe relevant emojis and a gem badge next to their name. I have 0 members at the moment so I'm the only one who can summon the shield for now. 😈

[@NOAHandmycreations]

Cool

[@NOAHandmycreations]

Once I get my credit card attached to my phone, then ill the membership also I wish my voice would be as good as yours

[@amazingnobodylee]

I mostly feel like fusion represents personal connection, those of the same gem or those with similar values fuse easier, it also explains why many gems like fusing or not because some people like connecting with people on a deeper level while others could wish to shy from it due to their own reservations, it makes sense as well when you factor in what Garnet says about Greg and Rose's failed fusion that them talking and understanding another was the closest they could get to fusion

[@vukodlak3962]

They pretty much go over that in the show, its way Garnet was so thrilled when Steven and Connie didn't by accident. It meant that they had a deep emotional connection.

[@itisALWAYSR.A.]

My favourite example here is Steven being able to fuse with each/all of the gems in Change Your Mind. Specifically, how he did it. Amethyst, he disclosed vulnerability, intimacy, needing an equal. Pearl: he was confident, danced her in a technique she would know, bold, precise, experimental. Garnet: a need to someone to look up to. On the ground, a plan of action, leadership. I'm here. I love you. Of course it was love. To me, the main thing is all of these was 100% Steven. None of the gems were "active" at that point. What they understand when poofed is vague, but Steven knew what was needed. So of course he could form Obsidian with them all.... as equals. In sync. United, yet different. Trusting. But yeah I love the idea there might have been one (1) fan out there who might have believed they fought against a giant mech with mind control lasers using an impromptu orgy.

[@seeleunit2000]

That's the point. It's about them being in sync. A connection. It has nothing to do with sex. The crew even said as much. But some people don't get it

[@guillerhonora717]

I thought this had been discussed so many tiems

[@Barakon]

That’s definitely what they intended but I still can’t help but raise my eyebrow at its execution.

[@jebusauriorets]

"Fusion is the ultimate connection between gems" "Oh so it's sex!" this says a lot about people

[@conniethepokemon]

I know it's basically sharing thoughts and mind also it's talking

[@Pixelninjaoffical]

So wait Steven’s a minor he fused with all the crystal gems

[@kikor4954]

The dances are suggestive

[@TheCrowReviewer]

We do be living in a society. 🤡

[@kokobopjammer2571]

@@Pixelninjaoffical fusion isnt sex, Pixel.

[@paintbynumbers1715]

There actually IS a reason they dance - the first time Ruby/Sapphire fused they ended up spinning/tumbling out of the way of danger and accidentally fused. The next time and their first intentional fusion - they danced. Because Garnet was the Crystal Gems only understanding of fusing, they assumed they had to dance. Since it worked for them, it makes sense they didnt bother to experiment with alternative ways to fuse.

[@tallic967]

It probably also helps them be in the right mindset to fuse if that makes sense

[@Proj3ta]

True true, that makes a lot of sense tbf

[@firepuppies4086]

​​@@tallic967It's the best way to synchronize. Imagine having a dance performance set to the same song, the choreography may differ depending on your part but you are still going to the same song. Or hell, playing in a band

[@UsernameM.T]

I believe the gems dance before they fuse in an attempt to be syncronized. The first time we see amethyst and pearl try to fuse, they use different dancing styles showing their clashing personalities. So supposedly being on the same wavelength with someone (or having the same style of dance with someone?) makes it easier.

[@look4thestarss]

Like Garnet said once (i think) u dance your own way during fusion. The sole purpose of dancing in fusion is to synchronize the gems’ minds and beings so that they can be in total alignment or else the fusion won’t work. The dance styles don’t have to align for fusion just their minds basically. This is why early in the show Pearl and Amethyst found it so hard to fuse cuz despite their dancing they weren’t mentally aligned but later on in the show they could literally fuse by just touching each other due to them being closer and growing emotionally through their character development. This is also why Garnet fuses so easily

[@UsernameM.T]

@@look4thestarss Agreed

[@mertensiam3384]

​@@look4thestarss yeah, even homeworld gems need to dance to synchronize, like Jasper and Lapis. Dancing along with someone irl IS synchronizing with them, having fun and dancing in a way that doesn't make you both stumble on each other. When Amethyst and Pearl tried to fuse in S1 we see they hit each other, step on each other, they're dancing on their own not considering the other, and thus they're not synchronized

[@deadmemes1824]

I think another part of it is the first time garnet intentionally fuzes its through dancing so she probably just told them that

[@Wendeta-hq2cp]

That's true. The more different the gems are, the more they need to synchronize, since gems don't just look different, they *think* differently as well. Garnet is an exception since Ruby and Saphire are already so in sync due to being Garnet for centuries. Still doesn't explain the sexual undertones of the dances though. It's weird. Like, I can understand the idea that fusion is a means by which Gems become incredibly close (and the fact each fusion is a different person makes one think of procreation), but fusion could have been presented through many different metaphors and tropes. I will never understand why Steven universe's fusion system employed sexual undertones, especially since Gems do not have sexual reproduction and would not even have the instincts necessary to understand and express love the way we humans do.

[@cronchytoast]

to explain fusion, its not sex. its a physical manifestation of the relationships that those making up the fusion have with eachother. for example, Garnet is a romantic representation, while Opal is (sorta) a mother/daughter representation. the reason why they dance to fuse is because fusion requires both physical and mental synchrony to work. dancing allows them to follow the same rhythm, making fusion easier. its also why things like hugging or simple contact works as well, because theyre in the same mental headspace. its been demonstrated in a few episodes that when gems start contradicting eachother while fused, they almost always unfuse as a result of not being in sync.

[@Just_SomeRandoTvT]

Thank you for saying this because calling fusion sex is so weird. Especially when you’re thinking about Steven’s fusions.

[@PlatonicPluto]

@@Just_SomeRandoTvT ESPECIALLY the one with his dad in the movie 💀

[@User02741]

"Garnet is a romantic representation" So, it's not literally sex and can be any relationship and bond but in cases of it being a representation of a romantic relationship, I think you can easily argue that it comes across as an alien equivalent of it. That's why the scene with Jasper forcing Lapis to fuse was deliberately animated and written to come across as rapey

[@cronchytoast]

@@User02741 well, that fusion was more arguably a representation of a toxic relationship

[@Gay_gamers78]

So I’m guessing the garnet/amethyst fusion is like a big sister/little sister representation then? Noice

[@SpoonAtNoon]

I believe fusion can be sex, but it can also be a lot of things. It represents connection the most, and connection can be intimate, romantical, teamwork, ect.

[@itisALWAYSR.A.]

Imma copypaste something I wrote on another comment just now: "My favourite example here is Steven being able to fuse with each/all of the gems in Change Your Mind. Specifically, how he did it. Amethyst, he disclosed vulnerability, intimacy, needing an equal. Pearl: he was confident, danced her in a technique she would know, bold, precise, experimental. Garnet: a need to someone to look up to. On the ground, a plan of action, leadership. I'm here. I love you. Of course it was love. To me, the main thing is all of these was 100% Steven. None of the gems were "active" at that point. What they understand when poofed is vague, but Steven knew what was needed. So of course he could form Obsidian with them all.... as equals. In sync. United, yet different. Trusting. But yeah I love the idea there might have been one (1) fan out there who might have believed they fought against a giant mech with mind control lasers using an impromptu orgy."

[@SpoonAtNoon]

@@itisALWAYSR.A. I am having trouble following what you mean. Like I said, it’s connection the most, and connection can be many things. At those moments it was bonding and trust, friendships and understanding of Eaqules, but other times like Garnets first and second time (especially when they said: “And you haven’t before?” “Of course not, when could I have ever” and when they fused into the bushes at the end of their song) were moments when it was sex, again, it’s connection the most, not always sex.

[@itisALWAYSR.A.]

@@SpoonAtNoon I'm agreeing with you.

[@SpoonAtNoon]

@@itisALWAYSR.A. oh ok

[@conejitorosada2326]

Dance is like an artform, it requires cooperation, synchronization, and a certain amount of 'tunement' with your partner. I can surmise that this is the reason why Gems dance to fuse. This is the reason why in the season 1 episode "Giant woman", Amethyst and Pearl fail to fuse together during their dance as they were REALLY out of synch both in terms of mental, emotional, and intention which showed in how clunky the dance was. This is also why Jasper had to FORCE a fusion with a corrupted Gem but even then it was hard to maintain, IIRC she stated during the unfusing was "We can beat them!" using 'we' as if to convince the other to stay fused, to stay 'in tune'. This gives a reason as to why some Gems whom are really close like Ruby and Sapphire or people like Steven and Connie don't necessarily need to dance as they're already 'in tune' with each other, it only needed that one bit more of push and physical connection to fuse. This tunement can also be the reason why some Gems don't want to fuse at all, as their tunement is different from the rest, while it isn't bad. It just means that they don't want to fuse nor can't fuse with anyone without it being clunky, weird, and awkward for the both of them!

[@look4thestarss]

I’m so happy u said this cuz way too many people often forget that dancing before fusion is only necessary for gems to align their minds and not just for fun. Not sure but I think it was even mentioned by a character in the show, either pearl or garnet

[@brobs0463]

I’ve always thought of fusion as something so much more intimate than sex. The characters are so in tune and connected that that they fuse to share a stable body combining their consciousness into one. Love to see people talking about SU in 2024

[@desertphoenix7908]

One interpretation I've seen about why they dance when fusing is that they synchronize their light waves and mental states to achieve fusion. Same gem fusions are always gonna fuse successfully because they are basically the same and are more compatible. Cross gem fusions are more difficult since all gem types are completely different in light waves and mindsets. At least that's what I heard. What's my source? I don't remember so just trust me bro. Is it official? Nope but might as well be.

[@ninanightmare6298]

I think your interpetation is sound based on logic and what we've seen in the show. If it's with same gems (as in exactly the same like the Ruby fusions), it's just a bigger version of themselves with no difference in overall personality. If it's different gems, even from different courts (the Jade fusion), it's an entirely different gem with more parts and instabilities that are seen as undesirable by Homeworld standards.

[@desertphoenix7908]

@ninanightmare6298 I think you brought up an interesting point. Some gems are more compatible with each other, such as the same gem fusions, the only improvements are a size and power boost. Sure, they can just shapeshift back into their origin size, but ultimately, the size increase is the improvement provided. As for mixed gem fusions, it's more complicated. They aren't meant to fuse together thus, malformations exist. Garnet's 3 eyes, bluebird's multiple legs, or even just looking like a giant centipede. Now the best cross gem fusion I'd argue we've seen is Opal. The only oddity is her height, but it could simply be some kind of reawakening or reforming of Amethyst's supposed quartz size combined with Pearl's more slender body. The more components present, the more these malformaties exist and the more difficult it is to maintain the fusion. We've already seen that it is possible to split from contrasting emotions both parties have or just inability to see eye to eye. Honestly I kinda wish that maybe we could see fusions originally look completely different but overtime they become more and more perfect, showing fewer issues as the gems got closer and closer, but hey, I'm still glad with what we got.

[@kairos9360]

What you’re saying lines up with what we see in the show, It seems like dancing isn’t really needed even in a cross-gem fusion if the participants are already very close. See ruby and sapphire or Steven and amethyst, they never dance to fuse because they’re already synchronized. In that way, dancing is really just for gems that aren’t close enough to be automatically synchronized with each other

[@Fincaurum]

I think fusing is like hugging of kissing. You can hug a friend, a parent or a lover, the act is the same but the intention, the feeling it gives you are all a different shade of love

[@zombieperex7537]

Why so many people still actually believing that fusion is sex at this point?

[@Hydroux4915]

It mainly comes from how the gems would dance in the earlier seasons. Amethyst twerking and Garnet spreading her legs

[@DrawciaGleam02]

@@Hydroux4915 Yep, in hindsight maybe that shouldn't have been done...... I believe it was meant to be an adult joke. Many kids shows have them for parents who watch these shows with their kids.

[@donovan_salgado]

The dances The peridot being asexual theme when she didn't want to go through fusion The whole garnet thing where even ruby said she felt being used after being lied to to fuse There are many hints or themes that says that fusion is just as intimate or close to sex that gems have

[@Nutmeg-]

Because a) the dances are very suggestive and b) the main focus on fusion is usually of romantic nature. And the main face of fusion is Garnet, a romantic/intimate fusion. Also that someone not wanting to fuse is an allegory for being ace (Peridot) doesn't help either. Fusion gets promoted as romantic/intimate in 90% of the show.

[@berybluu6081]

what about literally ALL of steven's fusions. this is a kids show ffs

[@Rose_Bride]

I think the real reason is that Rebecca Sugar was inspired by DBZ's fusion dance. The entire concept of Fusion seems to be taken directly from DBZ, from the way the clothes fuse together right down to the way they (initially, at least) dance before fusing together. You can see the multiple anime influences in the show. Specifically _Revolutionary Girl Utena_ with Pearl's sword fighting (and when Pearl fused with Pink Pearl to create an obvious Utena call back). And I feel like Jasper is a big reference to the Saiyans arriving on earth.

[@Darmawheel]

Fusion as far as i understood just represents all kinds of relationships, not only romantic/sexual ones. It can represent a friendship too (Stevonnie comes to mind, Opal aswell), or family bonds (Steg, Obsidian, Alexandrite, basically all the fusions between crystal gems except Garnet are out of family bonds or friendship). Or literally just formal relationships, not a relationship based on love or friendship but a relationship born out of the need to reach a common objective (Bluebird Azurite, who was born not out of love, nor out of friendship, but rather due to the mutual hatred her components feel towards Steven, so a "the enemy of your enemy is my friend" type of situation, the 5 Rubies fusion, or the 2 Topaz fusion come to mind when thinking about this type of fusion).

[@JuanelTheo]

The reason why they dances actually because do you love to eat spinach?But to put in simpler terms , gems make sound waves and their bodies are light , so they have to synchronize them themselves perfectly

[@Nextgenneptunia]

Makes perfect sense to me, grammar and all.

[@meria2082]

i hate spinach

[@michaelc.r.6416]

I always heard that the reason they danced was because to make a fusion you need to be synchronized with your partner and dancing was the easiest and fastest way to do that on purpose. The exceptions have been garnet (because they are almost always synchronized) and when the gems are facing a super dangerous situation (probably because they are in the same mindset at that situation).

[@UsernameM.T]

shoot this guy had the same idea as me 30 min earlier

[@reffa2858]

Why not just play rock, paper, scissors and chose scissors each time. Perfect sync.

[@RainiiDay7]

@@reffa2858 well, you could.

[@-cinnamoon-]

I feel that fusion symbolizes a relationship. Which is why in the beginning of Steven Universe, Amethyst and Pearl had a hard time fusing together on command, because they didn't get along so well.

[@cationst]

They dance because it's an easy way to quickly synchronize with one another

[@cheshiremadness868]

Personally, my take on it is fusions are basically fusing personalities a.k.a. it’s about feelings, which is why two people hate each other. The fusion usually doesn’t end well or if they have alternating opinions.

[@shanellewaite7459]

I do not like theory of Fusion being sex because if that thought goes to all the fusion; that makes Steven and Greg fusion 🤢 Unless the theory going goes to some.

[@KMD-o8x]

Stevonnie is underage too if that's the case😢

[@Anarchy_Jester]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was inc*st art of Steven and his dad. Some ppl are just disgusting 🤢

[@milagroshernandez9351]

I don't mind Peri being ace so no one come at me but using her rejecting fusion to represent that, made me raise an eyebrow- I get it they wanted to teach kids about consent and asexuality without becoming straight up sex Ed/making it too uncomfortable but that made fusion feel inherently sexual, I know it's not sexual in the slightest- if Greg pearl and Steven all fused it's not a foursome it would be the embodiment of part of universe households family dynamic, if Steven where to fuse with Lars it would be the embodiment of a rivals to friends dynamic not sexual but there's all these little moments that make it feel sexual. I know people read the scene with Greg and rose failed fusion as having some sexual undertones with how they talk about fusion being the embodiment of intimacy the way pearl describes fusion is more along the lines of 'you'll never understand her you'll never have a real connection'- which a lot people believe sex is very important in relationships and that you can't have a real connection without it- but I don't read the scene as sexual myself it's more like pearl is telling Greg she and rose are aliens- he'll never understand rose because he's not immortal like her, he won't understand what it's like to be born as an adult and fusion while not sexual is like drift compatibility or something- it's intimate maybe not in a romantic or sexual way but it's deep and your literally one being or atleast deeply connected your thoughts meld together- he could never experience that level of connection so how could they actually love each other- atleast that's pearl's perspective and Greg and rose while unable to fuse don't need to inorder to have love between them but yeah there's a lot of scenes that make me go 'why so weirdly sexual!' or 'now pearl feels like a rapist' fusion is really messy but no it's not sex, I don't think crewniverse was trying to groom kids there's just bizarre implications

[@indigofenix00]

I wish the show would have focused more on the REASON that Homeworld forbids fusion between different kinds of Gems. The reason is clear enough; Homeworld is a very classist society and polymictic fusions let Gems break out of the classes they were made for. This would have been an excellent theme for the show to explore, but it feels like the show's creators WANTED to leave it vague in order to keep using it as a general metaphor for culturally taboo sex.

[@diamantemrobinson]

I think Blue Diamond explained it well on her comment about Garnet

[@MrRAGE-md5rj]

Don't forget the caterpillar lady, who said she was composed of at least 6 other germs. I used to think she was a walking representation of an organization, and I still ain't convinced thst wasn't the intent.

[@MrRAGE-md5rj]

*orgy*, damn autocorrect.

[@thefakecat8340]

​@@MrRAGE-md5rji thought it was polygamy or polyamory? One of those two

[@Oceane1803]

I think the dance is to start coordinating their movements. Like with the first time they try to form Opal on screen, Amethyst and Pearl's dances are clearly opposed, and they don't really take the other's movements in account, so their movements aren't coordinated at all, and they fail to fuse.

[@AbdoAbdom-qk1uy]

Garnet in the this comic is like the strict but sweet mother watching his children play some sport abd making sure everyone is okay and not injured❤

[@yourlocalpossum4744]

I'd say fusion can be a lot of things. It could be like sx, it could be a way to strengthen each other, it could be a relationship. I think it's a lot of things and something else entirely. It's a bond, but it doesn't exactly have to be like sex. It could be more like working in collaboration, being in unison. And for the dancing thing, I think it supports my stance on this. The wiki says that dancing is a way to be in unison with each other and make it easier to fuse.

[@moharexx3128]

fusion is a metaphor for deep connection (of any kind), it can mean "sex", it kinda does mean "sex" sometimes in the show, but most of the times it was used it meant a different type of connection (strong friendship, ect...), but it could also mean a negative connection like abusive relationships (jasper and lapis) fusion dances are a "ritual" to connect, like how we connect on things in real life (exapmle: games are also a ritual to connect)

[@bigjason6259]

I personally like to believe what fusion is just depends on the gem. So for garnet it might just be some form of sex, while for others like pearl and amethyst it’s just a manifestation of their relationship(which is why they can’t fuse when they’re arguing) and for eyeball and aqua marine it’s just a means to complete a collective goal.

[@thefakecat8340]

We, or at least a majority , understand that fusing isnt sex. However with how the show does it.....theyre sending us mixed signals sometimes. Its no wonder why some still believe its sex

[@ElyssaCaouettedavies]

You actually can use Steven to see how tall obsidian is because one of his shirts are on her fingers, I’m surprised you wouldn’t notice that some of the best fans would remember that

[@Nextgenneptunia]

Do people seriously still think that fusion is a sexual metaphor? Steg would like a word, as well as EVERY Steven fusion.

[@vertonimal]

Fluorite, polycule or orgy?

[@Anarchy_Jester]

Only a certain type of person would still think it's for sex purposes, and the ppl who make inc*st are all for it.

[@w9anjajqjqikqkqiqk336]

If it was sex, that would have made the fusion between steven and his dad uh... well yeah. Also steven and the crystal gems, because theyre basically his parents

[@Nutmeg-]

I know fusion is supposed to represent any relationship but having a mechanic mainly used for romantic/intimate relationships also be used for father-son relationships and two children interacting is pretty damn weird.

[@DrawciaGleam02]

I've...thought about that. I really think more time should have been spent with the fusions formed from platonic relationships. Then make it very clear that fusions from romantic relationships are pretty rare. Because the vagueness they did with fusion in the show led to some media literacy issues......

[@itisALWAYSR.A.]

​@DrawciaGleam02 I forget which episode it is, but an early one, Steven draws how he sees his dad (for a car wash promo?) It's washboard abs, rock star swag, a whole load of things we ultimately see come through to the design of Steg Multiverse. It's kinda how they see each other, since Greg trusts Steven can do this when Rose failed. And, how did they sync up? It wasn't dancing, was it?

[@Nextgenneptunia]

No one's MAKING you believe that garbage. Your extremely weird for thinking Steven is doing it with all of his friends and DAD.

[@Nutmeg-]

​@@Nextgenneptunia If Sugar wrote fusion as mainly romantic in nature then it IS going to be weird for most people. That's a mistake in the show's narrative, not the mistake of the viewers.

[@Nextgenneptunia]

@@Nutmeg- Is that something Rebecca Sugar said? OR are you just making assumptions??

[@ExStarLeon89]

Yeah, I agree is not sex, it’s a chaotic version of the fusion dance in Dragon Ball Z except you don’t get 30 minutes to stay in that form.

[@method_squirtle]

It actually explained in the show that gems don't need to dance to fuse, but it helps them sync, if they are already synced then they don't need to dance

[@taotao19741]

The "we just needed a reason to fuse" brings me memories from the E;R video on Steven Univers. Damn you KZbin

[@TheCrowReviewer]

@@taotao19741 E;R one of my favorite KZbinrs, maybe that's why I'm such a contrarian. Already have the SU reddit throwing shade. 🤣👍

[@eyevou]

I've always considered Obsidian to be large building height, like 30m (~100ft) tall. Considering that I assume the gem robot that white diamond pilots to be around 305m (~1,000ft) tall.

[@277Shadow]

Clearly Steven and amethyst have a brother sister relationship. So if someone says fusion is sex that says a lot about them. And how they view sex and relationships, it’s gross. Garnet is literally the physical embodiment of ruby and sapphires love. That simple. Amethyst twerked and pearl does ballet they didn’t fuse at first. Later in the series they fuse seamlessly cause they improved their relationship. Like damn this flew over that many peoples head? Glad we all get it though

[@Anarchy_Jester]

Not to mention the fusions between Steven and Connie and then Steven and his dad.

[@FabschOblivion669]

It may not be, but in the earlier seasons sure felt like it AND it was depicted as such, even if unintentionally.

[@matalvis]

Not that they need to dance, its just a tool that makes fusion easier. Like working together and going 3 2 1 NOW!

[@ader93]

If it's sex that means that amethyst diddled steven when they fused

[@Datsoupkan]

My personal head cannon is the reason they dance is for the same reason that the Dragon Ball characters go FU-SION-HA

[@ri1nny]

Literally I'm tired of seeing people saying that jasper 🍇ed lapis

[@bipolarlive1214]

being fused is being fully synchronized with the other person. so when they dance they are simply adapting their flows to one another to make a fully stable gem fusion, but my idea is that why they fuse so quickly sometimes is because of a common goal in mind, for example Obsidian versus Stevonnie. Obsidian is the gem fusion of Steven, Pearl, Garnet, and Amethyst, an incredibly massive and powerful gem fusion that can be unfused very easy because of their differences. When they are fused they have to be on the constant focus of their goal, if that changes, or opinions change, it changes how everyone has to think, but if anyone isn't on the same exact wavelength, they can unfuse just as easy. However with Stevonnie, not only are Steven and Connie so very close friends already, but they think so alike as well. That's also why being fused can make one feel "complete" so you are constantly in the presence of that person that can make you feel whole because of how much they understand you. That's why Opal is only fused for things like heavy lifting or fighting, but Garnet can stay fused for thousands of years, and Stevonnie was fused together for a few days when they were stranded on a planet. So dancing helps synchronize your ideas and personality, but if you already are so in sync then you don't necessarily need to do it.

[@ViccolasHavoc]

Fusion is not sex but it is definitely about intimacy. It's about opening up yourself to allow someone else to share the same body and mindscape as you. It makes both components of the fusion physically stronger, but it also makes them more emotionally vulnerable. When characters like Pearl with Sardonyx or Malachite fused (I would also argue Pearl with Rose making Rainbow Quartz because Pearl had ulterior motives to get to Greg) , they abused that vulnerability and thats why it leaves a bad taste in the viewer's mouth.

[@El.Bandido.Mapache]

That fusion is sex theory sounds like a reynaldo theory

[@LunassSpace]

7:10 shes around 148"1 feet tall

[@dontseemyprofilepic3157]

I have a cynical production theory for the whole fusion dance thing, which is that it’s mostly easier for the script writers and animators. The general concept of fusion was popularised by Dragon Ball Z before it was further popularised in Steven Universe, and in DBZ they have to dance to fuse. There are some Dragon Ball Z references scattered throughout Steven Universe (Google them if you’re curious), so it’s safe to say the dance as a tribute to Dragon Ball Z was completely intentional. To get back to my main point, for a fusion dance to work in the show, there must be space to dance, enough time to dance and enough assurance that nothing will interrupt the dance (such as an enemy for instance). Also, for it to logically make sense, both characters must know they are dancing to fuse. In a peaceful setting, this is relatively easy to write in, and the hard work can go into the dance choreography. But fusions have been demanded in more chaotic environments a few times, such as Sapphire saving Ruby. If they had to dance to activate it, moments like that just could not happen, or they would need extra scenes that would ruin the impact of that moment. So it’s likely they just retconned that fusion can happen without the dance to allow for more drama in fusion. At least the retcon can be explained with an existing fan theory I found in these comments where fusion is just a mental harmony between characters and the dance is just establishing that harmony, which doesn’t contradict anything since the Giant Woman episode was entirely about establishing that required level of harmony. Also seriously, fusion makes infinitely more sense as a metaphor for relationships than sex because same-gem fusions are established to be purely for more efficient labour in service of the diamonds, such as fusion of the rubies. If fusion is sex, that would have to include every possible fusion with no exceptions, and I don’t see giant Ruby guards fitting that definition ever.

[@Stranger11105]

I thought they stated that the reason they danced was to help synchronize vibes. While you can fuse point-blank if you're already in synchrony, if you aren't in synchrony, a good way to hype yourself into synchrony is dancing. I thought they had said this. Maybe I'm insane

[@rinhro]

The way to disprove any fusion is sex thing is to just say "steveonnie"

[@jauneork278]

I think it's a mix of both. It's a spiritual/emotional connection. But also kinda sex.

[@localdude2979]

LET'S GO JASPER THE GOAT QUARTZ they were hyping her so much, it was cool to see all her defeats were Vs fusions and a DIAMOND

[@Cloud12443]

Fusion is sex whenever it’s funny

[@itisALWAYSR.A.]

I think this is the crux of the matter pretty much. But of course, SU fandom circa 2014 do love to proselytise

[@Nextgenneptunia]

Not sure why that's funny, considering half the fusions involve a child...

[@babykata-dt3ys]

​@@Nextgenneptuniathe other half dont which is when its funny. Silly goose

[@Nextgenneptunia]

@@babykata-dt3ys I see your quite the professional tap-dancer.

[@babykata-dt3ys]

@@Nextgenneptunia no i quit tap when i was a kid. I wasnt very good at it

[@TsubikiKoya]

I think the reason why the Crystal Gems dance as a way to fuse is because it is not as easy for different gems to fuse as it is for singular gems to fuse. Ruby talks about how when they fused with other rubies it just felt like her but bigger, but that being fused as Garnet was very different. Like Connie and Steven first fusing into Stevonnie, them dancing was a way to bond with each other in a way that allows fusion to happen, perhaps the more gems fuse the easier it is for them to fuse as well as they remember how it feels to be the fusion.

[@gabrielguimaraes6155]

Internet doesn't know how metaphor works

[@Nightstar465]

dancing just makes fusing easier, because they say it cant be easy so dancing with each other helps

[@Nanamowa]

The reason crystal gems dance is to get on the same wavelength. If they aren't synchronized, the fusion will fail. Gem's of the same type don't need to dance cause they're by default on the same wavelength.

[@doge9455]

I always assumed the dance was to synchronise better to help the whole fusion process

[@Hydroux4915]

I agree the fight scenes in this show as a whole can be pretty lackluster. Which is probably in part to the fact that Cartoon Network never had faith in Steven Universe anyway plus the amount of filler Steven Universe has that could’ve been used for fleshing out other plot points that the show just didn’t get to tackle

[@seeleunit2000]

What are you talking about? The fight scenes were impressive. And the shells overall structure was pretty good

[@seeleunit2000]

Also, there was never any filler in the show. Everything was plot relevant.

[@Hydroux4915]

@@seeleunit2000 I’m not saying all of them are lack luster but I do feel a few are held back by things like the gems not dodging blatant attacks. Some fights are great like Garnet vs Jasper, Alexandrite vs Malachite, just to name a couple but some just don’t do it for me

[@Hydroux4915]

@@seeleunit2000 You can’t tell me things like the episode with Mr Smiley and Mr Frowny had any plot relevance, Steven Universe had plenty of filler, that could’ve been used for things like Lars and the off colors, exploring more about this world and gem kind as a whole. There was so much more that could be done than just having Ronaldo be a dick to Steven over not going on missions, or Jamie simping over Garnet for an entire episode

[@Celeste-jh2lj]

I dont think fusion was meant to be seen as sexual. But the first fusion dance we see and pearls reaction to it didnt help keep that idea out of peoples heads. Some could argue the reaction was bc it was sexual. Or bc despite it not being sexual, it is still incredibly intimate bc, well; its the fusion of two seperate entities becoming one. The fusion is a product of two beings sharing a new form and sharing a mental space. Ultimately making a new person while retaining the thoughts, beliefs and memories of the people that made them. That kind of intimacy surpasses sex imo. We also see fusions can be toxic and unstable which could represent abusive and toxic relationships, which dont need to be sexual either. I think the dancing is just a way for them to loosen up and make the fusion easier. Its not needed, bc we've seen them fuse without full out dancing, but it helps. So i dont think it was meant to be sexual. Bc if so then steven and greg fusing is... Just wrong...

[@dinamoon9709]

I’m just here because I was shocked that fusing can be called sex at all

[@theimperfectgod7140]

Not sex but the sexy dance DIDN'T help... 🗿

[@imkuelllgremlin]

the fusion is the result of how the components see each other combined into one being, so what fusing means will depend on who is doing it with who. and in the method depends on how "in sync" with each other, either in a function level or a personal level

[@Goobe-r]

When ever somebody says that fusion is the horizontal tango, ask them about Greg and Steven fusing in the movie. 😊

[@rust5427]

I always wonder if steven's corruption could like forcefully fuse all of humanity evangelion style, and they'll fight off the cluster giant vs giant. WOuld be a cool au

[@This-is-a-commentt]

“Fusion is sex” “Sir, it’s a children’s show, they wouldn’t go that far”

[@nubibop7413]

its nice to see SU related content like this again after a long time

[@bbtuatheth3125]

I think fusion is being in the state of flow together, or when one abandons their will for another in like a toxic fusion

[@bbtuatheth3125]

That's why they dance sometimes

[@ZMERLS]

Dancing before fuse is probably a way to stimulate the feelings and improve the fused ability or it's a tradition.

[@xXSoulslistXx]

Don’t let Jamie see this, lest he ask to hold Garnets hand 👅

[@LordHayabusa85]

I think the dancing is to evoke an emotional state of mind in order to open themselves up to each other emotionally. Perhaps to help understand each other enough to make the transition to a fused state easier. It’s likely that this is necessary or required for different gems to fuse whereas it is unnecessary for identical gems to fuse because their states of mind are so similar to begin with that there is no need for emotional understanding within those preexisting partnerships.

[@SchwabGames2014]

Two fictional female characters: Have a sibling-like relationship or a strong friendship or are actually siblings Fandoms: They're lesbians!

[@lefeeshchopped8286]

The dancing was so they could more easily synchronize with each other

[@MaruMaruPoyo]

*Sees the thumbnail* Me: *remembering Greg and Steven fusion* 🤨🧐

[@Nextgenneptunia]

All the flat-earthers conveniently ignore that.

[@christianaguiare544]

I personally believe we’d be better off not tying in this show to the real world and view it as its own thing

[@welcometodreamworldfan]

I love this video so much omg! New sub!❤

[@TheCrowReviewer]

@@welcometodreamworldfan Thank you so much, I truly appreciate that! 😆

[@verycherryberry3752]

you deserve more subs bro :D that's something i always asked myself too

[@TheCrowReviewer]

@@verycherryberry3752 Thanks, Cherry I appreciate that more than you could imagine! We're getting there, I was stuck at 1000 subs just last month so I'm extremely happy with the growth these past few weeks! 😆

[@SleepyFunkin]

some same-type homeworld gems can fuse like that because they're trained to do so. they learn how to manifest it easily. when it happens with smokey quartz, stevonnie, and the first garnet, were all triggered from emotions, not intentional. so they can fuse either from synchronization (be it from training, or any other means), or strong emotions. so i think they dance to sync up, as different type gems that weren't fusion trained. since it's not that easy to generate strong emotions on a whim. it makes sense that they would need that assist for it. ruby was fusion trained, but only for other rubies. pearls aren't supposed to fuse, they're mere servants. amethysts are strong on their own, they don't fuse. and like pearls, sapphires were never supposed to fuse, they're just used for future seeing. though it makes me think. we know a double/triple/whatever ruby fusion is better in combat. (it's implied at least, I don't think we see one in action.) would a double pearl fusion be able to do tasks thrice as efficiently? would a double amethyst fusion be an absolute beast on the battlefield? would a double sapphire fusion have way more accurate future seeing? why were these options not explored? unless they were explored, and didn't work out, and we just haven't heard of it. in which case, it would be very interesting to hear about them... also remember that forced fusions exist. y'know, jasper and the... whatever that was. (i'm p sure we also get at least ONE fusion where one of the gems actively fight against it.) so that also comes to synchronization. except instead of all of them tuning in to the average frequency and making it easier on everyone, one of them just... goes all the way into the other's frequency, nullifying the need of input from the other gem. (does that make sense?)

[@elementallobsterx]

This vid is all over the place in the best possible way. I love the editing too.

[@TheCrowReviewer]

I'm praying that I get more viewers like you, thank you so much! 😁

[@carafurry7862]

I think dancing to fuse is just a ritual among the Cristal gems bc, when garnet fused for the second time they danced. Plus dancing IRL is a way to synchronize with people. When everyone is dancing to the same song you feel like one unit. My friend is a huge rave head and he won't stop talking about how he feels when he is dancing in a crowd. He describes it as connecting to the same source in the universe, like the closest you can get to god. He is also very religiously brain washed, and is recovering from that.

[@nyanuwu4209]

1:22 To be fair, those Rubies are synchronizing forms. It's like a gymnastics routine there, not a dance, but that still sync work. The other clips there are too short for me to glean context of what preceded the contact point though. Also if fusion just = sex and Homeworld was all against cross-fusion and strictly oversaw standard fusion, that's a eugenics planet.

[@Ella-qk7hi]

I always thought that the reason they dance is so they can like get in sink and like get “on the same wavelength “ cause there made of light and everything and the reason they can do it faster some time is when they get to know each other better and get more in sink

[@Spore_z]

Imagine all of the gems merged to make rainbow diamond

[@Pinkdiamon0]

Steven and Greg's Fusion

[@haydenholland7218]

I love these little tiny Chibi versions Of the gems that you put in between shots And I want to look up more pictures of them, but I don’t know what they’re called All I know is that THEY ARE ADORABLE!!!

[@gergokun7154]

I love the many smolidots on screen, discount supervillain is still the best

[@TheCrowReviewer]

Correct. 🤩🎉

[@Demolitiondude]

Rrriiiggghhhttt... Explain the spread eagle fusion.

[@sir-ani8927]

I heard a theory on a different vid that the crystal gems all saw garnet fuse via dancing and assumed it helped different gems fuse together

[@timothygooding9544]

the reason for the dance is said in the same line right before you question it Its to syncronize It only happens when gems are on the same page because its an attempt to syncronize not just physically but mentally, to act as one It doesnt require a dance but in place of that its always been when the 2 gems are unusually on the same wavelength, and its way easier for the same 2 gems to fuze because its 1 personality already Its a representation of all relationships, not strictly sexual or romantic. they can also be platonic (smokey) or familial (obsidian)

[@Mixedemotions-aaaah8766]

I think dancing is just a way to fuse easier since you need to be emotionally connected to fuse which is easier when you’re dancing together

[@seeleunit2000]

Fusion requires dancing because it requires synchronisation. You ever wondered why it was difficult for pearl and amethyst to fuse ? They weren't in sync. When Steven and amethyst fused, they were in sink because they were at their lowest. Same gem fusion is easier to sync to then gems that aren't the same. Hench, the dancing

[@ayd_not]

as far as i have heard fusion dance is a way for the gems to synchronize and sync up their way of thinking in a way that repersents it well visually by them starting with their own style of dance and ending on a blend of the two or more styles, making them in sync and helping them fuse

[@AtsukaWolfcat]

I am a month late but I am pretty sure that the common factor between all fusions is just being emotions. Garnet was first fused by 2 gems that were both confused, scared, and concerned which had them fuse at a single touch since they synced in emotions. They later unfused once they started having different emotions which destabilized the fusion and thus, poofed back into normal gems Ruby and Saphire. We keep seeing this common equation, and dancing was included only because when dancing do we see the gems (and humans) dancing for fun, which creates equal joy and thus results in fusion. During battles, they are all determined and thus a fusion. When all of them see Steven getting smacked around, it leads to anger and thus just need a touch to fuse since they are all in the same page of emotion. Its really funny once I started looking back through the episodes and seeing the pattern.

[@GrevyTrain]

Honestly I came to the conclusion that fusion was sexual through the dancing but later on in the show they made it less of a sexual thing. Tbh they could've made them dance together like friends or family would and it wouldve made a lot less people assume fusion=sex.

[@fatguywhobreathesfire6488]

Fusion is an allegory for love and it’s meant to be just as vague. You love your friends and your family differently than you love a significant other, but it’s still love all the same; that’s how Steg and many of the other Steven fusion aren’t “ewwy”

[@Leaf-093]

I just realized yeah, I didn't just realize but I already knew that it probably wasn't that because why would pearl and Stephen fuse like that?It would be so messed up man if you think about it cause it's just no no😊😊😊

[@FarthestObserver]

My own theory: For gems to fuse, their mentalities must be somewhat in sync. If it isn't, the fusion either fractures immediately or is highly unstable. In most cases that gems don't dance to fuse, the gems are in positions where their mentalities have to be in sync, like both Connie and Steven being excited and drawn towards each other one way or another, similar for smokey quartz. There has to be *some* desire to connect from both sides. Dancing is just a fairly easy way to synchronise the mind and calm it down for a fairly stable fusion.

[@douglashenrique188]

They dance to enter in sync. If they're in the same page already, its not needed, but its something that make the fusion easyer to happen

[@jollimaiahtacksworth]

I always thought the dancing was supposed to be a simple way for them to synchronise together. The closer the gems are, the less they need to do to synchronise. Especially if they're the same type of gem.

[@underdog9475]

The way I interpreted dancing to fuse is to help the gems be on the same mind set and to see what the other gem(s) mind set is like. When 2 gems fused without dancing they were always on the mind set so they didn't need to dance to fuse

[@nyanuwu4209]

Haven't watched the video yet but the flimsy metaphor of it all hit me in the face like a truck when the Lapis-Jasper fusion episode came up where the fusion was suddenly a metaphor for abusive relationship. It was so clumsy, nonsensical, half-baked. It felt like someone just threw up their hands like 'Make fusion the metaphor for everything and anything whenever 'cause people like seeing the fusions happen.'...Which hey, if fusion's a metaphor for abusive relationships (which it was, that one time), people liking it is fucked so that made the episode worse...