A lot of people react to the new character Rebecca Sugar, and her team included in the new “Steven Universe: Art & Origins” book. The controversial persona is named Concrete, who is described to be “racially sensitive” because of its concept sketch.
Concrete is an unused Gem character that didn’t make it be included in the animated series. With that, the creator of the Cartoon Network show issued her formal apology for including the unused Gem character in the manuscript.
The negative reactions’ origin
In “Steven Universe: Art & Origins,” Concrete is made during the animated series’ early development.
She is seen as part of the collection of the background drawings and sketchbook notes.
She looks like a super-powered alien, Crystal Gem, battling in the intergalactic universe. However, it seems like some people didn’t like how she embodies a “minstrel aesthetic” with black skin and outsized lips. An online commentator even described her like a “mammy archetype,” a black woman who worked as a caretaker or a nanny in the 20th century.
What makes the readers more agitated? The scribble next to the image that describes her as a “bashful” woman and “super agile but not as strong as she looks.” It also says that she has a “wicked shoe collection” and unable to read.
Tell me how you all feel about this bit of the Steven Universe art book. "Concrete". I need to know. pic.twitter.com/Kagvi7qcAK
— SliceofStar♥️ (@SliceofOtaku) 13 July 2017
Sugar’s admits mistakes
As a lot of readers reacted, Rebecca Sugar admitted her mistakes and released an apology on her Twitter page.
“These pieces were created carelessly, and it was wrong to include them,” she tweeted. Although she didn’t personally create and select the image, as the “Steven Universe: Art & Origins” executive producer, she has approved its publication and reproduction.
“I am deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused,” she added. She also explained that it is vital to her and to her team to have their fans’ inclusivity and respect.
Regarding Steven Universe, Art & Origins: pic.twitter.com/NXRzFAnMXh
— Rebecca Sugar (@rebeccasugar) 15 July 2017
The artist behind Concrete
Concrete was created by the animated series’ illustrator Lama Abrams, a black man himself, for "Steven Universe: Art & Origins." The character was the product of a brainstorming game where someone had to draw an imaginary Gem while another one had to give it a name and characteristics.
He, too, issued a different apology for those who got hurt with his sketch. “I’m very sorry to anyone that was hurt by the images and comments,” he said (via Unicorn Booty). However, he told the commentators that if they are going to discuss some things online, he hopes that it is in a very “caring and understanding way.”
