While this is a contemporary work outside the early 1900s, this show and the controversy around a specific character reflects this theme of the course, and exemplifies how it is still an ongoing issue to this day. As recently revealed by the creator, show runner, and writer of the episode/show, a particular character received substantial push back and rejection, pertaining to a particular character/relationship revealed in the show. The character Garnet (as shown in the image on the right) was a popular character throughout the entire first season/show. But, when the final episode of the season was being created/released it was revealed that this character was something called a "fusion" and was actually two characters who were in a same sex relationship. when the characters (Ruby and Sapphire as shown on the left) fuse/mix their bodies and personalities, they form essentially a new person that is an amalgamation/personification for the love the two character possess for one another. This fact was concealed throughout the entire production/season, from the viewers and network. And when it was finally revealed at the end of the season, the studio heads/network demanded that they amend and change this character. They did this because when the episode was being released same sex marriage wasn't even legalized in America yet, and they wished to avoid controversary and not display this progressive and divisive topic of homosexuality. This was due to the perception (held by members of the network and a percentage of society) that same sex relationships were/are immoral (which is still an ongoing struggle in the world). And the negative belief that showcasing it existing in a show, primary made to be viewed by children, was flawed. Resulting in such themes often being rejected and/or resented due to is exposing children to alternative and world expansive concepts/dynamics. leading to many shows being censored/suppressed and the reaction the network/producers had towards this show/character(s), being what it was. The creators/writers of the show (Primarily Rebecca Sugar) had to fight and advocate for themselves and the idea tirelessly/overwhelmingly throughout the entire process. Due to it being at important aspect of the character and Rebecca, with it being inspired by her own relationship and the message it conveyed of representation, acceptance, and inclusion. And while this is a beloved character and an icon for the representation of same sex relationships (and definitively assisting people in their own self discovery, and the influencing of more inclusive and self-reflective attitude towards same sex relationships). The character(s) almost never existed due to the artistry/representation of the show being restricted, suppressed, and resented by leaders in the film/television industry. Luckily, the writers/creators were able to fight and win the aggressive and drawn out conflict between them and the network/producers, which they had to continue to fight even after the character/s were revealed, with every subsequent episode that's plot involved the Character(s). This situation serves to indicate, the still prevalent issues of censorship and bigotry that exist in the film/media industry and the world.
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