*SUF Spoiler* Neverending Trauma: Remains But Gets Better
“Why So Blue” was a great episode as we got to see Lapis Lazuli as well as other Gems during Era 3. We have learned some Gems are not keen on the new ideas of Era 3 and still continue to cause destruction. Steven and Lapis try to convince two other Lapis Lazuli’s (will call Curly and Freckles) to stop destroying planets but it does not go well. They do manage to stop Curly and Freckles in the end and even convince Freckles to join Little Homeschool. Lapis Lazuli showed great character development in this episode. She has come such a long way and it was great to see her thrive. However, we also see some aspects of her old self return. She does stop herself before going to far. Lapis Lazuli has made great strides in her new life and appreciation for organic life but can regress into her old ways when pushed to the breaking point. Lapis portrays people who can still retain habits caused by trauma but show strength through restraint and patience and can move forward.
I made a post about neverending trauma based on Pink Pearl. Pink Pearl and Lapis Lazuli have gone through a lot in their life but both have dealt with trauma differently. Pink Pearl was in denial of her trauma and is hopefully on the road to recovery after realizing her trauma. Lapis Lazuli recognized her trauma and it dictated her actions in “Steven Universe” but has used healthy coping mechanisms in “Steven Universe: Future” to move forward. We can all agree Lapis has been through so much: trapped in a mirror for thousands of years, caught in a war she had no part in, fused with Jasper to make Malachite (the embodiment of a toxic//abusive relationship), trapped on Earth with no intention of staying, and left Earth and friends out of fear from the past. Even living with Peridot in the barn took a while for her to get used to Earth. In “Beta” and “Hit the Diamond” she is lethargic on participating in any activities. Lapis gets made at Navy in “Room for Ruby” for adapting so quickly when it was hard for her to adapt. “Raising the Barn” and “Can’t Go Back” shows Lapis fleeing from people who care about her because of her fear of being caught in another war. Lapis has made decisions out of experience and fear from her past and it has hurt others. However, “Reunited” showed Lapis returning from space to help her friends out which is her start to recovery. If Pink Pearl is a portrayal of realization of trauma then Lapis is a portrayal of recovery from it.
We see Lapis Lazuli making great progress through her appreciation of organic life and different creative hobbies. She helped build Little Homeworld with the Bismuth and Peridot and teaches in Little Homeschool. In the beginning of the episode, she takes a fascination of the new creatures and embraces organic life around her. She has found creative outlets such as music, art, and dancing as healthy hobbies to enjoy. Her song “Shining Through” showed how her life was hectic but was able to live her life once she started living it. Lapis has made great recovery from her trauma and is happier living her life through creative activities and enjoying organic life.
However, it seems certain habits from her past trauma still remain. While talking to Steven about how to deal with Curly and Freckles, she stated force is the only way. However, she did realize that living with nature and pursuing creative ventures did help her. She is very patient with the Lazulis. Sadly, Curly and Freckles mock her lifestyle and use her hobbies to create destruction and it is starting to reach her breaking point. Curly and Freckles mocking has gotten to Lapis and she starts using the very power she used to dominate Jasper. Although Lapis has shown great progress, there are still habits and behaviors that can slip, especially when something reminded Lapis of her trauma.
Luckily, she does realize her behavior was bad and stops before doing anymore damage. After convincing Curley and Freckles to stop, Lapis gets annoyed with how they react to her sudden fit of rage. “That wasn’t strength! Restraint takes strength! Patience takes strength! Ugh. I don’t have the strength to deal with you.” She realizes Curly and Freckles are too much for her to handle and walks away. Lapis knows she has been through a lot but after recovering, restraint and patience helps her keep I check of bad behavior. However, she becomes depressed about her actions because it reminded her past self. “I wish I hadn’t done that. It’s just … they reminded me so much of myself. It’s infuriating.” Luckily, Steven reassured Lapis she has been through a lot and shouldn’t beat herself up. “Give yourself a break. You’ve grown a lot. It’s not your fault they’re stuck in their ways.” Steven is right. You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to, especially if it is at the expense of yourself. Lapis knows she messed up and feels bad for it but also learns she has gone through so much trauma and is trying her best to live her life.
“Why So Blue” displays how trauma, especially actions and behaviors related to it, can remain but can get better to control over time. Certain situations can trigger behaviors and actions from past trauma that may hurt people or ourselves. However, it does mean we cannot control ourselves. Like Lapis Lazuli, patience and restraint are important tools to use when dealing with trauma. We may slip and bring bad habits from past trauma, but it gets better over time, especially when self-aware and trying our best. Lapis Lazuli shows that people can mess up when reliving trauma, but we can still better ourselves through healing. It’s a great message to tell people that old habits can resurface when reliving trauma but we can overcome them with patience and restraint as well as moving forward with our lives.
