In honor of Women’s History Month, Byte is doing a month long Byteing Question about the most iconic female characters and why they matter. Every day two writers will look at two characters that are important to them in many different ways. Today, we look at Garnet and Aerith
by Emily Reuben
She shines like a gem, but packs one powerful punch. Garnet is by far the coolest and most interesting character in Steven Universe. I have a personal love for silent and strong characters, making Garnet very appealing to me.
Garnet tends to speak only when necessary, but when she does, she usually demonstrates more wisdom than the other gems and offers more valuable advice to Steven in the end. What makes Garnet stand out from the other characters in Steven Universe is the fact that she is a fusion of two other gems combined. Sapphire and Ruby, two separate gems, combine as one to create Garnet.
As a huge advocate of LGBT rights, I was ecstatic to see representation of two female lovers in Steven Universe. While any gems can fuse with one another, Ruby and Sapphire are very visibly in a relationship with one another. This is the first instance a same sex couple that I have seen in any Western animation playing uncensored on television. It is very rare that television, let alone programming aimed towards children, represents same sex lovers in a positive light.
Garnet is important to me because she demonstrates that love is blind and empowers everybody, regardless of sex. Sapphire and Ruby become stronger when they fuse together as Garnet, but when they are separated, chaos ensues, not only for the two lovers, but for the other gems. Garnet has become a personality of her own through Ruby and Sapphire, which makes her existence dependent on the love of the two gems.
I love the idea of love creating something new and stronger than what had already existed. The creation of Garnet allows for more open discussion about love in all of its forms and the effect it can have on anyone under its power. She is strong because the love that Ruby and Sapphire have for one another is unfaltering.
by Liz Shepherd
If you consider yourself an experienced gamer, then you should know the name Aerith Gainsborough. (And it is Aerith, not Aeris. Thanks.) However, depending on if you’ve actually played the iconic game that is Final Fantasy VII, the only reason that name may ring a bell to you is (spoilers!) through a death scene that caught many players by surprise when it was first released in 1997. But this shouldn’t be the only event that Aerith is remembered for.
Aerith is a very important character to me in that she is very kind and wants what’s best for everyone, especially her friends. I emotionally connect with her on that level and honestly, I can see so much of myself in Aerith. She has a quirky personality that really makes her stand out compared to other female video game characters before her. Aerith is also very defiant, from refusing to cooperate with a powerful, greedy corporation, to disobeying Cloud’s wishes and helping him dress in drag to save Tifa. I believe that her personality, kind, virtuous, unique, yet defiant, is really what makes Aerith an excellent representation of women in nerd culture.
Another aspect that I enjoy about Aerith besides her personality is her importance in the world of gaming. Her death in Final Fantasy VII was very unexpected, since at the time, sweet and innocent female video game characters were not murdered. But as I said before, this is not the only thing Aerith should be remembered for. She should be remembered for being an ally to Cloud, Tifa, and the rest of the gang. For being the last of her race in the world, yet choosing to overlook and ignore that aspect of her life just for the sake of normalcy. For reminding us not to step on the flowers. Aerith is important not just because of her personality, but for how unique of a video game character she truly is.
All in all, I believe that Aerith is a great representation of women in nerd culture. She’s kind but defiant. Motherly yet stubborn. Unique and iconic. Aerith is one of those characters that I know I’d be best friends with if she were real. What’s not to love about a brunette in pink who in the end saves the world from destruction, even after death? Just remember that when you think about Aerith Gainsborough, don’t remember her death. Rather, reflect on her, who she is, and what she stands for. And make sure not to step on the flowers.
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