Chaaaps
General Info
| Item Name | Chaaaps |
|---|
Overview
Their everyday lives contrast with the extraordinary elements of the series and ground the story in a recognizable reality. But they are not just an everyday item, but rather a symbolic embodiment of Steven's youthful joy and unpretentiousness. His fondness for this simple snack often provides comic relief, adding lightness to moments during intense scenes.
Interestingly, Chaaaps is also sometimes an indirect medium for developing relationships in the show. This led to Amethyst and Peridot bonding as they discovered their mutual love for Chaaaps. The crunchy snack provided an unexpected bridge, allowing different characters to connect through shared joy.
Although seemingly insignificant, Chaaaps symbolizes the ordinary that is extraordinary, enhancing the narrative by providing relatability in a fantastical setting. As they continue to perform throughout the series, they reinforce the idea that sometimes it's the simplest things that bring people together despite their differences.
Creation and Development
Chaaaps were originally meant to be Earth's everyday snack, a commonplace item interspersed with the show's extraordinary alien elements. But as the series evolved, the meaning of Chaaaps changed beyond just being a snack.
The design phase of Chaaaps was led by show animator Joe Johnston. Inspired by common snacks in the United States, he came up with several sketches and finally settled on small and round cheese puff pastry snacks because of their recognizable and recognizable silhouette. The yellow-orange color was chosen for its brightness and association with cheese, a favorite snack flavor.
Sugar then expanded on the concept of Chaaaps, portraying him as an object of normalcy and comfort in the often chaotic world of crystal gems. Intended to symbolize humanity rather than alien gems, the item took on greater narrative importance, such as in episodes such as "The Joking Victim", where it was a key element in character development.
In terms of character development, Chaaaps was primarily associated with the character Amethyst. It didn't start out as a deliberate decision, but as Amethyst's character developed and her love for earthly pleasures grew, the bond with Chaaaps grew stronger. The item was then allowed to play a role in revealing the different layers of Amethyst's personality to the public.
As for the social impact of the show, the makers have also introduced Chaaaps, the 'next Chaaaaps' brand. It played out a common real-world brand loyalty scenario and parodied the small differences in our world that can have significant consequences. This was another step towards making the fantasy universe more grounded and relatable to the audience. In conclusion, the development and evolution of Chaaaps is a testament to how everyday objects can be turned into important storytelling tools for story and character development. This seemingly common snack has played a variety of roles, from a symbol of normalcy, a character builder, to a parody of real-life social norms. And all these changes happened organically, which is a unique feature of the development of objects in the universe of Steven Universe.
Cultural Impact
This English snack means more than a favorite pastime, it means embracing the unknown, the strange, the different. Steven Universe shows his love for Chaaaps, the English potato chip, even though he's surrounded by traditional American snacks. It is an emblem of openness and care for diversity, an important message for a younger audience.
The plot of Chaaaps also subtly reiterates to children that it is okay to have likes and dislikes. It's perfectly fine, if not extraordinary, to accept things that others may not understand or appreciate. The animated series revels in these small but important symbols of culture to ensure an environment of inclusion and acceptance. Therefore, Chaaaps is interpreted as more than a snack: it is a symbol of diversity, acceptance and freedom of thought.