since "cringy" is seen as a negative thing, yes, it is a natural response to try and stifle any negativity about the fandom he's in
maybe in person, but i don't see a reason to be defensive on a forum
i like steven universe but i don't try and defend it because i know a lot of the people who like it aren't going to be top-notch in maturity, that's why the thread is the only place i really talk about it because everyone else that likes it here is cool