Is the portrayal of Zecora racist?

[Rarity Paige Belle 1,852]

What do you guys think? I personally think it is, to be honest!

[WireBound 125]

I feel it is somewhat racist, however, I also feel that zecora's character wouldn't work if it wasnt.

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,090]

It isn't racist so much as it is a stereotype. Stereotypes are not racist, they are simply a set of qualities one would assign to a particular type of person.

 

As for Zecora, she has nothing really negative about her shown thus far in the series, so I'd say at worst she is a positive stereotype due to her culture, dress, and style of speaking. From what I've seen from black Bronies, they like Zecora, so I think it's a non-issue.

[BinaryPony 120]

The idea is to introduce a character that is much different culturally to the ponies. This adds a nice touch of diversity, and helps reinforce the idea that just because somebody is different doesn't mean they're bad.

[Noei 717]

racist? of course no! the zecora's potrayal was just made to tell us to accept the differecens

[Silver Letter 1,830]

As somepony that is aggressively against any form of true stereotyping, I feel that Zecora mostly avoided such things. She is a positive character in the show.

[paradoxical 1,735]

While her culture may have been simplistically portrayed (read stereotype), I'm not sure that it's more simplistically portrayed than the rest of Equestria.  (Do we complain about MLP portrayal of the fashion industry?  Or the rich?  Or cabbies? [probably probably probably]  But those are poorly portrayed and there isn't any uproar I know of.)

 

Frankly she's proud of her culture, a positive influence and willing to work with the culture of Ponyville.  The only complaint one seems to have about Zecora HERSELF is that she's a little too flawless.

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,090]

Frankly she's proud of her culture, a positive influence and willing to work with the culture of Ponyville.  The only complaint one seems to have about Zecora HERSELF is that she's a little too flawless.

 

Zecora does have a bit of an anger issue, she did warn the Mane Six that they would make her anger explode when they first met her. Then again, I guess having ponies barge into your house and accuse you of being a pony-eating witch would make anyzebra angry.

[Pat.Rio.T. 304]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

[Rainblow H. Ash 5,090]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

 

People love to hunt for something to be offended by.

 

Call it a new past time for humans everywhere.

[Cyan Blue 946]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

This right here, is what I was going to say.

[Admiral Regulus 2,769]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

 

Yeah, this. It's almost like what Hank Hill says:

 

[paradoxical 1,735]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

 

I'd rather have the needle pointing to modern day overly sensitive than pre-45 under sensitive.

 

But I'll agree that we're not at the golden spot at the moment.

[xX_PinkDragon_Xx 417]

Yes. I feel like it's racist.

[paradoxical 1,735]

Yes. I feel like it's racist.

 

That was a little sparse.  Care to clarify if your comment is because of stereotype or something else?

[Guest]

I don't think Zecora is a racist portrayal, but a stereotype like others have said before me. This doesn't necessarily mean her portrayal is negative, after all, AJ is also somewhat a stereotype but I wouldn't say its one which is offensive to those from the southern US. Whilst formed from stereotypical bases, both characters are positive reflections of the community they represent. Thats just my opinion obviously

[BinaryPony 120]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

As once said on The Simpsons, "Yep, that's what we do!"

[Cyan Blue 946]

Everybody saying she is racist has no evidence to back it.

[paradoxical 1,735]

Everybody saying she is racist has no evidence to back it.

 

I think the fact that there is a stereotype can be defined as racist (although perhaps you argue that's not vs. race as much as culture [i counter racism is often used as a word for prejudice and this is a semantic argument which is my original point]). 

 

So to say they have no evidence is a bit harsh. 

 

Perhaps were we all to have the same semantics, then you may be absolutely correct.  [One can find negatives; like "why didn't she just knock on a few doors and ask when the shops open or whatnot?"  Maybe those are the racist aspects?  {though that specific example would imply any secondary character is potentially racist (Big Mac is anti-white! ;P )}]

[NightGuard 251]

Everybody saying she is racist has no evidence to back it.

Yo, Son. She ryhmes, does black magic, and lives in a jungle! If that ain't racist cuz, I don't know what is...

Edited July 23, 2014 by NightGuard

[Solid 1,326]

I would refer it as culture diversity. When most of Equestria seem to have this American/Middle-Age/European element and you suddenly put in an African Zebra, it does feel kind of weird. However, that awkwardness does not mean you're racist. Racism is when you purposely discriminate the individual due to his/her race.

 

Zecora wasn't exactly discriminated. She can come to Ponyville or whatever place if she wants but apparently she prefers Everfree forest. Sure, ponies feel funny around her; it's because she's different. I feel a bit funny around my uncle (who is African American) but that doesn't make me racist, b/c I didn't discriminate him (in fact he's pretty awesome and I enjoy hanging out with him)

[DiscordAnarchy 770]

Why does everyone assume everything is racist and offensive nowadays?

 

 

You should read an article I found concerning Rise of the Planet of the Apes where the authro beleived the entire movie was actually about the kidnapping of blacks from Africa, the transportation of the slaves and how the apes used sign language to communicate much like slaves were forced to find new ways to communicate while on boats, the use of fire hoses on apes as symbolism to the black rights movement (when it was a nod to a scene from the original movie), and of course the fact the badguys were white and had power.

Furthermore how is she a sterotype? She is a Zebra that is from Africa and as thus he home and lifestyle fits that of something that has grown up in Africa. It's like saying it is a sterotype if a Hispanic character has Hispanic-themed products around their home when they themselves are just celebrating or having things that remind them of home.

[rainbowsmash13 53]

What makes her magic black magic she cured apple bloom of the cutie pocks and rhyming is not an African stereotype there are tribes that live in the jungle is ever member of that tribe racist

[Jeric 46,834]

Does she have some African/Caribbean traits? Yes.

 

Is it a negative portrayal of East Africa, Trini, or Native American culture (check her hut she has Native American influenced objects)? No.

 

Zecora represents many cultures ... not just one. Is Zecora a racist depiction? In my opinion,  no. While it is a simple portrayal ... Zecora has an implied complexity to her ... you want to know more. Racism and desire to explore the individual do not usually go hand in hand.  Also, her voice actor appears to love the character even though she has cultural aspects she put into the characters voice. She also loved 'Talk Like Zecora' day.

[BinaryPony 120]

 

 

'Talk Like Zecora' day.

That's a thing? Interesting...