ScribbleSquabble

Thank you for understanding exactly what I was trying to say. My intention was never to sling mud at Rarity, just propose a different perspective towards the argument set fourth by the topic. Nothing more. Also @Jeric, you have all the right in the Internet to disagree with my analysis, but let's not turn this into something personal by attacking what I do just because you disagree with something I said.

Actually, if you recall I never said anything about expectations. I was only giving a possible response to the question posed in the topic. Do any of these things matter to me in judging her overall character? Not really. All I did in that post was give examples to back my statement. Hell, rarity being selfish in Manehattan was a good thing; it showed her conflict with her element the way a good "key" episode should. Like it or not, those things did happen in the episodes (and rarities fascination with the jem wasn't just in the flashback, watch the episode again), and can be seen as selfish. Also, incase it wasn't clear I laugh at what happens in those episodes more than anything. It's a cartoon about technicolor ponies, we (analysts included) watch it to have fun, am I right?

From an analytical standpoint, a particular fault to her character is just how noticeable it is when she does something wrong. Don't get me wrong, each character has their faults and strengths, and each has slipped up on their own element. However, generosity isn't necessarily hard to portray: give of yourself without expecting anything in return. This was used incredibly well in Friendship is Magic Pt. 1+2 where she cuts off her tail to help a complete stranger. So when we see her go against it and instead conform to a "prissy pampered princess" mentality it's jarring. That's not to say generosity is easy; in comparison something like Honesty and Kindness are fairly simple gestures. Generosity is however, a selfless act: and when we see a selfless element behaving selfishly the contrast is hard not to notice. Some examples: Ticket Master: trying to persuade twilight to give her the ticket for a reason not including hanging with the pony who gave her the ticket (though let's be honest, all 5 of them did this). COMPLETELY FORGETTING WHY SHE WAS IN CLOUDSDALE IN SONIC RAINBOOM (really?!). Green isn't your color: (This one is a bit of a stretch, but funny when you think about it) Pushing Flutter Shy to do something she didn't want to do so she could later sell more designs by saying "my best friend is a famous model". Sisterhooves Social: Even after she came to her realization she was being too hard on her sister, she still only want's do do things she want's to do instead of asking her sister. Sweet and Elite: Do I even need to list it? It's the backdrop of the entire episode. She still got her epiphany at the end but if a friend of mine was pulling the same thing she did behind my back I'd be livid. Secret of my Excess: Yes, spike gave her his birthday present, selflessly. Course it only happened after rarity showed a lot more than a fascination with that rock. MMMystery on the Friendship Express: Yes, because taking a big bite out of your friend's cake which she is responsible for and probably slaved over because "you made it sound so good" is the most generous scenario I can think of! [implied sarcasm] Crystal Empire 1 + 2: THERE ARE CRYSTAL PONIES?!?! Sleepless in Ponyville: 2 words: Sweaty Belle. Just For Sidekicks: Spike gives his Fire Ruby selflessly in Secret of My Excess, but she gives him a sliver of a ruby for babysitting her psychotic cat. Rarity Takes Manehattan: The Sweatshop of Friendship... and guilt-trips. Admittedly, the number of these do not outweigh the number of scenes of generosity, however as I stated before to see the element of generosity become selfish, not just with material things but also with her friends, it really is a stark contrast.

If they are anything like horns from mammals here, the horn is likely Keratin/Proteins surrounding a live bone. So in this instance, one might be able to re-attach it surgically, or if just the tip was broken it would grow back. This may also support evidence provided by HereComesTom:

These same "Self Hypnosis" files are also prevalent in the Furry and Therian communities for a variety of species. I've experimented with them, they are harmless fun. The hypnosis puts you into a relaxed state and causes you to have physical sensations which when combined with the instruction during a state of trance can make it feel like your changing into something. It should be noted that you won't get hypnotized if you don't want to, the experience is completely subjective and based on what you actually want out of it.