Are ponies speciesist?

[SteveMorison 407]

Throughout the series we've seen ponies be frightened by a zebra, think of dragons as brutes, seemingly have a low opinion of mules and start a war with buffalo. For such a kind and loving species on a show about friendship they can be pretty exclusive at times.

[Jeremiah 1,586]

 

 

seemingly have a low opinion of mules and start a war with buffalo.

That was the buffalo's fault for being very insensitive to the mane 6 because of there accommodations... not there fault. But I could see where your coming from...

[silvadel 1,393]

To an extent, I would agree, but I think it is more xenophobic than speciesist.  They tend to be afraid/suspicious of the different.

 

Plus we are talking about Ponyville for which bad things come out of the everfree on a regular basis.

Edited July 28, 2015 by silvadel

[A Joe in the Bush 255]

That was the buffalo's fault for being very insensitive to the mane 6 because of there accommodations... not there fault. But I could see where your coming from...

You're thinking of the Yaks.The Buffalo were back in Season One, and actually did go to war with the Ponies of Appleoosa.

 

And yes, I think the Ponies have gotten used to being the master race, and consider all others beneath them. But they don't do it in a active way, it's more passive, like just being surprised that the non ponies don't agree with innate pony superiority.

[Blake of Gilead 140]

To an extent, I believe. They may not know it, though.

[Prince Firemane 309]

I imagine they are a little bit. After all, their leaders are responsible for the day/night cycle and potentially for the continued existence of life in their world, so a little bit of imposed superiority isn't to be unexpected.

[superdogz1999 551]

I think so as ponies are the most dormant creatures in Equestria. If we had a look at Cranky, he was a bit angry at the ponies himself and he is a donkey, so he is discriminated for being a different species.

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

I don't necessarily think that the ponies themselves are speciest, but rather, the writers.

 

Most non-equine species are NOT portrayed in a favorable light. Griffons are selfish and greedy, not even knowing the meaning of friendship, dragons are mindless malicious beasts that spend their time sleeping, hording, or being mean-spirited (unless raised by a pony, like Spike), the Yaks are overly picky and highly aggressive, Diamond Dogs are thugs and thieves, etc. The list goes on. 

 

And species that aren't portrayed unfavorably have very little about them elaborated. Like donkeys/mules. I understand that the name of the show is "My Little Pony," but must ponies be portrayed as the kindest and most perfect of all the other creatures on their planet? It kind of gets uncomfortable sometimes, like in the Griffonstone episode where they just come off as... a superior race that has to show the inferior race how to do things correctly. I know I'm looking too much into that, but that's the vibe I get from them sometimes. Not all non-ponies have to be villainous or ridiculously flawed.

[Bendy 1,821]

The ponies are a little speciesist. Not all though. 

 

Somehow I doubt they go around killing all non ponies. Or had a history of enslaving the non pony races.

 

Yeah.... fan fiction can over exaggerate how speciesist the ponies can be.

Edited July 29, 2015 by Bendy

[Prince Firemane 309]

It kind of gets uncomfortable sometimes, like in the Griffonstone episode where they just come off as... a superior race that has to show the inferior race how to do things correctly. I know I'm looking too much into that, but that's the vibe I get from them sometimes. Not all non-ponies have to be villainous or ridiculously flawed.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who felt that way while watching the episode. The trait about them being greedy enough to rival dragons was thrown in from so far out of left field that it feels like it was just added so we think that ponies are better than griffons.

[Malinter 3,064]

They can be but they go about it in weird ways. Like being terrified of a Zebra yet not batting an eye at a griffon with razor-like claws and beak and as of ep 100 seem totally obvious to a giant sea-serpent just popping into their town for a manicure. XD

[Goat-kun 2,530]

I don't necessarily think that the ponies themselves are speciest, but rather, the writers.

 

Most non-equine species are NOT portrayed in a favorable light. Griffons are selfish and greedy, not even knowing the meaning of friendship, dragons are mindless malicious beasts that spend their time sleeping, hording, or being mean-spirited (unless raised by a pony, like Spike), the Yaks are overly picky and highly aggressive, Diamond Dogs are thugs and thieves, etc. The list goes on. 

 

And species that aren't portrayed unfavorably have very little about them elaborated. Like donkeys/mules. I understand that the name of the show is "My Little Pony," but must ponies be portrayed as the kindest and most perfect of all the other creatures on their planet? It kind of gets uncomfortable sometimes, like in the Griffonstone episode where they just come off as... a superior race that has to show the inferior race how to do things correctly. I know I'm looking too much into that, but that's the vibe I get from them sometimes. Not all non-ponies have to be villainous or ridiculously flawed.

Nuff said. It does feel like non-ponies never even got the chance. Unless your name is Discord, you’re destined to be a one-dimensional, greedy, unfriendly, stupid, and quite possibly evil plot device which can be freely used to fill any role necessary to keep them lessons rolling.

 

Sometimes it feels like I’m reading some old-timey adventure book with brave white adventurers teaching those uncivilized savages all about the power of friendship (and gunpowder).

[SteveMorison 407]

Let's not forget Iron Will.

[GuyNamedEarl 1,332]

I think they are a little, but they're more misinformed of what other species are like.

[Buck Testa 5,505]

I don't necessarily think that the ponies themselves are speciest, but rather, the writers.

 

Most non-equine species are NOT portrayed in a favorable light. Griffons are selfish and greedy, not even knowing the meaning of friendship, dragons are mindless malicious beasts that spend their time sleeping, hording, or being mean-spirited (unless raised by a pony, like Spike), the Yaks are overly picky and highly aggressive, Diamond Dogs are thugs and thieves, etc. The list goes on. 

 

And species that aren't portrayed unfavorably have very little about them elaborated. Like donkeys/mules. I understand that the name of the show is "My Little Pony," but must ponies be portrayed as the kindest and most perfect of all the other creatures on their planet? It kind of gets uncomfortable sometimes, like in the Griffonstone episode where they just come off as... a superior race that has to show the inferior race how to do things correctly. I know I'm looking too much into that, but that's the vibe I get from them sometimes. Not all non-ponies have to be villainous or ridiculously flawed.

I totally agree, in fact they should bring up this dynamic in an episode at some point. I also wonder why the writers chose to have the Cows, which are sentient, appear to be owned by the ponies. They are kept in barns, milked, and herded just like non sentient cows yet they talk and everything. There are some dark implications with that whole set up. 

[ThatOneComrade 1,091]

Yeah, I can see what you're saying. It's been said that because ponies are prey animals it's obvious that they'd be terrified of dragons, but as far as I know there's no logical reason as to why they'd push away a zebra or a buffalo.

[PhoenixGenevieve 53]

I've always found it kind of funny how Cloudsdale is probably the most unintentionally racist thing to ever exist in a kids show. I mean, sure, Twilight found a spell to allow unicorns and Earth Ponies to walk on clouds, but without using magic, if you're not a pegasus, you're just not welcome there

[Dark Qiviut 22,510]

 

 

Griffons are selfish and greedy, not even knowing the meaning of friendship

 

 

the Yaks are overly picky and highly aggressive

There are more unfortunate implications for them both.

1. The griffons were supposed to be seen as greedy, but observe Griffonstone. The country has no economy and agriculture. In order to survive, you have to ask for bits or migrate. The episode tries to claim their greed was a cause, but you don't see greed. You see apathy. You see them trying not to starve.
2. The yaks are portrayed as the bad guys, but the ponies are equally responsible for the mess. The yaks are there because the ponies stated that they were going to give the yaks a completely authentic representation of their culture. Instead, the yaks believe they're being lied to and feel incredibly disrespected. The audience is supposed to dislike the yaks, but the yaks's anger is believable.

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

I'd say it's true, but mainly because of how the show's world is built. The show is called My Little Pony, and it was made specifically to market toy ponies, justifying the show's focus on ponies specifically. However, it's heavily implied that they are a master race, with natural characteristics of their world benefitting them over other species. They have direct control over the natural functions of the world itself (which is why the "namby-pamby pony princess" insult rubbed me the wrong way, basically mocking that which gives the world life) and have connections to unique elements of the world that many non-pony creatures do not (magic, cutie marks, and nature).

 

The way the show portrays other species as generally one-dimensional and second-class citizens, even property (cows and sheep) really does seem contradictory to the show's individualist messages, and whatever allegory of diversity the three types of ponies are supposed to play is superficial compared to how often ponies are condescending to other species. It's not all on the ponies themselves or how these characters are written, but a multitude of factors including the aforementioned marketing aims of the franchise, that and the fact that the show would really prefer if we not talk about these things, despite the simple fact that they imply things that go against the core messages of the show, ironically on a show usually praised for its attention to story detail. That goes without saying that the show has come under fire for its use of such characters to portray ethnic and gender stereotypes.

 

Even though it isn't the focus of this show, I'd definitely like to see more expansion on non-pony characters whenever they can be fit. There's really no more of a sterling example of how non-pony characters get shafted than the main non-pony character of the show, Spike, so giving him a good episode and some dignity that should help reverse the harmful effects of the worldbuilding against his character development in "Secret of My Excess" and "Dragon Quest" would be a good start.

Edited July 30, 2015 by Wind Chaser

[Vixor 80]

No.

 

The issue with Zecora for example was not species-ism, it was the fact that she was this mysterious cloaked figure who came from the everfree forest that made the ponies afraid. Once it was proven that she was a friend however, the ponies treated and welcomed her just fine. Ponies in general have been shown to be very friendly and welcoming to people, regardless of species; the ponies would be happy to befriend them and would treat them well.

 

With dragons, from what we've seen, it seems that most of them keep to themselves and don't interact with the Equestrian society that much, so there's not really much of a chance for more positive interaction between ponies and dragons there. Either way, they're certainly quite accepting of Spike, and I'm sure he's not going anywhere. 

 

The buffalo thing was merely a misunderstanding of sorts, and it got sorted out alright. Presumably, the buffalo and Appleloosa ponies get along just fine now.

 

Mules? I always saw that whole insult thing as a rather questionable running gag of sorts, or just something that the writers didn't really think about too much, not something they intended to have people take seriously or have any real meaning behind it, for the setting or characters involved in it. Not a very pleasant form of 'humor' on the writers part, but not really meant as an indicator of anything either. Anyway, Mulia Mild for example seems to be treated equally, and is a successful baker. Other than her though, we haven't really even had a chance to see much in the way of characters that are mules.

 

And the Mane 6 of all characters certainly wouldn't look down on or discriminate against someone because they are a different species, especially after all the lessons they've learned (not that they would have originally either). They'd gladly befriend someone and treat them just as well regardless of species. Dash and Gilda is a good example. 

 

I totally agree, in fact they should bring up this dynamic in an episode at some point. I also wonder why the writers chose to have the Cows, which are sentient, appear to be owned by the ponies. They are kept in barns, milked, and herded just like non sentient cows yet they talk and everything. There are some dark implications with that whole set up. 

 

The only explanation for stuff like the cows/sheep and such is that it is either meant to be a joke (albeit a very questionable, poor one without much thought put into it), or that the writers were otherwise not entirely serious. More than likely, they aren't aware of the hypothetical implications of the stuff they throw in sometimes, which is not surprising, because despite the shows depth and enjoy-ability for us older fans, it is most definitely the case that many of these things fans dig up and sometimes form grimdark headcanons about have little to no real meaning, outside of filler or minute details the writers/animators didn't give much thought to, out of interest in focusing on the more core aspects of the show, such as the characters. 

 

Either way, for a sapient being to be treated like that would be slavery, and there's not a chance in hell that such grimdark things would still exist in modern Equestria. The place may not be totally perfect, but it's very clear that good values such as friendship, love, the elements of harmony, etc, are all held in very high regard and are considered highly important. Overall, it's a highly benevolent society. And it has very benevolent leaders, who would most certainly put a swift end to anything like slavery. Do you really think Celestia, for example, would let such a thing happen? Hint; the answer is no, and it would surely be the same for the other leaders.

 

Slavery, being as terrible as it is, is horribly out of place for such a society. It conflicts with the rest of the show and setting in such an extreme way, it just isn't possible. With that in mind, again, the only explanation for the cows and such is that it's a poorly thought out joke/wasn't given proper thought by the writers, so don't take it seriously. Slavery would NOT exist in modern Equestria. 

 

I've always found it kind of funny how Cloudsdale is probably the most unintentionally racist thing to ever exist in a kids show. I mean, sure, Twilight found a spell to allow unicorns and Earth Ponies to walk on clouds, but without using magic, if you're not a pegasus, you're just not welcome there

 

They're perfectly welcome there, it's just that they can't physically stay there without magical assistance.

 

Anyway, I'm tired, and finding the proper wording for posts like this is a chore sometimes, so I'll be going now. Already spent more time than I'd have liked fine tuning this post, and I'm still not completely satisfied with it.

Edited August 1, 2015 by Vixor

[SteveMorison 407]

On other thing I've noticed. There are some exceptions to this rule but when it comes to villains if the villian (whether major or minor) is a pony or a species with a close relationship with ponies (e.g. Griffon's) they will most likely reform, particularly after a reoccuring appearence, if the villain is not a pony however then they tend to be left in a negative light. The 2 biggest exceptions are Discord because he needed to be a recurring character (it's also worth pointing out that the ponies still hated Discord after this, whilst other reformed villains did not get the same treatment) and Sombra who didn't really have much character to begin with.

[cider float 2,539]

Since the Griffons and the Yaks you could see they are trying to change this around. It's apparent that the ponies don't try to create relations with other species but most of the time they can't help it because a lot of the other species don't bother to build bridges either.

 

Since the ponies themselves had a history of being three different warring tribes it might be some time before they want to make friends with other species.

[ShadOBabe 19,014]

Even if they are, every other race acts exactly the same way towards them.

It doesn't make it okay, but it seems like a world wide problem.

[Luna the Great of all the Russias 3,019]

The ponies are a little speciesist. Not all though. 

 

Somehow I doubt they go around killing all non ponies. Or had a history of enslaving the non pony races.

 

Yeah.... fan fiction can over exaggerate how speciesist the ponies can be.

Although we don't know that for sure.

 

Okay true, show is rated as for children so perhaps it could be argued that such things never happened. However, if Equestria is a superpower or at least among great powers in the world, being in such a situation in reality often resulted in the act of expanding influence through some form of force (annexations, puppets, colonialism, interventions, etc). 

[cider float 2,539]

If you tried watching G1 before (bit hard to tolerate), the world of the ponies is set so only the established groups are friendly while everything outside their Garden of Eden is hostile.