Theory Is Equestria a bigoted society?

[Octavia_Melody2 187]

Equestria isn't real (more on that later) and this wasn't the show creators' intent, but Equestria, or at least pony society, seems segregated and feudalistic.

 

In several episodes we see wealthy ponies flaunting their superiority and belittling others. Also, ponies in general don't seem to think too highly of other in-universe species.

 

Pinkie openly mocks Cranky in his first appearance and all of the ponies are initially suspicious of Zecora. Not to mention that Zecora doesn't live in town and we've seen no other zebras on the show.

 

Also, Iron Will is treated like a villain even though Fluttershy goes above and beyond his shenanigans.

 

Griffons, zebras, ponies, etc. are all apparently segregated and aren't too fond of each other from what little we've seen.

 

Finally, there is a somewhat feudalistic hierarchy between alicorns, unicorns, and earth ponies, with earth ponies doing a lot of manual labor and wealthy ponies trying to win the favor of the princesses. (Viva la revolucion! Kidding, kidding...  )

 

I know I'm reading too much into this, but what are fan theories for?

Just for the record, I'm not a Marxist or social justice warrior. I'm actually pretty capitalistic. Please don't take this thread too seriously.

[GuyNamedEarl 1,332]

I wouldn't say bigoted; they're more naive and ignorant of others, and they learn about others differences and how they can all be friends.

[Silver Stream. 708]

Your theory is interesting in itself. Hearth's Warming Eve sort of displayed a few of what you pointed out when it came to the unicorns, earth ponies, and Pegasi. But the truth is: no matter how each race carry themselves, it's a known fact one cannot survive without the other. (Though it's possible for unicorns to survive on their own. If they possess powerful magic, they could control weather and grow food on their own).

 

I'm curious what goes beyond equestria. We've seen the yaks at one point, and the griffins but I wonder how far their world stretches. Zecora is definitely a mystery.....I'm wondering about her homeland. And if there's more out there. Ponies, in general though, seem to be the dominant race over the other animals. 

 

If the ponies would just go out there and explore BEYOND what they know....they wouldn't be clueless about other creatures or judgmental in some ways. 

[RarityFan01 2,444]

Kind of how humans have a superiority complex? Equestria is similar to our world in that aspect. Ponies believe they are superior to everyone else.

 

Some earth ponies are part of high society. Any race can be high society.

 

Earth ponies do manual labor because they are the ones built for it. Just like how pegasi control the weather.

 

Alicorns represent all three types of pony. We don't see the earth pony part, but there is earth pony, too.

 

The types of ponies are like different races. Zebras and donkeys would be like other kinds of apes, and mules would be like humanzee.

 

you may not, but a lot of people would be untrustworthy and bigoted towards apes (not including humans) being sentient. There would definitely be issues if there is ever a humanzee.

 

Equestria has issues, but so does our world. I'm not saying it's right. Don't get that impression.

[Malinter 3,064]

I'll never get why the ponies were terrified of Zecora and yet are totally fine with a carnivorous griffion walking though their town... maybe the all secretly know that Zecora would just beat the crap out of a griffon

[Octavia_Melody2 187]

 

 

you may not, but a lot of people would be untrustworthy and bigoted towards apes (not including humans) being sentient. There would definitely be issues if there is ever a humanzee.

 

I find this clip to be relevant. (But not the character limit)

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdmqn9JIuzc

I'll never get why the ponies were terrified of Zecora and yet are totally fine with a carnivorous griffion walking though their town... maybe the all secretly know that Zecora would just beat the crap out of a griffon

 

Are you saying that griffons eat ponies?

[Silver Stream. 708]

I'll never get why the ponies were terrified of Zecora and yet are totally fine with a carnivorous griffion walking though their town... maybe the all secretly know that Zecora would just beat the crap out of a griffon

THE FOSSA! THE FOSSA ARE COMING!

 

That's what kind of vibe I got from that episode: a Madagascar plot. 

[Castle Bleck 19,387]

I'll never get why the ponies were terrified of Zecora and yet are totally fine with a carnivorous griffion walking though their town... maybe the all secretly know that Zecora would just beat the crap out of a griffon

 

Likely because Zecora debuted like this:

 

[Malinter 3,064]

 

Are you saying that griffons eat ponies?

 

Razor sharp beak, claws and talons... do they sound like the tools of a herbivore to you? XD

[Octavia_Melody2 187]

Razor sharp beak, claws and talons... do they sound like the tools of a herbivore to you? XD

 

So the real issue with Gilda is not that she was a bully, just that she was getting hungry.

[J. Brony 313]

I've been thinking the same thing about Equestria lately.  I've heard it described as "a utopia" and a "society incapable of racism" in a few past discussions.  But I disagree with such notions.

 

Here are a few examples to the contrary:

 

1.  Hearts & Hooves day describes Pre-Celestian Equestria as being extremely racist with Pegasi, Unicorns and Earth Ponies being fiercely divided.

 

2.  Diamond Tiara's continual mistreatment of the CMC based mainly on their status as "blank flanks".  Meaning even children can judge and bully others based on social standing.

 

3.  Most of the Rarity episodes focus on her trying to impress various members of high society.  Elitism clearly exists in Equestria.

 

4.  Fluttershy's interactions with other ponies in Putting Your Hoof Down indicate that ponies can act like total jerks in any given situation.

 

So yeah, I have to agree that Equestria is bigoted but no more than modern-day society.  Personally I think that that was the intention of the show's writers.  Presenting real-world issues that children will have to cope with in their young lives in a non-threatening way and then demonstrating how to overcome them is a solid basis for a kid's show if you ask me.

Edited October 17, 2015 by J. Brony

[Silver Stream. 708]

Doesn't mean they eat ponies though despite it being possible or even true in other shows or movies or even stories. Gilda was shown making scones, but I'm sure they catch mice or other smaller creatures off screen 

[Sidral Mundet 1,666]

Yeah I've always noticed that everyone takes a far more pony-centric attitude overall. I mean mule is used as an offensive term which probably indicates inter-species relationships are frowned upon for one thing.  As well as never giving any sort of aid to the Griffon Kingdom which was in horrible condition for who knows how many years.  But you could also rule that ponies are rather ignorant of the outside world in general and that most of these problems come from inadequate education. I mean they know next to nothing on dragons for starters. 

[Silver Letter 1,832]

Well, ponies are probably superior. I mean, the ponies are infused with magic, they control the weather and may be blessed by the Tree of Harmony; Alicorns and cutie marks may be part of it. They are those that run their world of Equestria. As far as bigotry is concerned, I don't think it really exists. That sort of thing is born out of hate and that is probably rare and not really a thing on any widespread scale when comparing ponies and other animals.

[superdogz1999 551]

Equestria is a bit racist and all that, many unicorns and pegasi think that Earth Ponies are only useful for manual labour, when in fact ponies like Filthy Rich are in the higher social classes, while some unicorns are in the lower social classes. Also the ponies are racist to Zebras and other animals as they are rarely seen in Equestria.

[Octavia_Melody2 187]

"My dear Tia, you try too hard to keep your little ponies safe from chaos and disharmony. You have the pegasi protect them from the elements, and the Elements to protect them from everything else. You keep them safe, segregated, and ignorant. The average Equestrian barely knows the difference between a griffon and a dragon. And the petty little 'nobles' trying to curry your favor. Think of what they could create, what they could destroy, if you'd only leave them to their own devices." - Discord to Celestia

 

 

Okay, so he didn't actually say that in the show. But it sounds cool, right?

[BlinkZ 1,151]

The part about the EArth ponies isn't really true. they are the only one that can grow the food.  no food..no life. Not to mention we seen rich earth onis like Filthy rich

[Trixie Heartstrings 434]

Well griffons are a mix of eagles and lions, which are both carnivores.

[Vixor 80]

No. It's certainly not "segregated and feudalistic". that's ridiculous.

 

I don't recall anything other than Pinkie's usual antics when it came to Cranky. If anything, she was going very far out of her way to try and befriend him and make him feel welcomed, with some of her own brand of randomness included. Either way, she wasn't trying to be mean or hostile, but rather the opposite. I'd say more, but I honestly don't remember many of the details in that episode, so I'd have to go rewatch it.

 

The ponies were only suspicious of Zecora because she was a mysterious cloaked figure from the Everfree forest. It had nothing to do with bigotry or racism, and everything to do with them being a little afraid/cautious of a mysterious individual coming from the Everfree and doing unknown things. After it turned out that she wasn't in fact a dangerous witch plotting something bad, but rather a friend, the ponies were very welcoming to her. And Bridle Gossip certainly seemed to suggest that zebra's are rare, given that none of the ponies seemed to have seen one before, or that they are "from a far away land" like Twilight said, so it's not unbelievable that we haven't seen any others yet. The show's scope is limited, you know? Also, Zecora probably lives in the Everfree because of all the rare herbs and other things. After finding out that she was indeed a friend, there's been no indication whatsoever that the ponies have discriminated against her, so I'm sure she could come and live in Ponyville.

 

Iron Will is not a villain, and I'm pretty sure the ponies didn't see him as one.

 

Ponies and the other species are not segregated, and there's been no indication of such. At most, you could possibly assume that species like griffons and zebras are relatively uncommon in Equestria, or that we just don't see them because again, the show's scope is limited, and the animators resources are limited. No indication of discrimination, certainly. And with Gilda, the ponies went way of their way to welcome and befriend her by throwing her a party and everything. Unfortunately, her attitude at the time was less than ideal for such an occasion, but the point stands.

 

And there's no hierarchy between the races. We've seen ponies of all kinds doing all sorts of things and in all sorts of positions. There's nothing to suggest that their society is dominated by one race. As for the alicorns, they are supposed to be all three main races together, so one could say that they represent all three in a way.

 

Anyway, Equestria is not totally perfect, sure, but it's still a very nice and benevolent place, where great things like friendship, love, and harmony are valued highly. Before Equestria was founded, tensions were high between the three main pony races, sure, but it was founded to eliminate that tension and allow everyone to get along in peace and harmony. Then, at some point, Celestia and Luna came along, two immortal, benevolent leaders, who would help to guide Equestria.

Edited October 18, 2015 by Vixor

[prfan93 123]

I wouldn't say bigoted; they're more naive and ignorant of others, and they learn about others differences and how they can all be friends.

 

I agree with this. This rings true, since friendship is an integral part of Equestrian society.

[CastletonSnob 3,079]

The part about the EArth ponies isn't really true. they are the only one that can grow the food.  no food..no life. Not to mention we seen rich earth onis like Filthy rich

 

There are plenty of rich/high class earth ponies:

 

Aunt and Uncle Orange

Filthy Rich

Hoity Toity

Sapphire Shores

Photo Finish

Mayor Mare

Cherry Jubilee (She's probably rich, with her ranch)

[Arrowstormen 62]

I'm soon going to be writing a large school project on MLP and FO:E, comparing them as examples of an utopia and dystopia respectably. I don't think ponies are truly racist, but sure, they are not all perfect beings. It's the closest you'll ever get to an utopia while still being a setting you can tell interesting stories in though. It's generally a very well functioning society.

[ManaMinori 4,146]

Your theory is interesting in itself. Hearth's Warming Eve sort of displayed a few of what you pointed out when it came to the unicorns, earth ponies, and Pegasi. But the truth is: no matter how each race carry themselves, it's a known fact one cannot survive without the other. (Though it's possible for unicorns to survive on their own. If they possess powerful magic, they could control weather and grow food on their own).

 

I'm curious what goes beyond equestria. We've seen the yaks at one point, and the griffins but I wonder how far their world stretches. Zecora is definitely a mystery.....I'm wondering about her homeland. And if there's more out there. Ponies, in general though, seem to be the dominant race over the other animals. 

 

If the ponies would just go out there and explore BEYOND what they know....they wouldn't be clueless about other creatures or judgmental in some ways.

 

that's assuming uncorns have 1:acess to weather control spells 2: have knowledge of converting pegasi and earth pony magic into unicorn magic and 3: have enough skill with spells beyond use of their individual talents to control such spells, which, fromwhat we've seen on unicorns using magic, which is very few, they don't and can't

[Silver Stream. 708]

that's assuming uncorns have 1:acess to weather control spells 2: have knowledge of converting pegasi and earth pony magic into unicorn magic and 3: have enough skill with spells beyond use of their individual talents to control such spells, which, fromwhat we've seen on unicorns using magic, which is very few, they don't and can't

I make this assumption based on what I've seen throughout the series. Firstly that it seems Unicorns can control the weather (Rarity in Magical Mystery Cure). It's true, she wasn't very good at it, but that's because her talents was something else. We shouldn't count out that there is a unicorn who could have the ability to control the weather without creating a disaster or a group of them. 

 

Also, the fact that Twilight was teaching Apple Bloom to use potions to speed of the growth of crops/flowers. I'm sure if the unicorns were to practice or develop more in using their magic for more important matters than to carry things around, or create spells that seem to do more damage than solve problems, they would do well. 

 

In Hearthwarming Eve, it was said they controlled the raising of the sun and moon to bring day and night. But they never mentioned Celestia or Luna at all. Is it possible, that back in the day, unicorn had the power to do that WITHOUT the assistance of alicorns? Proving the unicorns are more capable than they are perceived to be. 

 

This sort of thing happens in real life too. We tend to slack off in things that used to be possible for our ancestors. But as time progresses, we grow dependent on other people or objects. 

 

But that's just a theory for me. Not saying it's canon

[Arrowstormen 62]

Pretty sure 

 

I make this assumption based on what I've seen throughout the series. Firstly that it seems Unicorns can control the weather (Rarity in Magical Mystery Cure). It's true, she wasn't very good at it, but that's because her talents was something else. We shouldn't count out that there is a unicorn who could have the ability to control the weather without creating a disaster or a group of them. 

 

Also, the fact that Twilight was teaching Apple Bloom to use potions to speed of the growth of crops/flowers. I'm sure if the unicorns were to practice or develop more in using their magic for more important matters than to carry things around, or create spells that seem to do more damage than solve problems, they would do well. 

 

In Hearthwarming Eve, it was said they controlled the raising of the sun and moon to bring day and night. But they never mentioned Celestia or Luna at all. Is it possible, that back in the day, unicorn had the power to do that WITHOUT the assistance of alicorns? Proving the unicorns are more capable than they are perceived to be. 

 

This sort of thing happens in real life too. We tend to slack off in things that used to be possible for our ancestors. But as time progresses, we grow dependent on other people or objects. 

 

But that's just a theory for me. Not saying it's canon

Even if there was an unicorn that could create potions to make things grow fast or could control the weather, I doubt that unicorn would have anywhere near the amount of control and quality that any earth pony or pegasus would have.