Do You Want MLP to Address More Serious Issues? Which? How?

[Queen Cassie 3,057]

You know I realize that all the pony's names have something to do with their special talents and cutie marks as just a way to be cute in the show, but what if one episode dealt with a pony who had certain expectations placed upon them of what and who they would be, were named after that talent, and were even really really good at it but they didn't enjoy it? And rather the thing they did enjoy was something they had no natural talent at and struggled with to even be average at it? I would also be curious as to how their cutie mark would go in that instance.

 

It's not quite as serious a problem as some of the others suggested, but it can be very crippling to have a passion and desire that you're not to good at while being expected to perform at something you have a knack for.

 

You kidding? An identity crisis is an excellent issue for an episode of this show to address. I really like this idea actually because it can go so many different ways with so many different possible avenues of approach. The most obvious avenue is to use it to teach a lesson to the CMCs, get them to understand more about why seeking out all kinds of random Cutie Marks isn't the best way to go about finding out what their real talent is, but there are so many things that could be explored here. This idea meets with my approval for sure.

[NoodleFox 19]

You kidding? An identity crisis is an excellent issue for an episode of this show to address. I really like this idea actually because it can go so many different ways with so many different possible avenues of approach. The most obvious avenue is to use it to teach a lesson to the CMCs, get them to understand more about why seeking out all kinds of random Cutie Marks isn't the best way to go about finding out what their real talent is, but there are so many things that could be explored here. This idea meets with my approval for sure.

 

Oh why thank you so much! That means a lot to me

[cuteycindyhoney 13,306]

How about a show centering on how this filly gets her cutie mark? There's bound to be a weird story there! What lesson can we learn from it? What is her name anyway? Sessantanove?

 

Edited May 6, 2012 by cuteycindyhoney

[NavelColt 22,879]

Fans should also watch out for an upcoming installment that deals with a very topical issue: bullying. “[it] explores how you should handle a bully, and sometimes what the source of bullying is,” McCarthy explains. But don’t expect an awkward 'Very Special Episode': “It’s wrapped in a story that’s really fun and funny, and has music, and doesn’t feel heavy-handed.

~Quote taken from here

 

Welp, a bullying theme for an episode is soon to become canon. I'm curious to see how that's going to play out.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

~Quote taken from here

 

Welp, a bullying theme for an episode is soon to become canon. I'm curious to see how that's going to play out.

 

Interesting. I wonder if it'll be another CMC episode but this time, Diamond Tiara is as mean and snobby as ever. Maybe she'll like tormenting them all the way this time.

 

The idea of bullying in Equestria seems pretty infuriating to me, actually - I just hope the bullying doesn't drag on forever and they learn their lesson effectively.

[Batbrony 16,051]

~Quote taken from here

 

Welp, a bullying theme for an episode is soon to become canon. I'm curious to see how that's going to play out.

 

I was actually super excited when I first saw this yesterday, because it got me thinking that this could very well be Scootaloo's first own episode; when I considered it further, I even realized it could work in a variety of ways!

 

1) Scootaloo starts getting bullied at school by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for being unable to fly. Despite the fact that we've never seen them bully her for this before, it would remain consistent with how they've treated her in the past.

 

2) An even more interesting scenario would be if Scootaloo, just like Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and every pegasi (as far as we know) actually had to go to flight school in Cloudsdale, and started getting bullied there by fellow pegasi for being unable to fly. This would actually, in my opinion, be far better than the first scenario, because (1) Scootaloo would be separated from the other two CMC, as well as all of her other Ponyville friends, aside from maybe Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and (2) getting bullied by pegasi for being unable to fly would probably be a far more hurtful scenario than getting bullied by an earth pony like Diamond Tiara for being unable to fly, since it's a much more serious issue for the pegasi.

 

Either scenario would be a great way to address bullying, a great way to provide some backstory for Scootaloo and insight into and/or build her relationship with Rainbow Dash and other ponies, and a great way to remain consistent with Lauren Faust's previously stated vision that Scootaloo be unable to fly and ultimately have to address that limitation in order to discover her special talent and get her cutie mark. If they were to go that far, then this could actually end up being the first CMC episode where a CMC gets their cutie mark, although I somewhat hope that isn't the case, simply because I'd like to see more Scootaloo episodes!

Edited October 19, 2012 by Batbrony

[Dave247 568]

I might be looking to deep into this but I think that this bullying episode could go beyond the show itself. Bullying is fast becomming a big problem in this fandom and it could be the show's way of sending us all a message. Whether or not it will have any effect will have to remain to be seen though. Either way im sure it will make for a very interesting episode.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

2) An even more interesting scenario would be if Scootaloo, just like Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and every pegasi (as far as we know) actually had to go to flight school in Cloudsdale, and started getting bullied there by fellow pegasi for being unable to fly. This would actually, in my opinion, be far better than the first scenario, because (1) Scootaloo would be separated from the other two CMC, as well as all of her other Ponyville friends, aside from maybe Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and (2) getting bullied by pegasi for being unable to fly would probably be a far more hurtful scenario than getting bullied by an earth pony like Diamond Tiara for being unable to fly, since it's a much more serious issue for the pegasi.

 

How about introducing a recurring character, like how they do it in the Pokemon anime?

 

It wouldn't be unlike Fluttershy's torment that she suffered in her fillyhood, but of course, enough to cause them serious trouble and he/she will keep taking shots until one of the Mane 6 is brought in to deter such a scenario. It probably wouldn't as work as effectively, but to be honest, I cannot see Scootaloo getting randomly picked on by Cloudsdale folk at this point. Guess we'll have to take some moments to ponder about that one for a while.

[DaAwesomeBronyDJ 12]

Friendship is Magic, as the type of show it is, teaches lessons. Childrens shows are wont to do this sort of teaching, after all, so as the show continues to progress, I expect we'll see the show attack some of the more dramatic issues that other shows have a tendency to address. Serious issues such as death, poverty, war, drug addiction--including alcoholism, or at least a form of it--as well as other possible issues might all be seen in the future, given the way the writers are so talented at integrating issues and making them both relevant to the show's themes as well as make them friendly to the target demographic.

 

For example, an episode idea I had in regards to how drug addiction might be handled involves a possible return of Gilda or Trixie, as either one of them could fit into this role.

 

For Trixie, having been rendered homeless and careerless through actions that were not her fault, she might have ended up on the streets, unable to really fend for herself or find some other sort of way of making a living. As a result, she might've turned to the "substance" (as whatever the drug is on the show, it won't be a real world drug) to try and cope with her life.

 

For Gilda, who might still have a home to go to but not much to live for in Equestria itself, particularly without one of her only friends(as far as we know). This could tie into my earlier speculation on Gryphon culture being French, where Gilda is now essentially lost in a foreign country without any other friend to depend upon. Like Trixie she might have turned to the "substance" to cope.

 

Either way, whether Trixie or Gilda, the character, while under the influence of the "substance," is discovered by the Mane Six. Given the nature of the "substance" the Mane Six try to do what they can to help Gilda or Trixie recover, turn their life around, and seek redemption through recovering. Now, because of the way the show works, said rehab is likely to be much simpler than any real world rehab, but the ultimate intent is that it allows Gilda or Trixie to learn more about friendship and to become a better person in the eyes of both the Mane Six and the viewers, turning into protagonists, or at least removing their antagonistic status. The overall lesson is about how even those you once feared or hated can become your friends if you just give them a chance and lend them a helping hand--or hoof, or claw.

 

Let us discuss how else serious issues might be tackled in episodes. Post your ideas, whether it's on drug addiction, war, poverty, death in general, bullying, psychological disorders, or other issues that you consider to be serious.

 

This seems a little bit harsh for this show even if its teaching something... Unique... I would love to see how you can learn a lesson from these but for a TV-Y show, Its too harsh. If it was TV-G or TV-PG it would be allowed (G is higher than Y)

[PonySoul 10]

We got enough drug PSAs and other shows which cover the topic. Honestly by now the culture is super saturated with it (and funny how little it actually does)

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

The shows staff has said that they were doing a bullying episode, (just realized it was already mentioned above) but I don't think we'll see much more then that, nor do I want them to.

Edited October 19, 2012 by Dusty Soul

[PinkiePie Forever 65]

I would like one about stopping bullies and standing up to them, one about a pony with a special crush on somepony, and one about some sort of pony depression.

[TailsIsNotAlone 3,695]

I think bringing up serious issues on the show sounds too much like a brony idea and not enough like a My Little Pony idea. And MLP ideas were what made us fans to begin with. If we want to see things like drug addiction, terminal illness or death befall the ponies, all that stuff is a fanfiction search away. But a kids' show has to generalize its message more, and I'm totally fine with that.

[Slendermane 477]

You know I realize that all the pony's names have something to do with their special talents and cutie marks as just a way to be cute in the show, but what if one episode dealt with a pony who had certain expectations placed upon them of what and who they would be, were named after that talent, and were even really really good at it but they didn't enjoy it? And rather the thing they did enjoy was something they had no natural talent at and struggled with to even be average at it? I would also be curious as to how their cutie mark would go in that instance.

 

It's not quite as serious a problem as some of the others suggested, but it can be very crippling to have a passion and desire that you're not to good at while being expected to perform at something you have a knack for.

 

I think that's a great idea, but I have a different take on it.

 

What about a pony who's entire life was controlled by their cutie mark, who wants a change of pace or to try to prove they are good at other things? For example, a clown who always wanted to sing, or something along that line. I doubt that a pony would find a cutie mark for something they didn't enjoy, but how tiring would it be to devote your entire life to one thing?

 

As for bullying, I would love to see more about Fluttershy's past. Maybe the reason she lives in Ponyville is because she chose to never return home, because of either the bullying she had to go through, or family problems?

Edited October 21, 2012 by Slendermane

[GoneForeverBye 184]

Personally I think it would ruin the light hearted mood of the show, you know, if they put in serious issues and sort.

 

Not that I'm against it like it seems to suggest above. In fact, if they can perform in it off well in exchange for an in-depth positive moral lesson for the future, then I'm okay with it.

 

"OYE GUYZ! GRET IDAE! WE ADD DRUGS + VIOLENZ + SEKS IN EPISODEZ AND IT WILL BE THE BESS THIN EVAR!!!!" - hypothetical MLP writer on lots and lots of... stuff that makes you go to a very happy place

Edited October 23, 2012 by OlegEqualzName

[Beth Sycamore 28]

Does the topics of smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol,belong in any My Little Pony episode? Is that something,that anyone wants to see?

 

I'm curious about your points of views,on this.

[Betez 1,734]

I don't really think it's necessary. The show's meant for kids, so why would they wanna send that message?

I also think it would be weird to see ponies smoking and drinking.

[Finesthour 7,287]

They don't have thumbs, or hands to hold the cigarettes.

 

How do.

 

In all reality-

 

Lolhell no.

We don't need none of those PSA cartoons again.

 

*remembers the Mario Sex ed Commercial*

 

*shudders*

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

It's not something that should be added as both have some negative effects, and why would they want to send the message that smoking is ok. I mean isn't the Cider enough.

[Silver Bells 78]

nooooOOOOPE that kind of stuff doesn't belong on there, i mean it's a show for LITTLE GIRLS, for god's sake. smoking and drinking in an mlp episode is like winnie the pooh as a character on halo or something

 

just leave that kind of stuff to the fanfics

[mycarhasaMoustache 449]

Some of the fan art features ponys smoking/drinking and it always just looks wrong but i can never figure out why, Its like a body builder wearing a bright pink skin tight t shirt there is nothing wrong with it but it just looks wrong idk

 

Some of the fan art features ponys smoking/drinking and it always just looks wrong but i can never figure out why, Its like a body builder wearing a bright pink skin tight t shirt there is nothing wrong with it but it just looks wrong idk

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

This isn't going to happen anytime soon. Not only is it ridiculous, but I don't think the writers would be shallow enough to put something as controversial as drugs in an episode. Especially if it's the focal point of it.

[Zygen 6,066]

No reason to put those kinda things in a kids show, it doesn't really qualify under their rating I'm pretty sure.

Besides I don't really see the point in it, doesn't seem like a pony smoking or drinking in the show would really appeal to me. It just doesn't seem fit in the show.

And personally I don't really care for either of those things, nothing against anybody who does. Just something I personally don't really care about.

And again the whole kids show thing, so either it would be very... Strange and dumb'd down. Or it would be out of their rating.

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

It's not something that should be added as both have some negative effects, and why would they want to send the message that smoking is ok. I mean isn't the Cider enough.

[Motion Spark 7,807]

WTH are you talking about?

really? it's like impossible to see direct contact to alcohol and tabaco in an episode of MLP, just the fact of bringing it up it's just completely meaningless.

However, I do see VERY, like microscopic subtle references of tabaco and alcohol, like it happened in the apple cider episode, but I don't think that many kids will get it though,

At the same time, I don't think that the writers goals is for the kids to fully get these references haha