The mane 6's political ideology. (PLEASE NO POLITICAL DEBATES!)

[My little pwny 1,390]

THIS IS NOT A THREAD ABOUT DEBATING POLITICS. PLEASE DO NOT HIJACK THIS THREAD!

Please only debate what the pony's political position is.

 

Here's what I think the mane six are (not an analysis).

 

Twilight: Progressive liberal

 

Applejack: Conservative

 

Fluttershy: Environmentalist

 

Rainbow Dash: Apathetic

 

Pinkie Pie: Apathetic

 

Rarity: Swing voter, leaning towards liberalism because of generosity.

 

Here's why. Twilight in the beginning was about business and not making friends. After she realized the magic of friendship, she embraced the change. She continues to embrace change, which is the definition of what a progressive is. Progress towards something.

Applejack is home taught on a farm. She wanted to become a 'sophisticated' pony by living in manehatten, but she knew she is a country blood mare.

Fluttershy is all about animals and nature. Need I say more?

Rainbow Dash is lazy and only cares about competition. She'll only care about politics if it affects how fast she can go.

Pinkie Pie couldn't care less about the political process. If you mentioned the republican or democratic parties, she will go rushing into the conventions and quickly learn it wasn't the party she was thinking of.

Rarity is the generous pony of the group. This one I hope doesn't spark political debate, but I think rarity would believe that liberals support things like social security, welfare, and medicare more, so she would tend to vote that way more.

 

What do you think the mane 6's political ideology is?

 

ONCE AGAIN DO NOT HIJACK THIS THREAD INTO A POLITICAL DEBATE. ONLY DISCUSS WHAT IDEOLOGY EACH PONY IS. Please use vanilla definitions of ideologies.

[Spaghetti 159]

It doen't matter who the ponies vote for, for Celestia somehow always wins the elections every four years.

[Magicon 468]

 

Politics just follows me everywhere I go. It's getting annoying.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,651]

Fluttershy = environmentalist

Twilight = would support an oligarchy based on intelligence

Pinkie Pie = too naive to care

Rainbow Dash = too selfish to care

Rarity = conservative, being an entrepreneur and all

Applejack = conservative, same with Rarity

Edited May 29, 2012 by Doctor XFizzle

[False Perception 482]

Does it matter? Equestria's a dictatorship.

[My little pwny 1,390]

Fluttershy = environmentalist

Twilight = would support an oligarchy based on intelligence

Pinkie Pie = too naive to care

Rainbow Dash = too selfish to care

Rarity = conservative, being an entrepreneur and all

Applejack = conservative, same with Rarity

 

Good point about Rarity being an entrepreneur. Lower taxes and all haha

 

It doen't matter who the ponies vote for, for Celestia somehow always wins the elections every four years.

 

Does it matter? Equestria's a dictatorship.

 

Benevolent dictatorship All I'm trying to do is relate MLP:FiM to the real world and create unique discussion that hasn't been talked about.

[Starswirl the Trixie 974]

Applejack- Very much an American neo-conservative.

Rainbow- Social liberal, indifferent on economics.

Pinkie- Politically apathetic.

Fluttershy- Not very political, but overall enviornmentalist. Liberal socially and fiscally.

 

Rarity and Twilight are trickier.

 

Rarity- Fiscally conservative, but greatly opposed to neo-conservatism and the Tea Party. She is, after all, a cultural elitist, and would probably hate the neo-populist movements that dominate the American Republican party today. Socially, she is probably centrist.

 

Twilight- While many of her attitudes seem very liberal, she IS a diehard supporter of the status quo. If she were transported to Earth, though, with no princess to guide her she would be a progressive, but probably also dissatisfied with American progressivism and its insistence on moralistic arguments.

[Shankveld 4,946]

I agree with Xfizzle and Starswirl,

I imagined Rarity to be more conservative, being a business pony and all ~

[Champion RD92 8,655]

I'm pretty sure they all worship Celestia.

[Twilicious 150]

I would say they are all pretty in pretty firm support of the monarchy... I mean, they love Princess Celestia and they seek her wisdom and guidance in any terrible problem (particularly Twilight). They are loyal to the princesses and they do not doubt their ability to hold power and rule fairly. For that reason I am going to have to say they are all monarchists.

[cuteycindyhoney 13,285]

Does it matter? Equestria's a dictatorship.

 

I think it's more of a Benign Tyranny

[Ezynell 2,036]

Saying no political debates in a topic about Political Ideology makes this a tad one sided...

[False Perception 482]

I think it's more of a Benign Tyranny

 

That's synonomous with Benevolent Dictatorship.

[cuteycindyhoney 13,285]

That's synonomous with Benevolent Dictatorship.

 

True, but it sounds 20% cooler though. I like it because that's how Terry Pratchett describes Lord Vetinari, Patrician of Ankh-Morpork in his Discworld series of books.

[Twilicious 150]

True, but it sounds 20% cooler though. I like it because that's how Terry Pratchett describes Lord Vetinari, Patrician of Ankh-Morpork in his Discworld series of books.

 

Lord Vetinari isn't benevolent so much as ambivalent and supremely aware of everything going on in Ankh-Morpork though... Celestia lacks the creepy web of spies to have the type of benign tyranny that Vetinari enjoys.

[cuteycindyhoney 13,285]

Lord Vetinari isn't benevolent so much as ambivalent and supremely aware of everything going on in Ankh-Morpork though... Celestia lacks the creepy web of spies to have the type of benign tyranny that Vetinari enjoys.

 

We don't know she doesn't have a spy network!

[MVC NVMXD JVRXD 2,406]

NAZIS. EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM. Why else would they devote themselves to abiding by Friendship, and forcing their rule on others?

 

Friendship-fascists.

[My little pwny 1,390]

NAZIS. EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM. Why else would they devote themselves to abiding by Friendship, and forcing their rule on others?

 

Friendship-fascists.

 

My little Nazis: Friendship is Fascist

[Twilicious 150]

They are all pretty nationalist and they automagically discount dragons (i.e. non-ponies) as inferior brutes. I am in support of this fascism idea. Also, there is an oligarchy based on magic kind of in that the princesses are all alicorns that have more magic and Twilight Sparkle is taken into royal tutelage as soon as she shows magical promise. That is eerily similar to the nazi blood religion and the Nazi party's odd focus on magic and alchemy as forces that they could harness to aid them in the war.

[caesar15 231]

So you can say celestia is a sort of La Presidente like in tropico, with like, total power, but shes nice and lets everyone be capitalistic.

[Twilicious 150]

well that would depend on YOUR ideology right? I mean a Marxist wouldn't say that making your subjects participate in a morally bankrupt system such as capitalism is very nice.

 

Note: I'm not a Marxist I'm just saying that according to Marxism capitalism isn't a good thing.

Edited May 30, 2012 by Pinkie Shy

[My little pwny 1,390]

They are all pretty nationalist and they automagically discount dragons (i.e. non-ponies) as inferior brutes. I am in support of this fascism idea. Also, there is an oligarchy based on magic kind of in that the princesses are all alicorns that have more magic and Twilight Sparkle is taken into royal tutelage as soon as she shows magical promise. That is eerily similar to the nazi blood religion and the Nazi party's odd focus on magic and alchemy as forces that they could harness to aid them in the war.

 

Interesting point! You may be on to something there.

[Yellow Diamond 7,564]

I'll try and take a crack at this. What I am listing may not be formal ideologies but instead an amalgamation of certain political outlooks. I am making no definitive claims about how the Mane Six are politically oriented in Equestria; I am simply transferring what I understand to be their outlooks onto our own society.

 

Twilight Sparkle - Conservative Progressive. The two terms are not mutually exclusive: you may favor change at a gradual rate. Twilight is known for her caution and inclination toward analysis. She would have a strong humanitarian streak (i.e., care for the wellbeing of other creatures in Equestria) which prevents her from being ideologically dogmatic. Unfortunately, she might also fail to act on behalf of a timely cause due to her restrain. Radical alterations to society would concern Twilight. I could easily see her carrying an ideology similar to a New England Republican in the 1950s and 60s with a strong intellectual bent.

 

Applejack - Regional or Familial Convservatism (traces of Classical Liberalism). AJ would be very suspicious of outsiders attempting to influence local norms. She would prefer ponies work for their wages rather than be potentially "coddled" by programs. AJ is not a "heartless" conservative, however, given her care for family and friends. In contemporary politics, AJ would identify with conservative strains in the American Midwest or tightly knit ethnic groups with conservative leanings.

 

Fluttershy - Pacifist. While her love of the natural world is undoubtedly crucial to her character, the crux of Fluttershy's outlook is based on her gentle, non-confrontational nature and hatred of violence. Fluttershy would believe, at least by virtue of her timid nature, that it is better to turn the other cheek than to promote further violence. Even if she took a stand, it would be due to her personal investment rather than her ideological stance. I reckon Fluttershy might identify with the Quakers and other pacifist movements which preach simplicity in approach, e.g., I don't imagine Fluttershy aligning herself in accordance with the complexities of the Kantian philosophy toward peace.

 

Pinkie Pie - Pinkie is more concerned with day-to-day interactions rather than crafting an overarching political philosophy. Frankly speaking, she is too unpredictable from one action to the next, save for her love of friends and laughter, to designate a coherent worldview.

 

Rainbow Dash - Laissez-faire---with a notable exception. Dash dislikes being constrained by an overabundance of rules; she would prefer ponies live and let live and pursue their own dreams. The exception I indicate is willingness toward intervention. Dashie is not a political realist, i.e., she does not conduct herself in accordance with utilitarian principles. Nor does Dash necessarily invest herself in natural law ethics and systematic approaches. Dash would possess strong streaks of Wilsonian liberal interventionism (though she would not eloquently define her position as Wilson did), which could either be interpreted as securing the peace or violating the sovereignty of other groups; Dashie could be persuaded to support preventive/preemptive ventures if she believed the threat was evident and affected innocent ponies. She is not, however, a Neo-Conservative interested in maximizing power.

 

Rarity - Social Interventionist. This is a tought call. I think her generosity trumps her desire to turn a profit. Service is Rarity's calling. In that vein, the orientation of the Democratic Party in the 1960s (i.e., New Frontier or JFK Democrats) seems to fit Rarity nicely. She respects the individual interests of ponies (to a point) but would prefer to effect change in society. In Rarity's eyes, the world can be a better place through dedication to others. Unlike Fluttershy, Rarity is more willing to get her hooves dirty; unlike Twilight, she is prepared to act promptly---even if brings about negative results due to a lack of consideration. Rarity would have a surpising streak of idealism for pony normally concerned with fashion.

Edited May 30, 2012 by Thereisnospoon303

[Miles 2,512]

Firstly,

Sorry for digging this out of the grave.  But, I only did this because I think it is worth reviving, and has more potential for good discussion.

---

 

I'll try and take a crack at this. What I am listing may not be formal ideologies but instead an amalgamation of certain political outlooks. I am making no definitive claims about how the Mane Six are politically oriented in Equestria; I am simply transferring what I understand to be their outlooks onto our own society.

Twilight Sparkle - Conservative Progressive. The two terms are not mutually exclusive: you may favor change at a gradual rate. Twilight is known for her caution and inclination toward analysis. She would have a strong humanitarian streak (i.e., care for the wellbeing of other creatures in Equestria) which prevents her from being ideologically dogmatic. Unfortunately, she might also fail to act on behalf of a timely cause due to her restrain. Radical alterations to society would concern Twilight. I could easily see her carrying an ideology similar to a New England Republican in the 1950s and 60s with a strong intellectual bent.

Applejack - Regional or Familial Convservatism (traces of Classical Liberalism). AJ would be very suspicious of outsiders attempting to influence local norms. She would prefer ponies work for their wages rather than be potentially "coddled" by programs. AJ is not a "heartless" conservative, however, given her care for family and friends. In contemporary politics, AJ would identify with conservative strains in the American Midwest or tightly knit ethnic groups with conservative leanings.

Fluttershy - Pacifist. While her love of the natural world is undoubtedly crucial to her character, the crux of Fluttershy's outlook is based on her gentle, non-confrontational nature and hatred of violence. Fluttershy would believe, at least by virtue of her timid nature, that it is better to turn the other cheek than to promote further violence. Even if she took a stand, it would be due to her personal investment rather than her ideological stance. I reckon Fluttershy might identify with the Quakers and other pacifist movements which preach simplicity in approach, e.g., I don't imagine Fluttershy aligning herself in accordance with the complexities of the Kantian philosophy toward peace.

Pinkie Pie - Pinkie is more concerned with day-to-day interactions rather than crafting an overarching political philosophy. Frankly speaking, she is too unpredictable from one action to the next, save for her love of friends and laughter, to designate a coherent worldview.

Rainbow Dash - Laissez-faire---with a notable exception. Dash dislikes being constrained by an overabundance of rules; she would prefer ponies live and let live and pursue their own dreams. The exception I indicate is willingness toward intervention. Dashie is not a political realist, i.e., she does not conduct herself in accordance with utilitarian principles. Nor does Dash necessarily invest herself in natural law ethics and systematic approaches. Dash would possess strong streaks of Wilsonian liberal interventionism (though she would not eloquently define her position as Wilson did), which could either be interpreted as securing the peace or violating the sovereignty of other groups; Dashie could be persuaded to support preventive/preemptive ventures if she believed the threat was evident and affected innocent ponies. She is not, however, a Neo-Conservative interested in maximizing power.

Rarity - Social Interventionist. This is a tought call. I think her generosity trumps her desire to turn a profit. Service is Rarity's calling. In that vein, the orientation of the Democratic Party in the 1960s (i.e., New Frontier or JFK Democrats) seems to fit Rarity nicely. She respects the individual interests of ponies (to a point) but would prefer to effect change in society. In Rarity's eyes, the world can be a better place through dedication to others. Unlike Fluttershy, Rarity is more willing to get her hooves dirty; unlike Twilight, she is prepared to act promptly---even if brings about negative results due to a lack of consideration. Rarity would have a surpising streak of idealism for pony normally concerned with fashion.

 

I think you did a great job, Spoon.  I can definitely see how those ideologies fit with each pony.

Now, some of what I'm going to say here may seem like contradictions, but I'm going to clarify the discrepancies between social views, fiscal views, and other political categories, should the need be.

Here's my take:

Twilight Sparkle: Progressive Activist.  Twilight is the leader of the pack, and now is the Princess of Friendship.  She is humanitarian, and would take a stand for anything she believed needed to change.  If she were a politician, her motto would be "Striving for a better tomorrow, today."
*More on her to come in Rainbow Dash's explanation.

Applejack: Republican.  Living on a farm her whole life, and being raised in a traditional family, she's definitely going to have some "rightist" views.  Judging by how she has time and time again sold apples for profit, and has said she wants to fix Granny's hip, and restructure the barn/house, she likely has capitalist views.  If she were a politician, her motto would be "Protecting your right to private property."

Fluttershy:  Pacifist.  Essentially, everything Spoon said.  Add on that she would stand for protection of nature and wildlife (thus, against taking down forests and such, for the sake of nature itself and for the homes and habitats of the animals living there).  I can't see her being a politician per se, but I can see her being some sort of park ranger or conservationist.  Her motto would be "Let's help wildlife live in harmony with society."

Pinkie Pie: Independent.  Pinkie Pie is quite carefree and energetic, and very open-minded.  She wouldn't give two cents for caring about politics, but nonetheless, would probably be in favor of placing higher taxes on the rich.  Her motto would be "I do what I want, and so should you, but be aware that I'm not afraid to Robin Hood you."

Rainbow Dash: Libertarian, Free Market/Laissez-Faire.  
 

“As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives, and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others. We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized. Consequently, we defend each person’s right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.”

 
No doubt, I truly believe Rainbow Dash would be as involved in politics as Twilight Sparkle would be.  Twilight's stance - Progressive Activism - would differ from RD's mostly in the subject of [amount of] government, and [amount of] rules and regulations there should be.  They would still agree on social issues, both being open minded and more "leftist" on such things, but RD's laissez-faire attitude would create some conflict with Twilight.  But, overall, it would be rare for them to actually come upon this conflict, because the things they advocate for are basically entirely different subjects.  Twilight would be more focused on lessening the social class gaps (ergo, trying to bring poor people back up into the middle class, and simultaneously [as a result] bring the rich down to the middle class).  RD on the other hand wouldn't care about that.  She would care more about individual/civil liberties, and she would both be trying to compromise with Democrats and Republicans while trying to strike down laws set by both sides.  She would be against Big Business Capitalism [Conservative/Republican], and against [Liberal/Democrat] government intervention in healthcare.  In the end, though, Twilight's attempt to rid of the social classes would be in favor of both RD and AJ's flat-rate taxes; if everyone (or nearly everyone) is in the same class, taxes will already be the same for them, and advocacy for flat-rate wouldn't even be necessary.

Rarity: Between Social Democracy and Democratic Socialist.
 

Social democracy is a political ideology that supports economic and social interventions to promote social justice within the framework of a capitalist economy, and a policy regime involving welfare state provisions, collective bargaining arrangements, regulation of the economy in the general interest, interventions to promote greater equality in the distribution of income and wealth, and a commitment to representative democracy. Social democracy aims to create the conditions for capitalism to lead to greater egalitarian, democratic and solidaristic outcomes.

---

Democratic socialism is a political ideology advocating a democratic political system alongside a socialist economic system, involving a combination of political democracy with social ownership of the means of production. Sometimes used synonymously with "socialism", the adjective "democratic" is added to distinguish democratic socialism from the Marxist–Leninist brand of socialism.

Democratic socialism is distinguished from both the Soviet model of centralized socialism and from social democracy. This distinction arose from the authoritarian form of government that emerged in the Soviet Union in the 20th century under the banner of socialism. A distinction is also made between social democracy and democratic socialism in that the latter is committed to system transformation while the former is not.

 

Now, indeed these two stances differ, directly on the subject of being within the bounds of capitalism, or anti-capitalist.  I'm not sure where Rarity would stand on that.  But, I feel this fits nicely with what Spoon said about her, and and about her being a Social Interventionist.  With generosity as her element, I believe she would place others before profit.  I believe she would be egalitarian, and Democratic, but not solidaristic, and not very Authoritarian.
 

---

***Compare and Contrast: Political Compass***

I downloaded a political compass image that matches my mental mapping of ideologies, and have placed markers for where I think each pony fits.

Twilight: Purple 6-Point Star.
Applejack: Red House/Barn.
Fluttershy: Light Pink Heart.
Pinkie Pie: Dark Pink Fluffy Cloud.
Rainbow: Yellow Lightning Bolt.
Rarity: Blue 4-Point Star.

---

Much like Spoon said, I am only speaking for myself and how I see them; these are not definitive.

~ Miles

[NotoriousSMALL 1,984]

Monarchy/Oligarchy. That's what they live in and all they've ever known, and for the ponies the system works great so I don't see why'd they want any change or think that something could work better when the ponies already live in a literal utopia.