We have been relating to ponies for long enough! It's time to look to humans for a while. As we come upon this time of year where supposedly the seasons change, its a good time to reflect on one of MLP’s most changed characters. A pony whose now a human and full of a lot more complex than that!
Sunset Shimmer: The shining example that the past can be overcome and learned from. Dedicated to the overall well-being of her friends, Sunset has risen from the ashes to reinvent herself. Though still learning a thing or two about friendship, Sunset is able to teach the human world about real power which, of course, is the magic of friendship.
Twilight's not awake enough to put up with this yet. |
Personally, Sunset is the pony I would most like to be friends with. I don’t completely relate to her as I never got to play the bully role, but I know how it feels to overcome a rough past. All of us can. (We are constantly being defined by past actions, that’s how others know who we are.) Sunset shows us that, while we can’t rewrite our story we can start a new chapter.
In this regard, Sunset is the very definition of reinventing one’s self. So let’s dive into what makes us relate so much to Shimmers.
Entitlement
Something unique about Sunset’s villain story is that it began under the tutelage of Celestia. She honestly had talent strong enough to gain a princess’s attention.
She worked hard and studied everything to become the pony Celestia was implying she could be. Sunset had ambition, discipline, self-motivation, unfortunately, she also had entitlement. Sunset was poised to be anything she wanted but traded that for what she thought she deserved.
I know I’m not the only one who grew up being told, “You can be anything you want if you work hard enough,” only to have reality deny me what I thought I had earned. Like Sunset, it can be hard to recognize a corrupted goal especially when it becomes your dream. When Sunset wasn’t given power, she felt cheated and didn’t know how to cope with the idea that she, in fact, didn’t deserve to have her dream. She just kept pushing almost out of desperation and that’s relatable.
The Past Isn’t the Definition of a Person
Oh, how good it feels to rise above the past. |
Looking at your reflection again can be a brave act in and of itself. |
I deeply hope many relate to this. You’ve come to peace with your past and you look forward to who you are. (Shout out to the human mane 5 for being the support system Sunset needed to get to this place.) Sunset truly loves who she is and has come to terms with the pain it took to do so.
Learning to Trust Yourself
"I didn't think I could say anything." |
What’s relatable about Sunset’s overthinking is that she doesn’t always view herself as a reliable source of information. In the Friendship Games, Sunset admits that she was so eager to have someone else give her the answers that she forgot she could get them for herself.
Sunset: Trust me about magic, I used to be a unicorn. |
Secret Artist
I wonder if this art represents anything personal for Sunset. |
I struggle sharing my art sometimes because I worry people will analyzing my work based on their relationship to me instead of for the art’s own sake. Maybe you relate and hide your identities for one reason or another. For Sunset, she doesn’t need a pat on the back, she wants the art to be enjoyed. She wants it to brighten people’s day. She doesn’t need the recognition so long as the art is getting the attention it deserves. (That and it looks like she excels at vandalism *cough cough*)
Nothing creepy about Sunset's actions here. |
Even better, Sunset wants her art to enrich her friends. She was willing to give her art for free to promote Rarity’s designs.
Facing the Consequences
I can only imagine the anxiety she must be feeling. |
In Forgotten Friendships, Sunset stands apologetically before Princess Celestia. There’s no doubt she was scared of how Celestia would respond to her. Sunset had chosen to plot to overthrow the princess. This is no small offense Sunset is hoping to be forgiven of but with her new friendships on the line Sunset faced her fear and stood before Celestia ready to face whatever punishment she was deserving of.
"I’d rather give up my own memories than ruin their friendships again." |
All of us have to make decisions that frighten us to our core sooner or later. And while we can’t guarantee a happy outcome every time, we know not facing our fears would be a fate worse than any consequence of that choice.
Adaptable
Think about how much Shimmers has had to adapt to the world she’s in. I find myself marveling over how effortlessly she makes it look. Not only has she had to adjust to a new body, but she’s had to assimilate into an entirely new culture too.
I know I’m not the only one who’s spent time living in a country other than the one I grew up in. It’s hard learning to live and work in a new culture. It’s hard recognizing social norms, table manners, polite introductions, how to look the literal right way before crossing the street. Everywhere you turn you bump into culture shock and homesickness. Sunset has done this too.
If you understand the fun and frustration of uprooting your life than you and Sunset have a LOT in common.
The Element of Understanding
Even with opening night approaching, Sunset encouraged Twi to take some time off. |
Sunset: That song was lame, but I've committed it to memory in just 1 listening. |
Even with her whole world falling apart, Sunset takes time to listen to the greatly longwinded Trixie! |
Seeking to understand the people around you makes you relatable to Shimmers.
Hates to Lose
"What She Said!" |
Better to Ask for Help Than Beg Forgiveness.
Friendship can show us a lot about ourselves. |
Shimmers is so willing to learn from others she views as more advanced than herself. While she was prideful at first, Sunset is now able to admit that her friends know more about friendship than she does. Sunset actively pursues the correct methods even at the expense of her own ego, and she is so much happier for it. Can you relate?
Don’t Let The Sun Set on This Post
Perfect the way you are. |
If you relate to Sunset Shimmer, just know that your practical love for others is healing. People see that you forgive yourself and by doing so you’re giving them permission to grow and change too. You inspire others and the hurts of your past will be used to better our world.
You may not be perfect, but being around you feels like perfection.