Dear Determined, Grey Pegasus (A Letter of Relation #2)

Dear Determined, Grey Pegasus:

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Yosh E. O’Ducky. I am a human who has had the opportunity to see some of your adventures in, and around, Ponyville.

Please forgive me for not knowing your real name. We have only ever heard you referred to as “Derpy” and, as I have come to understand, such a name can be seen as quite demeaning and derogatory. Perhaps, one day, I’ll get to know your real name so that I can address you more formally.

The reason for my letter is to say how I feel you and I share a lot of things in common. Things that, I’m sure as I do, you wish you didn’t have to deal with, or be associated with.

Like you, I have a visual disorder that makes my eyes look “different” from every pony else’s. This, as it is with me, has made you largely outcast by your peers to where you are seen, if at all, and not heard.

Coping with a disability isn’t easy. It is even harder when you want to “Fit In” with every pony else. I know you have tried to do this by finding employment initially as a “Mail Carrier” and then as a “Weather Team Pegasus”. Both in which, despite your hardest efforts, seemed to result in more ridicule than praise and were, sadly, each short lived.

For me, I have worked two jobs since college. Both in which I “Intellectually” could do the job with no problem. However, my “Physical” shortcomings have caused me to be alienated, marginalized, and put in a position where I am seen more as an “Affirmative Action” hire and/or a “Convenience” who was never intended to ever advance beyond taking on those jobs others would rather not do.

It is very bothersome when you have a disorder that nobody can see beyond. For instance, you really did put forth a great effort trying to help Rainbow Dash get things set up at Town Hall for Apple Jack’s, “Equestria Rodeo Competition send off. Unfortunately, a series of unintentional mistakes made Rainbow Dash upset and we haven’t seen you aiding in any major projects since.

Every pony makes mistakes. However, those of us with special needs tend to quickly be put down when we make ours. We are stereotyped as “Lacking Intelligence” just because we are different. This is not fair, because we are quite smart when we are given the chance and/or proper tools to show how much more there is to us beyond our mental and/or physical disabilities.

It also seems every pony thinks you go crazy for muffins. Kind of like, “If you give her a muffin, she’ll be happy.” Unfortunately, these ponies fail to see that you, like them, just enjoy a good muffin. It’s not what defines you. I have this same problem as, due to being visually impaired, I am always asked if I can hear really good and if I play an instrument. Like your muffin, being associated with such things is annoying. Especially as they are stereotypes and not facts.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter. Please know that I know there is so much more to you than what we are allowed to see. I also know that, if other ponies gave you a chance, you could show them just how truly talented you really are despite your physical shortcomings.

Your Friend,

Yosh E. O’Ducky