Qualities of a Leader: An examination of the leadership traits of Rainbow Dash · 12:48am Dec 9th, 2013
There are many misconceptions of what constitutes a leader. Many are perpetuated by the example of our current leaders in government and other lofty positions. Lust for power, selfish designs, and calculated dishonesty seems to be par for the course when it comes to those who seek a position in leadership. Yet, none of these qualities fit the idea that I've come to have when it comes to true leadership. A leader, a true leader, should exhibit qualities such as loyalty, responsibility, and compassion in equal measure.
It is in recognizing these qualities that I've found myself enraptured in the progress of Rainbow Dash. The writers and artists of MLP:FiM have done something that, I believe, should be seen. Something of note. They have shown us a character that has grown over a series into one that has the potential of a true leader. Though on the surface, Dash shows herself as brash, careless, and nearsighted, this is all but a ruse that the character projects to deceive the audience and to deceive herself as well.
To better explain my reasoning before I lose your interest, I'm going to explain what may be seen as insanity. It is not so, but is a common practice among those who lack confidence within themselves. To put it simply, one may try to gain a measure of self worth by telling others how to feel about them. When Dash proclaims to everyone in the room that she is "awesome", and then follows this up with shows of physical prowess (stunts), in order to gain an instant but temporary admiration. This, understandably, is not an example of a true leader, but that of a braggart. But I don't see it as a truly negative thing.
The cheers and thunderous applause from the audience is how Dash had once measured her self worth, but such was a double edged sword as a fickle crowd can and has lead to the destruction of all self worth within oneself. Sonic Rainboom shows evidence of irrational beliefs of this fact to have a very traumatic effect on her own well being, even going so far to cripple her thoughts and performance. This explains the behavior that had once dominated her personality. The defenses, the barrier that she projects is one filled with vulnerabilities despite it's purpose: to hide her own fears from others and herself.
So, she would boast, brag, and go out of her way to prove her superiority in what she knew to be her talent, what she was best at. This also explains her hatred for losing and willingness to, at first, betray the trust of Applejack by cheating in The Running of the Leaves. Everything she held as safe was threatened at that point, so she acted without considering the full consequences of her actions and not realizing the fact that actually started her saving grace. That her friends would love her and care about her regardless of her faults and shortcomings.
Insecurities such as these prevented her more truer qualities from being obvious, even to herself. Dash, then, was unfit to be a leader.
But this has changed. She has changed. events have taken place that have exposed the true potential that lies, untapped, beneath the surface. Though the first is more obvious, it is not less important.
Dash has shown her loyalty, more or less, consistently through the series. The first being the refusal of the Shadowbolts when offered glory for the price of abandoning those who were relying on her. She chose loyalty in the end. Another can be found while examining Dash's actions in the Wonderbolts Academy, which deserves a closer look.
Near the end, Dash decided to terminate her enrollment in the training that would have led to her life-long dream of becoming a Wonderbolt. The reason that led to this decision was the actions of her lead endangering the lives of the friends she held dear, and the apparent approval of these actions by her idols. From an outward perspective, this is what I see: There is still something that Dash holds to a higher regard than her very own dreams and life goals, even when they are within her grasp. Dash went up to the very being that held the key and burned the bridge with conviction with only a modicum of regret.
So we see, Rainbow Dash holds moral obligations above even her own personal goals whereas before she acted deceitfully to put herself above a friend. One could make the argument that there was an equal or greater chance of Rainbow becoming a static character, or even worse in the way she treats her friends and vies for attention. I would argue that talents that are used for good and selfless actions are actually inborn and are simply uncovered through discovery. I believe this is the process in our own non-fictional world as well, but I can explain this position in more detail in another time.
The least obvious trait that Dash had actually learned from another is compassion. a cold, unfeeling leader is an ineffective and unloved one. Hard calculation only inspires and motivates through fear instead of love. Although Dash would sacrifice seemingly meaningless pleasantries in pursuit of her goal, a friend changed her approach and taught Dash that sometimes others can only be moved by a soft hand. This friend was Fluttershy.
Hurricane Fluttershy is a very enlightening moment in her life, as we see Rainbow act in an uncharacteristic manner, but not in a way that breaks her character. Dash speaks with a quiet voice and close assurance in trying to inspire her closest friend to greatness. This is greatly contrasting her actions only minutes before loudly proclaiming her goal to a room filled with other Pegasi. Dash had, before, congregated the Pegasi in Ponyville for the purpose of achieving a record in strength and power. She was met with applause and shouts of joy.
Yet, Fluttershy left. Dash followed.
Here's what is interesting about this moment. Rainbow Dash doesn't need Fluttershy to break the record. Fluttershy is not a strong flyer, and Rainbow knows this. When Spike spoke the obvious by stating her substandard wing-power, Rainbow didn't flinch but continued to look after her friend. There was something there that had greater meaning to Dash than personal glory.
When Rainbow Dash went to convince her friend to fly, she had begun with her earlier tactics. A loud voice, forcing the concept, even going so far as to tell her to "suck it up". While this may work for some, it was only fear and anxiety that Fluttershy was expressing. Dash saw this, stopped, and even started to speak softly to her friend. Dash told her that she was needed, that she needed Fluttershy to do this. Dash spoke with compassion, showing how kindness can refine loyalty into a caring leader.
Again, this compassion for others was shown during the events of Sleepless in Ponyville. After saving the life of Scootaloo, she learned the expectations the young filly had for her. Scootaloo saw RD as a big sister and a role model from afar. It was with tears and courage that Scootaloo confessed the need to have a mentor, someone that cares in her life. Rainbow Dash, once brash and considered the notion of expressing emotion to be ‘uncool’, took the filly under her wing. Rainbow Dash, again, spoke softly to someone in need, and gave a vow of loyalty by confirming she will take Scootaloo under her wing.
Wonderbolts Academy ended with a team of Pegasi saluting Dash out of respect. They then follow her through the sky, teaming through the clouds as one. I believe this was the moment of clarity for Dash as well as myself as to what her true calling will be, and what exactly she is capable of. Loyalty cut with determination refined by compassion. Rainbow Dash will become the kind of leader that inspires greatness by example, not boasting. Will generate love and admiration with those under her command through her care and concern. Loyalty is her element, compassion is her friend, and determination drives her. How could she not be a prime example of a leader for her tribe?
Dude....this blew my mind....
And kinda changed my view on Dash a bit
1590236 If it effected you this way, maybe it can effect others. Share this article with a couple of your friends, maybe even spark a discussion with them. I wouldn't mind hearing the thoughts of others from it.
Thank you for reading. I'm glad it brought you a new perspective.
1593021 ill get around to it....