A Moment with Applejack: The Psychology of Routine · 5:23pm May 28th, 2016
Warning: Spoilers from the latest episode, Applejack's "Day" Off, abound. Proceed with caution.
When I first got into the brony fandom, my brother made me take one of those pony personality quizzes. The result of the quiz, much to his surprise, was Applejack. Now, I don't consider myself to be that similar to Applejack at all. I've always felt more like Fluttershy, what with her introverted nature and social awkwardness. To be fair, I might've fudged some of the answers on that quiz with qualities I wanted to portray rather than the qualities I actually had. As such, I discounted the answer and didn't think much of it.
But this episode showed me a side of Applejack that resonated me on such a deep level that maybe there was some truth in that quiz answer I got all those years ago.
I've been a somewhat-vocal advocate for people on the Autistic Spectrum for quite some time now, and though I don't claim to be a psychoanalyst, I have a certain familiarity with how people who fall into this category think and interact with the world. And one thing that a lot of autistic people like (especially those who would've fallen into the category of Asperger's Syndrome before it was reclassified) is a routine. If things aren't done in a specific way at a specific time, some autistic people feel uncomfortable; as though something isn't quite right. Even if it's something highly inconvenient and impractical, they have to follow the same formula step by step, because they know that's what works.
Very similar to the rut AJ found herself in, don't you think?
"But wait, Metool! Wasn't the spa having the same problem?" I hear you ask. "Surely, you're not implying that everypony on the staff there is autistic."
Well, no. I'm not implying that. Routines aren't an autism-only thing; they're embedded into our society. Perfect example: School. Look at any given school schedule for any given semester, and you'll see what I mean. Each segment of the day is dedicated to a specific class or activity. There are exceptions such as special events, of course, but you can't deny that the routine is there. And with a routine comes familiarity, followed by complacency. You accept that "Okay, at twelve o'clock is when I eat lunch because that's what the schedule says." Sure, you could have your lunch earlier or later, but you don't have that kind of autonomy in a school environment (or most work environments). And some autistic people aren't used to that kind of autonomy.
Besides which, there's an aspect of Applejack that wasn't reflected in the spa staff: her stubbornness. She wanted the sauna, and no amount of begging and pleading from Rarity was going to change her mind. This right here is another trait that some people on the Autistic Spectrum share. And that was the final star to align for me. Applejack's dependency on routines and stubborn refusal to change them may be signs of her having Asperger's Syndrome.
Although there's one thing that casts doubt on my theory. Most people with autism aren't going to automatically change their routine just because you show them a better way. Still, nice food for thought, eh? 
I recognise the points about Asperger you made and Applejack does show some symptoms of it.
Of course the pony most likely to have a form of Autism is Twilight Sparkle. I actually have Asperger's syndrome and the personality quiz shows that I am most similar to Twilight. Although that may very well be because I'm a bookworm as well.
3979186 Yeah, lots of people have been saying that about Twi for quite a while now, and I certainly see where they're coming from. Although I personally contend that the most blatant example of an autistic pony would be Moondancer. I detailed why back in my blog post responding to Amending Fences.
3979775 On the whole, it was alright, I suppose. Really, the insight into Applejack as a character is what salvaged it. It was poorly paced and relied too much on padding, but nothing about it was offensive.
3979791 Um, alright, if you want me to do that.
1. Gauntlet of Fire
2. Saddle Row and Rec
3. Newbie Dash
4. On Your Marks
5 and 6. The Crystalling Part 1 and 2
7. Applejack's "Day" Off
8. No Second Prances
9. The Gift of the Maud Pie
10. A Hearth's Warming Tail
3979820 What didn't you like about A Hearth's Warming Tail?
3981162 Honestly, as an adaptation of A Christmas Carol, it didn't bring anything new to the table. People say that Snowfall Frost trying to erase the holiday is a unique twist, but I already saw the Ghostbusters Animated Series tackle that concept. Plus, I think it would've been a lot stronger if the events of the tale were actually happening to Starlight Glimmer rather than a Scrooge avatar being played by her. Let's face it, she needs all the character development she can get. And having her passively listen to a story instead of experiencing it fully is not helping.
3981168 I enjoyed the songs a lot. They brought the whole episode up for me.
3981485 Oh, yeah. The songs were fantastic. It's just not the best adaptation I've seen of this particular story.
This post earned you a follower and a stiff, awkward, overly friendly pat on the shoulder for your accuracy. I, as an Aspie, respect that. :D