Headcanon Corner: Pinkie's Perspective on Introverts · 10:06pm Apr 29th, 2017
Warning: Spoilers from the latest episode, Rock Solid Friendship, abound. Proceed with caution.
Okay, initially, I was going to do a whole psychoanalysis-type thing on introverted personalities, but I think Dr. Wolf has already beaten me to it. There's not much I can add to his analysis on Maud Pie, even if he didn't bring up introversion specifically. Which is why I want to shift gears a bit and focus on Pinkie instead. Given past episodes, one may be inclined to believe that Pinkie kinda regressed here by being so overbearing with Maud and Starlight. If you're one of those people, I invite you to follow me beyond the page break. Because honestly, I think it's a bit more complicated than that.
Let's start with a simple question. Does Pinkie know what an introvert is? Obviously, the term itself has never been used in the show, but I feel like if you explain the concept to Pinkie, she'll know what you're talking about. I mean, how could she not? Plenty of her friends are introverts. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Cranky Doodle, and even her sisters Marble and Maud. I think particularly after the episode of A Friend in Deed, she understands that there are ponies out there who like things to be a bit more quiet and peaceful.
"So then why is she so overbearing with Maud in this episode?" I hear you ask.
Well, the answer's very simple: Pinkie may have a more pessimistic view on introversion. Many people talk about how introverts need to emerge from their shells and open up to people, and Pinkie kinda sees it as her job to do just that. She knows Maud is quiet and reserved, so she pushes her out of her comfort zone to (in her mind) help her grow as a pony. A noble intention, to be sure. But it misses the point of how introverts see the world.
Being an introvert and being anti-social are not exactly the same thing. Once you get Maud going on a certain topic, she can be quite engaging. And she obviously wants some form of companionship. Did you not see how well she hit it off with Starlight Glimmer? She clicked with her in a way she couldn't click with Twilight and company, and all she had to do was be herself. It wasn't automatic, but little by little, the two formed a really solid bond. That's how introverts operate. You have to be patient with them. And patience is not really something Pinkie Pie is known for.
So, yeah. Pinkie knows what introverts are; she just doesn't know how to deal with them. She's very lucky the likes of Maud and Fluttershy are willing to put up with her.
Very lucky indeed, I don't know that I'd have the patience for someone like that.
I think the sad part of this is that there wasn't any character development for Pinkie in regards of this.
It's good that you mentioned that infamous episode A Friend in Deed, for here I see Pinkie hasn't matured yet beyond that. Her intentions may have been noble, but to me, it seemed like she was way too focused on what she wanted, rather than what was best for her sister. And even though she gave an apology of sorts at the end, I doubt she's learned anything.
That's actually a PRETTY deep idea on Pinkie's understanding of Introverted people. A flawed understanding, to be sure, but definitely adding some depth to Pinkie's character.
Your proposal about Pinkie's idea of "introversion" very much reflects most of societies' perspective of the mentality, that introverted people, while they are usually quiet, kind, but not really active, are actually sad, depressed, and "need to get out more". Sadly, this is not the cause, and in order for people to understand, it requires a bit of a PERSPECTIVE SHIFT.
.....In FACT, I think there was a series that actually DID go about trying to show that different perspective, and it actually was a KID'S show that did it with only a few words, but really got the point across: The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, "Donkey for a Day".
Here, Piglet tries to get everyone's help in trying to make Eeyore "Happy" because he seems depressed staring at the clouds. But surprisingly.....well, maybe you all need to just SEE IT.
It's weird, her twin sister is an introvert, you would think Pinkie would have more insight here.
Pinkie Pie is either this intelligent, considerate, surprisingly insightful ball of energy or this incredibly stupid, annoying, insensitive ball of energy. I don't know why, but it would appear that Pinkie was designed to swing from one extreme to the other with hardly any middle ground. I personally think that she might be a fairy.
Other than the theory about her being part draconequus, it's the only explanation crazy enough to make sense of her.
Manga kamen said the episode was a metaphor for being pushy. But what you said here is logical too. Dr. Wolf is a logical guy he doesn’t get emotional I like that. You sir seem logical as well.