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It is fascinating to me that people in some parts of the pony fandom are on this "Jeremy is an SJW for implying that the character who is a literal rhyming zebra with tribal masks and neck rings might be read as (problematically) black and/or African" kick
For context, this argument has arisen after a recent discussion where I mentioned that Andy and I wanted to make Zecora's homeland independent and equally modern to the setting of Equestria, rather than other choices that have been made for other fictional African analogues
For (again) context, here is Canterlot, the capitol of Equestria
I love Zecora, and I hope this arc that's coming out right now will show that to some folks, but she also inherited some of the issues that actual black characters often have in fantasy and fiction - most notably lack of context.
I've frequently pointed out that we know every detail about Danny Rand/Iron Fist's family history, yet his often partner and sometimes girlfriend Misty Knight has no family or past before her superhero origin. Zecora is the same. She was born the moment she walked on screen.
We know every detail of the lives and families of the mane 6 and many other characters, but nothing about Zecora before she appeared in the show. It's a problem, but one that can be fixed.
I have no interest in being confrontational here, only explanatory, so I hope no one takes this as any sort of attack on their opinions, but if your reaction to this story is to believe that I'm "injecting SJW politics" into MLP...well...maybe rethink that.
