Everywhere you look on the internet it seems ponies have invaded. Whiter it be memes, fanart, and even homemade music videos, no one is denying the popularity of these loveable ponies. I myself being a dedicated Brony am very involved with the fan base. However I can’t deny my disappointment in some aspects involving it.
I love Rarity. She is a very dear character to me and one of the most ambitious characters in the show. I was involved in voting for her as my favorite character in the official friendship is magic popularity poll, but to my disbelief she came in last place; last place over Applejack, who is not really developed at all.
Often I get asked by other Bronies why I love Rarity, how could I possibly love such a “selfish” character that is only focused on her own vanity?  How could I adore such a character that only seems out for her own self interests? And I truly have my reasons as to why.  And if you could give me a moment of you time I believe I can convince you that Rarity is a character is worth liking, but also one that is misunderstood in her motives.
Rarity represents the element of generosity. She is given this trait due to unselfishly cutting of her tail she adored to help another. Since the beginning of series Rarity’s generosity has been represented, but still some Bronies continue to go as far to claim that Rarity never was generous.  That Rarity is far too absorbed in her own beauty to correctly represent the element. I believe this argument to be riddled with error.
Rarity’s generosity continues to be represented throughout the series, some in smaller ways and on occasion greater ways. One of the most common arguments to claim is seen in the episode “Suited For Success” where Rarity not only gives away five free dresses despite being a business owner, she goes against her own idea of dress making to appease the demands of her friends.  Still many Bronies suggest that this was her only example of her generosity. And while her element is not always represented, it only makes her a more believable character. She has flaws and at times she struggles with putting her own self-interests aside for others. None of us can say that if we were small business owners we wouldn’t do whatever it took to raise our status in marketing.  She makes the mistake of choosing to be a “Canterlot Elite” in the episode “Sweet and Elite” instead of making the sworn birthday gown for Twilight, but even throughout this whole episode we can see Rarity’s true nature taking a hold of her. She is obviously guilt-ridden for her procrastination of Twilight’s gown (as best portrayed at the end of “Becoming Popular” ) And in the face of losing the respect of the Caterlot Elites, she chooses her friends over fame.  Becoming involved with the rich was obviously a great business opportunity and could do tremendous amounts to rise in status in the world of marketing; she remains loyal to her friends at the sacrifice of her Caterlot status.
Rarity is an excellent character because for a kids show she is highly believable. She struggles with her vanity, a real personality flaw but we still continue to see her grow as a character and for the things that matter most, Rarity has been shown to put her vanity aside.  In the episode “Sisterhooves Social” this is especially portrayed when Rarity chooses to put her own beliefs behind to restore the relationship with her sister.  She puts her fear of dirt aside to not only have fun with her sister, but show that they are indeed “Apple pie.”  Not only is Rarity’s growth as a character represented here, her generosity is once again shown.
But in my opinion, the thing that makes her truly a wonderful character is how inspiring she can be.  Especially in the aspect of owning a business, which for little girls who watch it can be very inspirational.  Within her whole character we see the real struggle of maintaining and promoting a business, and if little girls are introduced to this concept at a young age, they can have more of an understanding of how money and fame doesn’t come easy.  In fact, those who have the most work for what they have.  And the sooner children can understand this the more likely they are to become hard workers themselves. Rarity can be a hero for little girls, not only is she seamstress, a real career ambition; she is strongly human in her personality.  She makes mistakes, but she learns from them. She is flawed but she is also extremely ambitious and talented.  Her flaws in my opinion only make her more believable, but the way she holds herself and still stands tall make her a truly wonderful character.