Cutie Marks: A Flawed System of Societal Pressure and Limitation

by KenDoStudios

Rating: everyone
Tags: Starlight Glimmer, Random, Anthology, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 2853

Starlight Glimmers stumbles upon a revelation that transforms her understanding of cutie marks

This written piece of parchment is dated from the days of Starlight Glimmer, as the gem on the staff of sameness is dusted on the pages.

After Starlight Glimmer's abandonment from her childhood friend Sunburst and the ensuing search for a new place to call home, she stumbled upon a revelation that would forever transform her understanding of cutie marks.

In her quest for a fresh start, Starlight found herself in a new town, a place teeming with diverse ponies and vibrant life. It was here, amidst the bustle and rhythm of this unfamiliar place, that she began to see cutie marks in a completely new light.

Sequel here: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/521870/her-glowing-womb

Published 2024-09-01 22:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-09-01 22:20:01 UTC

I forced my cutie mark

Cutie marks. These little symbols on our flanks that every filly and colt under Celestia's sun seems to be obsessed with. But why? Why does almost every young pony desire one so desperately? From the moment we’re old enough to understand, we’re told that a cutie mark is a sign of finding your special talent, a mark of who you’re supposed to be. It’s portrayed as this magical moment of self-discovery, the pinnacle of growing up. And yet, I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to the story. Is a cutie mark truly a celebration of who we are, or does it limit us to a narrow path we’re expected to follow for the rest of our lives?

You see, there’s a side to cutie marks that isn’t often talked about. Think about how fillies and colts behave in schoolyards across Equestria. They tease and taunt each other, calling those without cutie marks "blank flanks" as if being a blank canvas is something to be ashamed of. And it doesn’t stop there. That pressure, that need to fit in and find your mark, follows us everywhere. It tells us that if you don’t have your cutie mark, you’re somehow less than those who do. It creates a hierarchy, a way to measure worth that isn’t based on who you are as a pony but on what symbol happens to be on your flank.

I’ve seen firsthoof the pain this can cause. I once had a friend—a dear friend—who got his cutie mark before I did. We had been inseparable, spending every day together, exploring, dreaming, and imagining what our futures might hold. But the moment his cutie mark appeared, everything changed. It wasn’t just him finding his special talent; he was pulled away into a destiny that didn’t include me. His life suddenly had a direction, a purpose, that seemed to leave no room for the friendship we had built. And there I was, still a blank flank, watching as my closest companion drifted away on the current of his newfound destiny.

I felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The emptiness of my own flank seemed to mock me, reminding me of what I didn’t have—a sense of purpose, a path forward. I became obsessed with the idea of earning my own cutie mark, but not just any cutie mark. No, I had to prove myself. I had to be the best at something, something extraordinary. I wanted to be a powerful magic user, a Unicorn whose talents were unmatched. I pushed myself relentlessly, forcing my magic to its limits, trying spell after spell, day and night, convinced that if I could just be better, stronger, more talented, my cutie mark would finally appear.

But as much as I tried, as much as I poured my heart and soul into my magic, it still wasn’t enough. The more I forced it, the more elusive my cutie mark became. It was like trying to catch smoke with my bare hooves—always just out of reach. And with every failed attempt, the feeling of inadequacy grew, feeding the fear that maybe I wasn’t meant to have a cutie mark at all, or worse, that my destiny was something ordinary, something that wouldn’t make me stand out. I wanted to prove to myself, and to every pony else, that I was special. But the harder I tried, the more I felt like I was failing.

Looking back now, I see that my desperation for a cutie mark was driven by more than just a desire to find my place in the world. It was about wanting to feel valued and accepted. I wanted to be seen as more than just a blank flank, as somepony who mattered. I wanted to prove that I was special, that I had something unique to offer. And in my eagerness, I went to great lengths to achieve that.

Truth be told, without the use of magic, I might never have learned the depths of my own insecurities. I remember the time when I was so desperate to escape being a blank flank that I resorted to magically faking my own cutie mark. Using an illusion spell, I convinced everypony that I had finally discovered my special talent. I remember the rush of relief when they stopped teasing me and finally looked at me with something other than pity or disdain. For a while, I felt like I belonged. But deep down, I knew it was all a lie—a lie I had created just to feel accepted.

Then it hit me: cutie mark magic is so much more than I ever realized. There was something that the books didn’t teach, something deeper that I had overlooked. Yes, cutie marks can show your interests and talents, but there’s another layer to it—one that’s shaped by the characters and influences around us. The ponies we grow up with, the friends we make, and even the expectations of those closest to us can all manipulate and mold the reasons why we like what we like.

Think about it: a pony might show a natural interest in art, but if they grow up surrounded by ponies who value science or athleticism, their budding passion for art might be discouraged or redirected. They might find themselves drawn to science fairs or sports fields, not because it’s their true calling, but because they want to please those around them or fit in. And eventually, when their cutie mark appears, it might reflect this influenced path, rather than a genuine, untouched talent.

This is why ponies often have more than one talent! Our cutie marks might reflect a primary talent or passion, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing we’re good at or interested in. Ponies are complex, multifaceted beings, shaped by a variety of experiences, relationships, and environments. Just because a pony’s cutie mark represents one aspect of who they are doesn’t mean it encompasses everything they’re capable of.

This realization opened my eyes. It showed me that cutie marks aren’t just a straightforward indicator of a pony’s true nature. They’re also a reflection of their environment, the social pressures they face, and the expectations placed upon them. A filly who is constantly praised for being a great organizer might develop an interest in leadership, not because it’s her deepest passion, but because she’s been shaped by the validation she receives. Her cutie mark might appear as a clipboard or a set of schedules, but is that really her true self, or is it a version shaped by those around her?

And what is magic, anyway? It's not some mystical force beyond understanding—it's more like the manipulation of strings of knowledge. When we think of magic, we often imagine it as something wondrous and inexplicable, but maybe it's more about understanding and utilizing the unseen forces that connect everything in our world. It’s about learning the rules and finding ways to bend them, much like how you can bend a piece of string to form different shapes.

Take telepathy, for example. It’s often thought of as some mysterious, magical ability, but what if it’s just an invisible string of forces—energies or signals too small to see with the naked eye, yet still there, still manipulable? It could be something rooted in our very being, passed down through heredity, a natural talent amplified by knowledge and practice. In this way, magic isn’t just about casting spells or conjuring illusions; it’s about understanding the deeper connections between things and using that understanding to create change.

The magic of cutie marks, in many ways, reflects the nature of all magic. It's not some abstract force from beyond; rather, it’s inherently connected to the essence of our being, much like any other type of magic. At its core, cutie mark magic is hereditary—it’s about the manipulation of latent potential that’s ready to emerge under the right conditions.

Think of it this way: cutie marks are not simply a sign of destiny but a manifestation of inherited traits and experiences. They represent a kind of manipulation, a process where inherent talents and inclinations are brought to the surface by the right influences and scenarios. It’s like a bunch of mutations or potentialities waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.

It's an intriguing thought: some Pegasi seem to have an innate understanding of magic as soon as they're born, even though we rarely see cutie marks on them. This raises a fascinating question—could it be that one of them might eventually develop a cutie mark, or even be born as an Alicorns?

We often assume that cutie marks are the primary way we understand a pony’s magical talent or special abilities. But what if the absence of a cutie mark in a Pegasus who displays inherent magical prowess doesn't mean they lack a significant talent? Instead, it could suggest that their special abilities are already evident through their natural skill and are simply not yet represented by a cutie mark.

Consider the possibility that Pegasi with innate magical abilities might have their own unique path when it comes to cutie marks. They could be born with a different kind of magical potential that doesn't follow the usual pattern of discovery and manifestation. In theory, if a Pegasus possesses a deep connection with magic from birth, their eventual cutie mark might be something unique or even entirely absent if their magic doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

Furthermore, the concept of Alicorns adds another layer to this. Alicorns, with their unique blend of Earth pony, Unicorn, and Pegasus attributes, might represent an extreme case of innate magical potential. It's possible that a Pegasus with exceptional magical abilities could be born as an Alicorns, integrating all aspects of magical talent in a way that transcends the usual cutie mark system.

So, if it’s theoretically possible for a Pegasus to be born with a natural affinity for magic or even as an Alicorns, why haven’t we seen a naturally born Alicorns or a naturally born cutie mark in practice?

My answer is simple: it’s all about manipulation—or rather, the lack thereof. This realization is what ultimately led me to discover my true cutie mark that bear on my flank since then.

You see, the magic of cutie marks and the very concept of Alicorns are deeply intertwined with the forces of influence and guidance. A naturally born Alicorns or a cutie mark that manifests without any external influence might seem like a rare or even impossible phenomenon because it requires a precise balance of factors. These factors include not only the inherent magical potential but also the right circumstances for that potential to be recognized and shaped.

In most cases, the development of a cutie mark or the emergence of Alicorns involves a complex interplay of experiences, relationships, and magical manipulation. Without these external influences, the natural potential of a pony might remain latent, never fully revealed or realized. This means that even if a Pegasus has the potential to be an Alicorn or to receive a cutie mark, they might not have the necessary conditions or guidance to bring that potential to the surface.

The magic of cutie marks and Alicorns is not just about innate abilities; it’s about how those abilities are nurtured and expressed. In the absence of manipulation—whether through guidance, experiences, or magical intervention—the natural potential might stay hidden or undeveloped. So, while the theoretical possibility exists, the practical realization of a naturally born Alicorns or a naturally born cutie mark requires the right kind of manipulation to bring that potential into the light.

In essence, it’s not that these phenomena are impossible, but rather that they are incredibly rare and dependent on a delicate balance of factors to become a reality. The lack of manipulation or the right conditions might explain why we haven’t seen a naturally born Alicorns or cutie mark in practice. The magic we observe is often a result of careful cultivation and external influences, shaping and revealing the true potential within each pony.

Ever since the events surrounding the "Fires of Friendship," we’ve witnessed a remarkable shift in the fabric of our society. Things that were once unheard of since the dawn of the two sisters are now becoming a reality. For instance, we now see mares marrying mares and other changes that reflect a profound evolution in our social norms.

This shift is more than just a change in tradition; it’s a reflection of how our understanding of magic, identity, and relationships is evolving. The very fabric of our society is adapting to new ideas and possibilities that were once beyond our imagination. This includes the way we perceive cutie marks and magical potential.

The newfound acceptance and understanding of diverse relationships and identities suggest that we’re breaking free from old constraints and exploring new dimensions of what it means to be a pony. The traditional views of cutie marks and magical destiny are also being challenged as we embrace a more nuanced understanding of ourselves and each other.

As we adapt to these changes, we see a broader acceptance of different kinds of magic and abilities. Just as our views on relationships and identities are expanding, so too is our understanding of magic and its role in our lives. This period of transformation is an opportunity to rethink what we once considered fixed or predetermined.

So, while we may not have seen naturally born Alicorns or cutie marks without external influence before, this new era is opening doors to possibilities I can only speculate about. The boundaries of magic and destiny are being redefined, making it possible to explore new potentials and embrace a more inclusive view of what it means to be a pony. This evolution is a testament to the progress we’re making, not just in our understanding of magic, but in our acceptance of the diverse and vibrant world around us.

If things keep progressing the way they are, I truly hope to see the day when a naturally born Alicorn emerges or a baby with a cutie mark already expressed on their flank. It would be a profound testament to how far we've come in understanding magic, destiny, and the boundless potential within each of us. Witnessing such an extraordinary phenomenon would be more than just a remarkable event—it would be a symbol of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

I can’t wait to learn everything when it happens. The idea of a naturally born Alicorn or a foal with a cutie mark from birth fascinates me, and I’m eager to see how our understanding of magic and destiny will evolve. But for now, it's just a theory, a possibility waiting to be explored.

There's so much more to discover, and I wish I could delve deeper into these mysteries right now. But at this moment, I have a different task ahead. I'm about to finish crafting this special gem—an artifact designed to take cutie marks from ponies, allowing me to study their magical properties and understand their mutations more closely.

Who knows what secrets these cutie marks hold? Every experiment, every observation, brings me one step closer to uncovering the true nature of magic and destiny in our world. And with each new discovery, I’m reminded of just how much there is still to learn. Until then, I'll keep pushing forward, driven by the hope that one day, we’ll unlock the full potential of what it means to be a pony.

Sunburst got his cutie mark and left me behind, I will feel resentment at that moment. I blamed cutie marks for taking him away, for dividing us, and for the pain I felt in my heart. That jealousy wlll drive me to extremes, pushing me to create a world where nopony would feel what I felt.

Jealousy is a powerful force, much like magic. It can drive us to do things we never imagined, to hurt others in ways we never intended. But it can also teach us, if we’re willing to listen. It showed me how nobody cared for the ones left behind. It forced me to confront the parts of myself I didn’t want to see—the insecurity, the fear, the loneliness. And in facing those feelings, I began to heal.

Just as our understanding of magic is evolving, so too is our society. We are breaking free from old constraints, discovering new possibilities, and embracing change and diversity like never before. This shift is more than just a social change—it’s a magical transformation, one that could open the door to wonders we’ve never imagined.

And so, with hope in my heart and a deep curiosity for the future, I experiment, eager to push the boundaries of what we know. I have even built a new town, a place where we can explore these ideas together. After all, if magic is about manipulation and potential, who’s to say what might bring about the next great discovery? The future is ours to shape, and I intend to do just that.