• Amy Keating Rogers Response to Derpy Hooves


    Someone named Daniel from the Save Derpy Tumblr recently CC'd us in a conversation with Amy Keating Rogers.  I was a bit skeptical at first, but after contacting her from her website directly, it does appear to be legit.  I asked her if it would be alright to post her response to the Derpy Controversy here on EQD, and she was more than happy to help us finally dispel all of these nasty rumors going around.

    After the break, you will find the entire email response.  It's a long one, so get your reading glasses on!



    Whew, this controversy has been overwhelming and exhausting!

    I actually had no idea that fans were really upset about the "Derpy Change" until your email. And I didn't actually know about the change until I got an email last week from a fan telling me about it!

    Let me try and put some rumors at rest and calm the fans. And to do that, let's go back to the beginning.

    When I first wrote this episode, the character under such harsh scrutiny was named Ditzy Doo. We had already established in previous episodes that she was clumsy (she is not the pony you want on your moving crew). And we named her Ditzy Doo thinking of her as a being a bit dingy.

    The scene I wrote was originally longer and had a flashback explaining exactly what Ditzy Doo had done to damage Town Hall. She and Rainbow Dash were "Bucking Bolts" out of the clouds during a storm. Ditzy Doo was bucking too close to Ponyville central. Rainbow kept trying to yell over the noisy bucking for Ditzy to move away from town. But Ditzy could not hear her and thought that Rainbow was complimenting her for her great buck bolting. Ditzy then hit Town Hall with a bolt. And, thus, the damage.

    For the second draft, I was asked to change Ditzy's name to Derpy as a "tip of the hat" to the fans. So, not knowing that Derpy meant anything beyond klutzy and clumsy, I did as requested And then I was finished with this episode.

    I had nothing to do with the original voice casting. In my mind, she was ditzy, as her original name implied. But that's not anything I was ever involved with MLP. The scene was made shorter because the script was too long and because the story wasn't about Ditzy/Derpy. It was about Applejack.

    When this episode first aired, I did not see it until after I started getting emails either thanking me or berating me for Derpy's portrayal. The angry emails really freaked me out because I knew that I had not written a scene that could possibly be interpreted as being insensitive to people with disabilities.

    So, when I got home, I watched the episode. I saw that the scene was shorter, which did not surprise me. That happens all the time. I listened to her voice and it was deeper than I expected. However, I was not offended by any part of the scene in any way.

    But I got about 10 emails saying how offended folks were. People labeled me an "ableist" (a word I'd never heard of) and said that I was being insensitive to the disabled by calling this character "derpy." I then did a search on what derpy meant and the first things that came up were "embarrassing" and "awkward" which is what I thought. But then when I did more in-depth searches, I discovered that one definition is "retarded."

    Now, you have to realize that reading that made my heart sink. My son Soren (of Soarin' fame) is severely disabled. We do not use the word "retarded" in our house because it really has become an offensive slur. And while I knew that it was only a minority of people that defined "derpy" this way, it still upset me that I was the writer that put that name out there. It was painfully ironic and goes against the fact that I'm an advocate for the disabled.

    I also want to note here that while I got 10 negative emails, I also got about 200 positive ones! I knew that the majority of fans were not offended. I got emails from fans with siblings with disabilities and parents of kids with disabilities and fans who had disabilities themselves and none of them were offended. At first, I tried to answer all these emails, but then I just became too overwhelmed. Still, I want to thank you all for your support!

    But I was not the only one getting contacted regarding Derpy's portrayal. Positive and negative feedback was also being sent to Hasbro and the Hub. Someone at the Hub who knows about my personal connection with disabilities contacted me asking my opinion. We talked about various options of what to do.

    1. Do nothing.
    2. Cut Rainbow saying "Derpy" but keep Derpy's voice.
    3. Cut Rainbow saying "Derpy" and change Derpy's voice.
    4. Find a creative way to change Derpy's name in a future episode

    And I was honestly torn about which action should be taken. I went back and forth and back again. It was a no win situation. Fans were going to be offended no matter what. And while I was not personally offended by the scene, I tried to put myself in the shoes of someone that was. I know that if I was offended by something that I thought was disparaging against the disabled, I would want my voice heard. But then I also knew that an insensitive portrayal of someone with disabilities was never our intention, so why change it?
    When that call ended, no decision was made. And it was not my decision to make. I am just a freelance writer here, not a network executive. That decision was up to Hasbro and the Hub. I am sure they weighed what was best for the MLP brand, the show, the network, and they may have even weighed in my personal situation. Maybe they wanted to spare me from getting anymore more hate mail and people calling me offensive names. It may have been only 10 emails, but each one made me feel absolutely horrible If the effect on me was part of their motivation for the change, I think that's really amazing, incredibly sensitive, and very commendable.

    In the end, Derpy's voice was re-voiced to be more ditzy. And while, again, I had nothing to do with the casting, this is closer to the voice that was in my head. And as for cutting her name, if it truly can be defined as "retarded," then I am personally glad that name is gone. I wouldn't want my writing to perpetuate children--our target audience--to call other children "derpy" with that meaning behind it.

    So, I know the fans are upset. But please don't be upset at Hasbro or the Hub or DHX Media or the "Anti-Derpy" fans or me. Let's remember what the message of MLP:FiM is--tolerance, kindness, understanding, and, most importantly, friendship.

    All my best,

    Amy

    1,444 comments:

    1. You have done no wrong, Ms. Rogers.

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    2. More responses yay!! But I still kinda miss Derpy

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    4. I hope this settles things. Thanks to Amy for spelling it out, I know it hasn't been easy.

      I think its too bad Derpy was interpreted as a hateful word, but I understand that they have to take caution, and don't want to use a kid's show to test boundaries.

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    5. Well that cleared up a lot.

      Thank you Mrs. Keating and Daniel from Save Derpy.

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    6. So if the DVDs were not touched and the change was also added to the TV.....What name do we use?

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    7. Errr I would have been happy with 5, Keep the Dash saying ''Derpy'' and just change the voice. which is an awesome change...

      Either way what done is done. Time to move on.

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    8. Yeah, I had never heard the word "albeism" before this whole derpy fiasco either.

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    9. We're supposed to tolerate a tiny minority ruining the character for the majority.

      I don't think so.

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    10. Thank you Amy and thank you for posting this.

      Things make sense now and we can hopefully stop being emo. I wish we had this kind of info from the beginning.

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    12. Well FINALLY a good answer to everything.

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    13. @Thrawn485

      "If" and "were" I should say not "was" and "also

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    14. They changed "Ditzy Doo" to "Derpy"... For us! *¬*
      That's just so kind of them <3

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    15. well, this does shed a lot of light on the situation. I do hope we see her come back though since our intentions were not in the sense of calling other people retarded. thats not our message, and since for the most part its not what "Derp" is used for I still think the name and voice should be returned. but this is my opinion. its shared by many but everypony has their own so thats another thing we have to consider. Personally I like the middle ground option of calling her Ditzy in the show, nicknaming her "Derpy", and return the voice. I think that will satisfy all parties involved personally.

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    16. maybe it would have been better to have her named ditzy at least at first

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    17. No matter what she'll still be Derpy to us.

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    18. Ah-HAAA! Her name IS Ditzy Doo!

      Take THAT all you people who yelled at me for saying Ditzy Doo!

      ...Ahem, anyway, I'd like to say I'm very pleased to hear a response from the official writer of the episode. Connotation of a word is important, and it's not what is meant but what is taken of the meaning that decides how offensive something is. I am perfectly fine with this change, and have always been, as the new voice fits her so much better in my opinion and I can completely understand why 'derpy' can be an offensive term.

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    19. I feel really bad that she had to endure all that crap from people, it wasn't her fault at all. In the end, if it was offensive to anyone then it really should have been changed.

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    20. Hopefully we can lay this to rest and go back to focusing on why ponies are awesome.

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    21. A very fair response. 'Derpy' only means 'retarded' if you want it to mean 'retarded'. She never wanted to offend people, and the use of the word was in the context of clumsiness rather than mental disability. Just because somebody found something offensive doesn't make it offensive, so I'm still disappointed that the name was removed to satisfy the people who decided to see it as a stab at mental disability.

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    22. Thank goodness. This makes me feel a heck of a lot better about all this Derpy stuff. I mean, I definitely understood Hasbro's decision, but I didn't really like it all that much. This email makes it so much easier to swallow.

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    23. How the fuck is Derpy supposed to be offensive?! One of my relatives is mentally challenged and I have no quarrel with her portrayal, in fact I was angry that they changed it.

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    24. I am satisfied with this answer and I hope this brings this whole awkward situation to a close. With any luck, we can enjoy this weekend's episode without some kind of national coincidence.

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    25. Touching story and I guess there was somewhat of a good reason.... But I still miss Derpy

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    26. So~ does that mean Ditzy Doo is canon and Derpy is the nickname the jerks in Ponyville call her...?

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    27. Thank you for communicating with us, Amy! Honestly, while I dont agree with the decision to change the scene, I feel like I finally understand what they were going through. If you want to continue the save derpy petition that's your right, but dont hate on Hasbro for this decision. Why the company couldn't have sent something like this out sooner I dont know, but I think communicating with fans should become a standard practice when something like this happens. Fans who dont understand why you did something aren't going to calm down if you keep them in the dark.

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    28. too long, didn't read...

      Kiddin', it's a shame, I liked more the new voice, but taking the name and the eyes out kills the character that was born in the studio and grown in the fandom, anyway, there's nothing that can be done about it, next episodes her name won't be derpy, she won't have derped eyes, Derpy is now NOT cannon, we should just deal with it and keep it as it was before the episode...

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    29. ...they could of just cut the name and keep all else if it's the name that's the issues. and i never saw "derpy" as offensive. even when /south park/ used it, it was just a regular, not too offensive term. heck, it was just nonsense, and could of been anything.

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    30. @HURNG
      Are you stupid? Or just being ignorant? I'm not trying to name call, but seriously? You get a response spelling the whole thing out, and you still do this. It isn't going to change, get over yourself. You're acting no better than Yamino (or whatever the spelling is). Grow up and act mature.

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    31. I do feel sorry for Amy being put into this situation. Derpy may mean retarded by some people's definition but not by us, her fans. We will probably never see the character us real bronies loved at the start of the original cut of the episode but at least it's good to see the real reasons for the change

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    32. So Derpy can stand for retarded... Let's change that definition and everything should be A-ok...

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    33. Well I'm satisfied, mostly what was angering me was the complete absense of information to why they did it... and I was sick of all the apparent guesswork of why it happened:

      1) Its apples faults!
      2) Hasbros fault
      3) its people complaining fault
      4) its trolls pretending to be 3)
      5) it was a copyright claim...
      etc

      and what riled me up even more was I'm sure someone involved with the show said 'derpys fine don't worry' before they made the changes...

      I'm just glad to finally get an explanation for the whole thing.

      My two cents on the issue: they should've stuck with Ditzy doo to begin with. Theres less room for error with that and we keep Derpy for ourselves as our pet name for her.

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    34. I think of the term "Derpy" as making a mistake, nothing to do with mental disability, so for a pony who does this quite often, I see no issue. There is no moral issue at hand here, just an overreaction to the way that a character acts IN A CARTOON SHOW. However, it is nice to have some insight as to how the changes were done, and for what reasons, even if they aren't the best excuses. This is just my opinion.

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    35. Well, I think this wouldn't be happening if somebody told Tabitha that Derpy was a female. Then she wouldn't sound too deep and they wouldn't have to change her voice .-.

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    36. I'm really glad she replied to my email, I assumed she was going to give me the "We can't discuss it" line. This is why I love the creative staff, they treat us like real people.

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    37. I am really happy for this email. There's a lot to say about it, but overall I do agree with her. What I just can't help but wonder now is "What if they just decided to call her Ditzy Doo, as planned?" I personally liked that name better, and the only damage that would have done would be many fans being upset to see that she isn't "Derpy", but then we would move on.
      I honestly feel bad for Amy having to be in the crossfire of all this, but I thank her for addressing the community about it all.

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    38. That was a good, genuine read which actually highlighted alot over the whole thurmoil generated by the situation.

      In our hearts, Derpy was never meant as "retarded", and specially not in an offehensive way. If someone had to take it the wrong way, then so be it. If they can't be understanding, then we will be. We know that was a tip of the hat to us bronies, we know the character's name still is Derpy (and we got to know the truth about Ditzy Doo too!) so it's just fine, no worries.

      I'm sorry you, above all, got hate mails. You surely never deserved any of that.

      Taliesin

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    39. Makes sense. I'm glad someone could articulate this viewpoint well.

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    40. Well, this should put everything to rest. I feel really bad for Ms Amy. I wanted the name Derpy with all my heart, but her argument is one I can find no purchase in. What's been done has been done, and in the end I actually feel good about the whole thing, between this and the previous letter. I'm ready to let this go, and I hope everyone else is.

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    41. But I Liked Derpy More Than Ditzy D:
      Oh Well

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    42. case closed guys, let's look forward to the future of the character now

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    43. Thank you very much, Amy. We really appreciate the message. It is such a shame that this sparked controversy because we all love Derpy and the intention behind her character was never to offend. The fact that a fan-nod backfired... is just horrible. As much as it saddens me to see Derpy's name gone, it's not going to affect my enjoyment of the show in general. I just wish this had never happened.

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    44. Interesting, it's good to see more transparency from the crew, for sure. If that nod to the community wasn't made, she'd had been called Ditzy Doo instead. Maybe that would had been for the best.

      At any rate, great bit of info!

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    45. While I can appreciate that this show and the fanbase are all about friendship, peace, love, harmony, and tolerance...

      The Anti-Derpy "fans" waived their right to kindness in my eyes the instant they SUCCEEDED in changing something so pointless.

      I live in West Virginia, and the word nigger has no power here... because it's used so often by everyone ON everyone in the friendly sense of "wazzup mah nigga?!" that the offensive meaning is not valid. Derpy Hooves could have done this for the "retarded" meaning, render it archaeic and obsolete in language, overall improving the Englisih language by removing a meaninglessly offensive word.

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    46. I wholeheartedly thank Amy Keating Rogers for explaining all of this to us.

      I however, do not agree with the way it was handled by Hasbro. She was right in her original assumption that "derpy" just means clumsy and awkward.

      Especially when she tells us that she has a disabled son and was not offended by Derpy's portrayal in the show, and how received exponentially more emails thanking her for Derpy than criticizing her.

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    47. Makes sense...

      But I have never, ever heard derp or derpy as synonymous with retarded. I had always taken it to mean "a brain fart" or the likes. The whole "derp eyes" thing came from that.

      That's what I always thought, at least. What a shame this turned out to be.

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    48. I think we should just call her Ditzy "Derpy" Hooves. Fits her more personally imo.

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    49. I have question, who create the word"derpy" as a reatrd, not clumzy!

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    50. Unfortunately, this doesn't change the fact that fans will still be upset about this change. Parents being offended about something in a cartoon is no surprise to anyone, it has happened hundreds of times before in the past and will continue to happen in the future as long as cartoons are being made. Is it really Hasbro's fault that they wanted to give a shout out to the most popular FAN MADE character created? Now instead of the episode being a "tip of the hat" to the fans, it's a "tip of the hat" to overprotective parents and overly-sensitive people who can't understand how to take a joke. Hasbro had a decision to make, which side it would appease to and how it would look for them, unfortunately, they chose the safest route that everyone takes when faced with a hard decision and that's what makes this disappointing.

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    51. If I could add posts to my favorites, this will totally be in them.

      What I feel right now is something I haven't felt in five days: Peace.

      I was worried this fandom will tear appart into shreds until there's nothing left but bloody bits. Thankfully, this letter will put the most extremists at peace with themselves and the hate against Hasbro would stop.

      I, for the first time in half a week, will give me some pony time. I've been needing it, and I think most of us have.

      I love you guys.

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    52. Wow. So many things addressed in this letter that it almost seems pointless in commenting on any one part. But if anything, I'm commenting to thank Ms. Rogers for putting out this message. And Seth, of course, for putting this up. It's good that we got a little more insight into what exactly was transpiring in that scene.

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    53. This is definitely the type of response I've been looking for, and I commend her for saying it. I see her point, but I still feel that the Derpy situation was handled rather poorly by both Hasbro (if they were solely responsible) and the fans... I feel that if Derpy's character was expanded in the future it would help both causes... Agh, it's so complicated.

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    54. I just wish things didn't have to go this way. I mean, so what if people interpreted Derpy as being disabled? Does that mean she must be made un-disabled? What kind of message is that? Think of all the cartoons that have dopey characters in them: SpongeBob has Patrick; Edd, Ed and Eddy has Ed, I dunno probably lots more that I can't think of right now... Who ever felt the need to censor them? I get that a few were offended, but they were being overly sensitive. Even my parents agree with this; they think the whole thing is ridiculous.

      I just... wish we could have our old Derpy back. But... yeah.

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    55. While I am very glad that Ms. Rogers weighed in on this, it is still a no-win situation. Moreover, considering that the next episode featured two characters who could also be seen as "offensive" (the (supposed) cancer patient and especially the mental patient), this comes off as awkward at best and hypocritical at worst.

      But ultimately, as was said above, a show that is ultimately for kids is not the best place to test the waters.

      (of course, if we have a spin-off show starring Derpy, I wouldn't mind that....)

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    56. I, personally, think people are taking too much offense over basically nothing but I suppose it's for the good of the brand and I guess the people taking offense that the name has been changed.

      I am, however, glad it's finally been cleared up and Ms. Rogers shouldn't feel bad seeing as intentions were rightly laid.

      R.I.P. Derpy/Ditzy's name.

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    57. I think of the term "Derpy" as making a mistake, nothing to do with mental disability, so for a pony who does this quite often, I see no issue. There is no moral issue at hand here, just an overreaction to the way that a character acts IN A CARTOON SHOW. However, it is nice to have some insight as to how the changes were done, and for what reasons, even if they aren't the best excuses. This is just my opinion.

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    58. I would have preferred option #2, but it's not my decision

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    59. @DJDunDeal
      She was RENAMED to Derpy. Please pay attention to the whole thing

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    60. Please let this be the end of this fiasco.

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    61. @Shadowluma

      Welcome to the Hasbro Family of fans where a Robot Dino with a taste for breaking things cannot be called Slag due to connotations about women that it has in another country. It can become a swear word in later instances though.

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    62. They really care. I just hope that we haven't lost their trust, and they'll bring back Derpy some day. As in mention her name again....

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    63. Okay, that's settled.

      Change her name, use the new voice, keep her eyes derped, and give her more scenes. That's what I want, anyway.

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    64. @Nando

      90% of the fandom are now jerks.

      Great...

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    65. I'lll miss Derpy Hooves, but I get where Amy's coming from.

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    66. yea, all of us bronies should thank Mrs. Rogers here. She has brought back to our world what should have never left Equestria. She has banished the hate and anger and brought back our peace and order.

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    67. So, Ditzy Doo really was our very own Derpy Hooves after all. Looks like that speculation was right after all. That's good to know.

      As for the whole kerfuffle with the name, eh, get over it folks, we all know that anyone who really wants the old name/voice version has a copy in their archives. Sure, the haters suck, but just love and tolerate them for a bit and perhaps they'll suck less.

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    68. After reading that, I'm not so upset about the Derpy situation. I knew Hasbro did it for good intentions. I just wish that one scene didn't have to spark the debate that it had.

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    69. No worries I don't blame you Amy, The Hub, Hasbro, Writers/Creators, or anyone else that works on the show. I personally blame the over reactive and over reaching people believing that the slightest thing is insensitive. All the research I found points to "derp" meaning klutz/clumsy and actually never found evidence of it meaning retarded/retardation in an individual.

      I just hope that our lovable Derpy will retain her googly eyed personae and we that we the fans who understand her can still call her that. In our eyes she's not mentally handicapped/challenged, but a fun loving pony that just messes things up at times.

      You're still derpy to me little pony. :)

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    70. Muffin Queen is the Muffin Queen. If not in voice then her appearances.

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    71. A massive thanks to Amy for giving us this response and to Seth for posting it.

      To have even have them consider to change a ponies name just for a nod towards the fan base is heart warming. But like Amy said I always imagined Derpy/Ditzy's voice to be a bit more, well ditzy. So I didn't mind that change.

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    72. Okay it's actually worse if they call her "Ditzy" because that actually means someone's clusmy and stupid. "Derpy" is just an internet-origin word that doesn't have a definition. I haven't found it in the dictionary.

      As for if she is called Ditzy Doo - there is no connection other than a /mention/ in the Winter Wrap Up episode about a pony they call Ditzy Doo leading the birds the wrong way. People made a baseless link between that and Derpy. However, "Derpy" has been an official name before the edit and been used by plenty of people. It's more canon than "Ditzy Doo"; which never had a link to the background character in the first place.

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    73. i bet 9 of those 10 hate mails were just trolls

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    74. Still doesn't explain why they un-derped her eyes.

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    75. Well, it makes me feel better they at least took the decision seriously.

      Hopefully this can put some closure on the whole thing. Derpy will show up in future episodes, you can count on that. Ultimately, they took out a name and modified the voice a bit. At least they are not trying to completely erase her out of canon. She is still the pony we all know and love.

      At the end of the day, she is still Derpy as far as I'm concerned. Because she's the hero FiM deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So, we'll hide her name, because she can take it. Because she's not our hero. She's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. The Grey Knight.

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    76. I find it funny that people got mad over derpy being possibly a joke about retards and not the very offensive zebra...

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    77. I hope this will finally clear things up about the whole situation lol

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    78. I'm glad we got this. People should finally calm down now, and we can go back to enjoying the show that brought us all here in the first place. No one ever benefits from over reacting or from fighting against something you cannot change. Everything should finally return to normal now.

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    79. So, basically, her real name is Ditzy Doo, while "Derpy Hooves" is her nickname, and RD basically called her Derpy, for the sake of it being a nickname, like calling AppleJack "AJ."

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    80. I really like the fact that they changed her voice and don't see why people are complaining about her name changing or even her name in the first place! I'm really glad Ditzy / Derpy made an appearance :]

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    81. I still think it was a mistake to change Derpy for being ableist, seeing as I've never actually seen it used in an ableist fashion, no matter how much I look for it. But this reason is pretty understandable to me. It was with a good intent. I hope all the hate surrounding a cartoon horse settles down :/

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    82. I'm now satisfied. Knowing that she will remain a background character with Derp eyes and this email is all I need. :)

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    83. *looks at post*
      "Finally. Lets hope this ends all the madness"
      *looks at first comments*
      "Finally, everyone understands"
      *scrolls down some more*
      -_-
      *puts on pirate hat*
      ONWARD TO SHIT FEST ISLAND!

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    84. So I guess the natural thing to do is undo the scene that 200 people told her was great because 10 people had their feelings hurt.

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    85. I'm glad we finally got a good answer to why the change was made, and confirmation that Ditzy Doo and Derpy is the same.

      I'll still hate that My little pony is run by a large corporation, as it means changes like this. No offense to anyone working there just the nature/ bad trend of large corporation in general.

      keep up the good work on the show if anyone important is reading this.

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    86. I like this response. never thought Derpy ment retarded though. I see it as clumsy, but o well.

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    87. @James Corck

      Speak for yourself, proof that it was a bunch of politically correct trash that caused this gets my rage back to full boil.

      They shit right in the heart of the magic, a slap into the face of every fan of this show.

      This should not be taken lying down. Love and Tolerated have died to suck the cock of filth

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    88. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    89. The only way to prevent any dispute over the meaning of the word "derp" and "derpy" is to get the Merriam Webster's Dictionary to add the word to the next edition and define it simply as a word that emphasizes a silly mistake. Poof! No more debate!

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    90. And if I were to say that the entire situation had 'spastic' qualities, 99.9 percent of the Earth's population would have no problem, and the final 0.1 percent will be trying to track down my email address and send me death threats for using a disabled slur.

      You just can't win.

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    91. Why do they think it's bad to have a name that occasionally means "retarded", but fine for little kids to sing the song "Ring a Ring o'Roses", which is referencing how people died in the black death?

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    92. it is a pity that the vocal minority were able to raise such a royal stink over something that was intended by the WRITER of the episode to be a possessive thing.

      i really do wish that people would take a moment to cool off before responding to things, but i guess that only happens in a perfect world. and as we all know this is far far from a perfect world. as Bronies i think our fandom still has much to learn about really truly showing 'Love and Tolerance'

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    93. Fucking hypocracy. Where was the tolerance, kindness, understanding, and, most importantly, friendship when they cut derpy?

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    94. "Tolerance"
      Why can't they tolerate the name Derpy then?
      People are too literal about things...

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    95. It's good that the situation is cleared up now. While I prefer the original voice and am sad that the name Derpy was removed, it was only a minor detail and reading Amy's response makes me feel better about the change. Thanks for the explanation.

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    96. Finally! Thank you Amy now maybe we can move on.

      I'm sad by the change too, but what's done is done, she won't be changed back, but she will always be Derpy to us.

      ReplyDelete
    97. Oh cool her name was originally Ditzy Doo.

      I have enough of this Derpy thing. And I hope this is the last I will hear of it.

      ReplyDelete
    98. I'm glad Rogers responded. This was something that was needed by the community. I really hope this puts out the fire. It wouldn't have mattered what move Hasbro/DHX/Hub/Discovery would go with, there would be still be unhappy folks. You can't please everyone.

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    99. So does this mean we´re getting Derpy back?

      ReplyDelete
    100. News travels very slow in the world of Hasbro, it seems. We could've used this exact email about a week ago. Would've saved a fuckton of trouble.

      For the record, fuck saying "derpy" means "retarded". It just means you forget to think. You goof up, you brainfart, you derp. They should've just changed the damn name to Ditzy Doo. Then our only debate would've been if it was for offense reasons or legal reasons, but there would've been a LOT less warfare.

      Finally, though, I think with this letter, all the crazy shit about Derpy is finally going to start winding down.

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    101. @Marty

      Such a perfect, reasonable time to play the FIRST game, isn't it?! Right on a post about a topic everyone's getting their shit flipped over about!

      ReplyDelete
    102. Thing is, that is not the common meaning.

      It's like "idiot". That means "insane" or "disabled" from the beginning and the meaning changed.

      Here we have something that has an ofshoot, meaning something that could be interpreted as offending.

      In my mind this isn't enough.

      It's mostly the voice I am sad about. I really liked it. Now she sounds like a bimbo and suddenly it's a blonde-joke. Rather offensive as well.

      These are my views.

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    103. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! My happiness has returned in force! Never again will Our Derpy be named Derpy in the show, but with this clarification, I can finally accept it!

      Honestly, I like both Derpy Hooves AND Ditzy Doo as names for her. They're both adorable, and they both do her personality justice.

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    104. @Your Friend the Taxman

      over correction I'd say. Non affiliated folks took it as what it was originally (animation error) and fixed it out of hand without knowing why she's lop eyed. If I remember correctly she was still "normal" in that snow globe.

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    105. Well, the only real issue I had was the eyes being changed. Pity Amy didn't address that. Maybe she didn't notice it, though. Besides, I doubt she'd know any more than we do, since even the voice/name change came as a surprise to her. :/
      Anyways, shame to those who sent hatemail. Shame to any who send hatemail, really. Shame to those who send hatemail to hatemailers.
      *Slaps self*
      Bad goblin. BAD. NO muffin. NO muffin! >:|

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    106. I wouldn't have said anything about this if it weren't for this e-mail right here.

      I have to say something now.

      People are idiots. To put the nice lady through some crap like that is just an example of how bad things can get. So here's my two cents... Rather than keep focusing on what they could have done, now that this letter is out... let's focus on all the good they could do in the future. Because hey, in the end, they're ponies.

      And I'd like to think we the fans love ponies too much for them to be ruined forever by something like this.

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    107. i would like to see them go back and repair the animation of the episode and re-release it so it flows better. just as an animator and a die-hard fan of the show i would like to see it fit perfectly.

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    108. The episode was about Applejack?

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    109. Hold on, wait...

      4. Find a creative way to change Derpy's name in a future episode


      She's going to appear again in a future episode with a significant role?

      I don't care if they edit this alleged "future instance" (if I'm reading that right) pre-airing, and I will gladly accept the change.

      Knowing that Amy, the brains behind the episode itself, is in full support of the edit really is a load off the shoulders.

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    110. Finally! A clear, concise telling of the whole Derpy fiasco. While I personally loved the original scene, I fully understand their decision to alter it, though I would much have preferred they choose option four and give Derpy some more character depth as she was. Honestly, the orginal scene sounds like it would have gone off without complain, as it didn't make RD seem nearly as demeaning.

      Also, I just want to point out, a lot of people seem to think we'll never see Derpy again, or that her eyes will be permanently un-derped. We have absolutely no reason to think that. Hasbro said they changed a /single/ episode, and she's appeared in scenes with normal eyes before. They probably just wanted to make this scene as non-controversial as possible to avoid further problems. I'm sure in the coming weeks episodes we'll see plenty of our favorite background pony derping along in the background, even if she doesn't take the spotlight again.

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    111. @HURNGTolerance is not the same as accepting. We may not like their opinion but we should respect their right to say it, to think differently from us.

      I don't think they should have done the changes, but it looks like they're settled on this, so as far as it goes, my only request is to allow the option of playing the original version when the episode goes to DVD(I don't know if that's on the Freindship Express or not)

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    112. While some of the comments I'm seeing are distressing in their vitriolic nature, I'm glad to see that the lion's share of posts on this so far have been more than reasonable.

      Guys, it's settled. A misunderstanding caused this; hate isn't going to fix it. We should realize we're lucky they even made a conscious nod to us in the first place, even if it didn't last.

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    113. I still consider it a bit of a shame that this stupid debacle ever happened, but all things considered, this is probably the best conclusion that could have come of it after the change went into effect.

      And as said before.. the fact that they took it seriously and recognized the backlash that would have come of it seriously takes away what little negative feelings I had; which was always more of a disappointment than any real hatred or outrage.

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    114. Meh
      (I do not know how to convey me emotions about this.)

      ReplyDelete
    115. we still have her original voice on youtube go and watch the episode. its not Ms.Rogers fault and characters change over time so deal with it.

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    116. @Flippy Bear;
      I did read the whole thing. Twice. It said she was originally Ditzy Doo. And, that they changed Rainbow Dash from saying Ditzy to saying Derpy. Derpy could very well be a nickname.

      The point is, this is confirmation that her original name is Ditzy Doo. I can finally say 'I told you so' to everyone who very hastily said 'Derpy and Ditzy are NOT the same character,' whenever I mentioned the name Ditzy after The Last Roundup (and even before that. Also, they said that rather harshly might I add.

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    117. I think we can all agree that taking any word in the English or other language can be thrown through so many translations or ways of interpretations that would result in it being twisted around to mean something it wasn't necessarily intended to be. Just because it may "fall" into the category due to abuse, for example using what was not essentially a derogatory word like snooping, and can be spun up and around in such a way that some people if would take it as an insult/offensive and "bad" word. While it may not have had one to begin with, these people have made it one through their own paranoia and I would go as far as to say through their own insecurities and perhaps truth that they are essentially insulting themselves subconsciously.

      The first time I both read and heard the word derpy/derp wasn't in a bad context at all, but could mostly be summed up to simply mean to unintentionally clumsy, or could mean to be mistaken/accident prone/having bad luck, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time or anything in that relation. There is NO one on this planet I personally think, that in all honesty could claim they have never derpped or had derpy moments.

      So the name is fine. Some peoples names in other languages are actually hugely vulgar and totally offensive to the public if even said out loud. Should that be blockaded and changed? No it would be completely silly. There is a point where political correctness is out of hand and totally impractical. At what point does the entire dictionary get censored down to only a handful of words, where antonyms and synonyms are totally removed for fear of one word potentially having any relation to the other which then could be considering offensive?

      Derpy is an excellent presence on the show, clearly showing how being what some would deam "abnormal" but more normal than some would care to admit, a valued asset and part of the pony family. Never ridiculed or isolated or ignored.

      Considering the nature of the game, had they gone with Ditzy, you know for a fact there would have been the EXACT same response. As personally i would have leaned towards ditzy being far more offensive and perhaps following more along the lines of a stereotypical name. Would i have complained, no, but you can guarantee others would have.

      In the end, I would just like to say that it's unfortunate that in the end they essentially Killed the use of Derpy's name. I didn't mind either voices, meeting somewhere in the middle would have been better perhaps as a compromise for either side of the argument. I just hope to see her again soon.

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    118. The episode was about Applejack?

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    119. as sad as it is to see derpy go, i am glad to finally have real closure thank you

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    120. It's good to finally hear from someone. I would love to hear from Hasbro and Hub themselves, but a writer to the show is just as good. I can understand all the hate mail you got from the offenders and haters (I know I would feel absolutely horrible inside). But why didn't Hasbro and Hub try to work a plan to appease both. The offenders don't seem to hate the name Ditzy Doo. So why couldn't Rainbow Dash have said Ditzy instead of Derpy. All in all, I think her official name is Ditzy "Derpy" Doo. But instead they sloppily altered the scene. They could of done better with their judgement and choices. I wont blame them for changing it, but they could of done better. I feel they were submitting more to the haters rather than trying to please both sides. I do applaud to your email Amy, you have given a sparkle in my eye through all the sadness that has happened this month. Maybe one day, Hasbro will learn and think about using the name Ditzy Doo rather than Derpy and just leave Derpy to the fans. Remember ponies, we all have a saying on the internet no one can change that.

      Thank you Amy

      Thank you Ditzy Doo

      Please regain the friendship back with the fans Hasbro/Hub. I don't want to see a great franchise go down the drain just because of one little mess up.

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    121. Thanks, Amy. I mean that sincerely. This is exactly the kind of response that I was really looking for. I still don't like the decision and I think that it was ill-advised when one considers the size of the respective groups who liked and didn't like the scene in question, but I respect it all the same.

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    122. 200 positive responses.

      10 negative responses.

      10 negative votes get their way.

      Yep, that sounds like the American way to me. >_>

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    123. I still don't understand how Ditzy is any less offensive than Derpy. I'd make the connection between blonde and ditzy before I would derpy and "retarded".

      Meh. I'll get over it but the way Hasbro handled the issue was absolutely horrible.

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    124. Old derpy was offensive to some people new derpy is not.

      WE should keep the new derpy or you can keep sending hatemail honestly it's funny to watch.

      I say we start saying the zebra is to afican next.

      ReplyDelete
    125. @DJDunDealSmall note: No, it was GOING to be Ditzy. Her Name IS Derpy, and they just aren't naming her in the episode.

      Not to give you grief, but it is an distinct difference. I'da been fine either way, but Derpy is more iconic as the fan base goes.

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    126. I never really heard a good counter argument that "Derp" isn't an insult to disabled people. Even if it wasn't at first, you can't deny it's the perfect word for teasing, bullying, and insulting people.

      Not that I'm on any side. But I wish people can just understand each other's motives. It's not too hard.

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    127. Well I'm glad we finally got a real explanation of everything. If we would of had this kind of information at the beginning than we wouldn't if had this gigantic shit storm we been haveing.

      Anyways ad long ad they still have derpy as an Easter egg, still have her eyes derped. And dont remove her from the show completely. I'm more than happy with that. Now hopefully we can all put this behind us, keep watching the show, and pony on.

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    128. Thank goodness that's over. It is over, right? I sure hope so.

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    129. @Charmed Pop Yep, it's about time we got a more insightful response.

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    130. Well at least we have some sort of official response now. It's a shame things panned out this way and it's a shame people still don't seem to get the "defintion" of derp (which NEVER had anything to do with retardation), but ah well, I can understand where she's coming from. And hey, it's still pretty cool that Derpy is canon unless we hear otherwise, at least.

      Although that new voice is still pretty awful.

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    131. I am also very flattered that they changed ditzy to Derpy for us. Its sweet. It is unfortunate that it didn't get to last, but what really matters is that they clearly showed they were thinking about us as a fan group. And a positive one at that. Its too bad it had to change and I'd still love it if it could change back, but if it never does, I can be satisfied. Its the thought that counts.

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    132. @Digger
      If that's the case then they truly have no clue about her significance to Bronies. I can tolerate the name and voice change, but by Jove it's the wall-eyes that make her who she is; without them our beloved Muffin Queen would have never existed!

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    133. And seriously, guys. Amy's statement is clear: If anybody finds 'Derpy' to be an offensive name, it won't stick. Like it or not, that's how it is, and I think we should try to be understanding.
      And not just because we're bronies.
      If people start sending hate at Hasbro and Amy and everyone over the new name being 'Ditzy', or over 'blonde jokes', Hasbro will not put it back to normal and bring back the Rudolph voice. THEY WILL MAKE MORE CHANGES.
      MORE CHANGES.
      AAAAAAAUGH
      Or they'll remove the character altogether to avoid controversy.
      AAAAAUGH
      PANIC EVERYONE
      IT'S NIGHTMARE MOON
      AAAAAAAAUGH

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    134. So she was the one from Winter Wrap up with the birds.

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    135. Researched the meaning where? Urban Dictionary? I don't know about you guys, but it sounds like Mrs. Keating was getting badly trolled. I've never regarded the word derpy with an offensive slur. With the number of people that loved Derpy just the way she was, I still don't understand how the infinitesimally smaller number of people who were "offended" by this could be a large enough concern to go back and change an episode.

      If they really wanted to change the voice, fine. I liked it the way it was, and the new voice is fine too, but taking out her name? It just seemed like a silly decision, and look at all the fire it's spread.

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    136. Nice responce. I'm glad this shitstorm will end now. Thank you Amy.

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    137. I don't think Ditzy necessarily makes you stupid, replying to anyone that says it does.

      I can be pretty ditzy, my sister can be too... we're not stupid people by any means.

      Means we're capable of doing profoundly stupid things sometimes but overall we're not actually in general: stupid.

      Thing is though, even if we were to accept that Ditzy automatically IS calling her stupid, its still less dangerous and less likely to be attacked by the PC brigade...

      See calling someone an idiot is worlds different from apparently calling them retarded. Due to the fact that people are much less tolerant of that, its way less socially acceptable.

      Besides, saying Ditzy is automatically offensive is the same non thinking attitude that the people who said Derpy was offensive.

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    138. I always preferred the name Ditzy Doo, should have seen that calling her Derpy would lead to trouble :/

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    139. @Madcat I glad the whole fiasco is over with now. Now we can all know peace of mind again. I'll be calling the character Ditzy "Derpy" Hooves personally. I think its a fitting name. Ditzy in the show and Derpy as her fanbase nickname. Thanks again Mrs. Rogers, we as a community owe you for explaining the situation and bringing peace back unto us. Now I can get a good nights sleep for the first time in a week and enjoy the episode again with this in mind.

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    140. @Shadowluma

      Shadow, please have respect. Not everyone shares the same opinion as you, and may see words as more derogatory than others.

      I know a dude that thinks midget is the most offensive word in the English language. Different words mean different things to different people. Try to deal with that.

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    141. Appease the minority. Yes, that is an excellent strategy.
      See folks, this is what happens when you do not have your finger on the pulse of your fandom/audience: You are CLUELESS. We all love Derpy for who and what she is. The re-voicing and name removal still represents a betrayal because the Hub and Hasbro had NO IDEA what you and I thought about Derpy. This is how IP is managed into the ground.

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    142. I miss Derpy, but... At the same time I don't want people to get offended. I'm just glad the character didn't get canned permanently.
      and to that, I raise a rousing yaaaay~.

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    143. Still saddened by this. It seems unfair that a name must be changed to satisfy the minority. Maybe we should just get the original VA to do dubs for us derpy fans.

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    144. Unless I miss my guess, this changes practically nothing. We've simply had most of our earlier suspicions confirmed by this point.

      *sigh* The world sure is fickle sometimes.

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    145. Why was there even a problem in the first place if it was an insanely small minority complaining?

      She even said herself that her response was overwhelmingly positive. Why is she so worried about people being called names if very few of the responses she got even suggested it.

      I'm glad we got a real response, but the logic doesn't make sense to me.

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    146. Well ok there we go end of argument. Redo the episode again, Amy wanted to be named Ditzy Doo that I can do just fine (makes the new voice work better) and Tabitha did do the new voice and prefers the new voice. So there you go name her Ditzy Doo and run the new voice, problem solved. I don't give a crap what people say I first and foremost go with what the artists want.

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    147. I have a real issue with people retroactively making "Derpy" a slur. Seriously, that is casting everyone who used the innocent term in an innocent manner as somehow hateful. This attempt to project the worst possible motives on to innocent people is, indeed, offensive in it's own right and so I understand how people can get so worked up over the issue.

      That said, there's really no happy solution to the whole thing. There are surely insensitive people who do use the term as a version of a slur against the disabled, just as there are those who don't hesitate to horribly misjudge and berate everyone involved for what was only done as a friendly gesture of thanks and admiration. These people pretty much all suck.

      Eventually, you just have to sigh and move on.

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    148. @Ariathina

      The whole "zecora" thing is way more offensive to me than derpy was but i find both to be unacceptable in today's world.

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    149. Man, I really hope 'derpy' (not the MLP name, but the word in general use) isn't becoming synonymous with 'mentally disabled' or 'retarded'. It was a fun harmless word for me to describe anytime I'm klutzy, absentminded, or make a stupid mistake. That's not offensive; we're ALL derpy at some time or another.

      The word isn't an insult, and more to the point of MLP, the fan-given name wasn't supposed to be, either.

      The change in voice/name in a cartoon character I can live with, but I mourn for the loss of innocence of the word 'derp' that the act of changing the voice/name represents.

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    150. The word derpy just mean clumzy, and some people think the word derp mean retard, this is no good at all, this situation could made the word change the meaning for ever ever ever ever!!!!

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    151. I am seeing a good amount of understanding people who are finally seeing the ridiculous nature of the whole freak out.

      But those who are still angry and keep fighting for it make me sad. To those who keep complaining, guys, wake up, Derpy will no longer be adressed as Derpy. The show runners will not re-do the scene. I am one to say never give up, but for the sake of the fandom and yourselves, seriously, give up. Move on. There's better things to do than bitch and moan about a background character that wasn't even going to be a nod to the fans until they told AKR to name her "Derpy".

      Really, I understand your rage, but now it's getting out of hand. This is only adressed to those who are still angry about it, and in no way I am insulting them.

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    152. Honestly i am glad this stupid drama can be put to rest, its been going on for the full month nearly with far to many arguments. Rational bronies arguing with irrational bronies on whether hasbro and the team cares for us. Honestly i find it so hard that a lot of bronies could even doubt with all the things hasbro and the team has done for us and it only took one thing for a lot of bronies to start hating them like no tomorrow. I can say even though they still are going to do stuff for us it's going to be awhile until were back on their positive side.

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    153. South Park is coming back soon, I hope they have an episode making fun of all of this. Bonus points if they bring in Mr. Derp. After all, Trey Parker and Matt Stone INVENTED THE WORD DERP!

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    154. @Ninja Colt The problem is it only takes one person with some money or a small group to sue them.

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    155. Honestly, I'm offended that they DID change it. All they did was give into obvious trolls. "Derp" isn't a slur, I'm not even sure if it is possible to derp your eyes. In order to make a few trolls "happy" they ruined one of the best episodes, and in reality, I think that without Derpy, bronies wouldn't even exist.

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    156. Oh, come on guys, no need to rekindle that argument; it -can- be seen badly, therefore it has to go.

      I'm very much liking Ditzy 'Derpy' Doo, though.

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    157. Welp, she just said what everypony was thinking anyway.
      I always though Ditzy Doo was her real name, and considered Derpy as her nickname by her friends in Ponyville. But whateva, she's not cut from the show forever, so it's all good.

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    158. @Eri It was kindness and understanding directed towards those who found Derpy offensive.

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    159. Alright, it's all over. Nothing to see here, people. Go home and stop spamming me with depressing images and videos.

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    160. Hmph, I do think that doing nothing would have been the best option. You have a LOT less people angry at Hasbro/Hub rather than removing Derpy's name. Silly decision, still wish I didn't support Hasbro with my money as much as I have.

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    161. Thank you Ms. Amy Keating Rogers.
      Hopefully we can move past this now, and go on enjoying this wonderful show that Ms. Rogers, Studio DHX, the Hub, and Hasbro have given us.

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    162. @Brookwood Bronco

      I wish they would cut derpy and zecora there both just horrible.

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    163. Still unfortunate, but I think this is a nice capstone on the Derpygate grave.

      I tell you though, derping is for everybody. If I want to call someone a retard, I'll call them a retard.

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    164. @Goblin Brony lol, you have consistently provided some of the best, most agreeable and fun to read comments on this controversy. Thank you!

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    165. I'm glad the writer had something to say... now can I see less people complaining over Derpy? Please? ;_;

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    166. Up with Ditzy(can be a problem in itself, but still), down with Derpy.

      Stupid memes.

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    167. It is quite sad this had to happen. It truly is. I would like to call out to all the bronys that we should just take it as the studio gives it to us. If "Derpy" is no longer allowed to be Derpy, then let us, rather than hanging on with anger, disappointment, and grudges, hang on to the fact that the studio went out of their way to acknowledge us and our "fanon", a feat that they did NOT by any means have to do. Let us appreciate that they are not repulsed by us and truly love us as a fandom, and will always keep our best interests at heart. Let's remember the moments that they DID give us.

      As a personal aside, I wish they could have kept Derpy as is, because, I know growing up, I was kind of timid around those who were "different", as were most of my peers. I think Derpy's character could have promoted acceptance, regardless of who you are or what you are like. Again, though, I want to reiterate that EVERYONE on the creative staff has our best interests at heart, and I'm sure we will see plenty more nods and exciting moments, even if they are not all Derpy-centric!

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    168. This is a much much better response than Hasbro's silly PR line. I might disagree with why the reasoning behind the change, and I'm still annoyed with it, but at least there was some consideration before changing it.

      Also I really really liked her first voice, it was absolutely adorable. Am I the only one? Anyway hopefully we can put the whole sordid affair behind us now.

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    169. I really hope this is the last post on this subject. What is done, is done and the more we fight it = the worse we look. It's time to move onward and upward, people.

      Let's just concentrate on loving this show for all the good things it has brought us, rather than being upset about the one thing that has disappointed us.

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    170. dear ms rogers, im a german fan ^^ yes fans are everywhere ;) you did nothing wrong, u just want to present the best thing the viewers can watch.

      My personal meaning to the whole thing:

      Nobody can ever ever....(100 more)...ever reach all viewers in a good way. Everytime in the life anyone will be offended from the smallest inconspicuous thing in a show....

      But sometimes u have to defend the first idea of an character or something else.

      Here in Germany there is a saying for this:

      "Man kann es nicht allen Recht machen"

      in eng. ( i hope its the same meaning):

      "You can not please everyone"

      faithfully, Nico Gregus

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    171. I personally am still furious, but it's good to know who the anger should be directed at now.

      To those who decided that "derpy" was somehow a slur, FUCK you. You don't get to take our words, apply your own definitions to them, and then correct US based on that definition. It doesn't fucking work that way.

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    172. 'Derpy' was a wonderful thing for the majority. A few people who did not understand it ruined it for everyone.
      Those of us who are incensed about Derpy's removal should NOT just lie down and give up. If there is any time to stand up and do what you believe is right, it is NOW. #SaveDerpy is still my calling card, and it will be for a very, very long time.

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    173. @Derpestia I don't see how Zecora as a character can be in anyway portrayed as something hateful personally. I like the character and how it shows a culture far different than our own shouldn't be outcast as something alien and evil. That you should first learn about it before you just fear it and shun it away. I see it as something people of all generations could learn from just like every other moral this show touches. I certainly for one have looked back on my life so far and regret a great deal of the things ive done and the ways ive acted towards different groups of people or those who are different than me. It's how it was done in the enviroment i grew up in but i for one wont endorse it and will stand against it myself. But I mean if it offends you in some way you should think about why it offends you and try looking at it from another angle. Tunnel vision is what creates hate and chaos. Seeing something in another perspective can sometimes help you gain a greater understanding of a message or issue.

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    174. I hate to be "that guy," but according to this email, the ratio of derpy fans to anti-fans was about 100:5 . I really don't think cutting derpy was a smart decision. The show has gained a massive following of fans; don't bite the hand that feeds. And call me dumb, but I think the majority of that 5 were just trolls.

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    175. @Your Friend the Taxman

      She's still has her lop eyes in episode 18 so I'd say it was just an accidental correction from the cleanup department.

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    176. Thank you for clearing this up, I really am happy for that but I really don't get why the voice was changed... I mean if Hasbro or the crew or whoever just went out and said that the name could be considered offensive and why, and just changed that, people would be much more happy. At this point I don't feel like arguing, or see sense in it now, but the voice was better before.

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    177. @Nico

      Hey man id be more than happy for germans to hate hasbro.Would do the jews a favor.

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    178. Just goes to show 10 trolls can undermine 1000. This is where political correctness gets you. Now people will go around thinking derp is an "offensive term", and, by changing the scene, has reinforced it. Way to go.

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    179. @Derpestia
      well by 'this' I meant THIS show (MLP:FIM) but sure we can enjoy Transformers too I guess, I personally haven't watched the new show since I'm not a fan of 3D animation, but w/o Michael Bay's Transformer money that Hasbro got we might not have ever gotten MLP:FIM so Transformers gets my respect for that (Michael Bay doesn't though cause he's Michael Bay).

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    180. Augh, Derpy should've fallen under love tolerate and understanding, if they thought she was a tard, they should've accepted her and loved, tolerated, and understood her, not try to remove her... I've honestly seen a lot of less inteligent characters through the history of cartoons...

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    181. I am content with this.

      Not happy, but content.

      That's good enough. :)

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    182. @AlexReffand

      Send lots of hatemail to everyone hasbro the people who write for the show etc if you find a email spam hatemail to it FOR DERPY! (also complain about the zebra that things racist)

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    183. So, her name was originally and probably is now Ditzy Doo, a clumsy but well meaning pony. Personally, I find the dumb blonde trope tired, but whatever. I'm just glad the whole er-Ditzy Doo thing over.

      We still have Snails, and to a lesser extent Snips, for those who want differently-abled people represented in the show.

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    184. @Papa Prinny
      Enough with the save Derpy whats done is done let it go.

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    185. The only problem I have with the situation now, is that it took "deeper digging" to come up with some reference to "Derpy" meaning "retarded".

      Just how many true definitions of Derpy (IE: awkward, embarrassing) did they have to sift through before they finally found one with that definition? And what website was it, because they clearly have their definitions wrong.

      10 people were offended. Ten people out of how many tens of thousands? Smells like trolls to me, I'm sorry.

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    186. @Sothalic

      So "Derpy" can be seen as offensive but not Ditzy?

      Derp means nothing. It never was used to describe mental retardation. Crossed eyes, yes. Moments of stupidity or confusion, yes. But not mental retardation, and that some people are still trying to turn it into a slur out of nowhere is really disconcerting.

      In fact, not to start up a new argument but I think having a blonde named Ditzy is even "more ofensive"...

      ReplyDelete