These days, no reputation is safe. One youthful indiscretion may present an impassable barricade to a lifelong dream. Still, history might be our guide to unhappily moving forward.

I have in mind, of course, the kingdom of Equestria. While ruled by the firm heels and gentle manes of Princesses Celestia and Luna, Equestria has had more than its share of (you’ll forgive the pun) of horsin’ around.

Friendship may be magic, but boundaries matter.

Even without carefully-preserved calendars, few residents can forget the spring celebration where Applejack had quite a bit to drink and besides being mouthy (asking Trixie to live up to her name) got a little hoovesy with Pound Cake. It was only Scootaloo’s quick thinking, as well as a series of written apologies and public service announcements that allowed the kingdom to heal.

A more serious transgression occurred when Big McIntosh and Snips conducted Equestria’s version of the Stanford Prison Experience at Equine Prep (well known for preparing students for prestigious universities). Although most of the recordings have been scrubbed, and the transcripts burnt, rumors persist to this day. Passersby may give the offending animals sidelong glances when they meet, even going so far as to suck their teeth, surprised that two ponies could act in such a heinous manner. Still, rules shape society. Simple tenets, albeit arbitrary at times, help guide complex behavior.

Moreover, it helps that horses are generally non-predatory. Situational influences on disposition may offer some excuse and, along with data from other obedience studies, account for why Rarity wasn’t banished after the fact.

By contrast, Sweetie Belle’s assertion that in the confusion no one could remember exactly what happened earned her a brief exile.

Finally, Shining Armor’s excuse, “I was pretty young then,” sat less well with the reviewing committee. He has yet to re-win the favor of the operational community. Nevertheless, history suggests if he waits long enough, or puts a humorous spin on it, an anecdote for a nightclub or Carnegie Hall, he will eventually regain some of his authority, though perhaps not his role as Captain of Canterlot royal guard.

It’s not Bronies we need to worry about, but publicly-funded misogyny.

Flattery, such as Scootaloo mentioning color popping off Sweetie Belle’s flank, or being distracted by a cutie mark, can be too easily misconstrued.  Therefore, when public attention comes, offenders simply turn enemies into elites. A lack of ties with the hoi polloi will engender apathy and possibly cowardice in any potential opposition. The trial, whatever it is, will become a mere footnote.

Excuses are cheap, as seen by candidates running for the local school board, city council, or federal government, those who keep in mind the wise words of Rainbow Dash in the episode Jokelypse Day!: “It was just a harmless prank! It was supposed to be funny!”

That’s the world now. Boof.