Why pony "cancer"?

[Whippycorn]

I never use the term 'pony cancer' as I have always felt the same way as Inky does about it.

I understand the linguistic origins of the phrase are valid, but I cannot help but think of human cancer and then feel the absurdity of the comparison. 

So I use the phrase 'age spots' instead.

[Papelilla]

I also think that the term is rather insensitive and iffy, so you are not alone, InkyMilk.

[Sarah-Bee]

While ever I've never been directly offended or upset by the term, I admit that when I'm listing eBay auctions I very rarely use the term 'cancer' and go with 'brown spots' instead so people can make their own mind up what these brown spots are. This is partly because I thought age spots were the ones without the dot in the middle and 'cancer' spots were the ones with the dot, but was never sure, so prefer to call it that so I don't inadvertently mislead anyone... but I also guess I don't like to write it out. I can totally understand why someone wouldn't want to see that term used. I just accept it because it makes sense for what it is and I don't put it anywhere near the same league as cancer as a disease in humans, but that's just me, I can definitely see why it would cause someone to think it was iffy or not a great word to use.

[sarafina]

I've never liked the term either - I seem to remember a discussion about it coming up previously in a thread about "unpopular" pony opinions.

[Pinecone]

I like the idea of calling it smooze instead, because it's less insensitive sounding and a nerdy pony reference.

[InkyMilk]

I like the idea of calling it smooze instead, because it's less insensitive sounding and a nerdy pony reference.

Oh man, that is such a cute idea! Haha, I love that, very pony appropriate and still certainly gets the right idea across

[Daiyuflower]

I like the idea of calling it smooze instead, because it's less insensitive sounding and a nerdy pony reference.

Oh man, that is such a cute idea! Haha, I love that, very pony appropriate and still certainly gets the right idea across

Except that "smooze" is actually used to refer to pindot mold, so that could be kind of misleading if you using it when trying to make sales. 

I've actually never been offended by the using the term cancer for ponies...I just never linked it with human cancer.  I mean, people's pets and animals get cancer too, not just people. 

[Rosencrantz]

I like calling it smooze too! But I normally use brown spots or 'nooooo! nooo!'

I see where you're coming from, InkyMilk.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Well, it's true to say that these terms were coined in a completely different attitude towards MLP.  A lot of people don't know much about the chemical processes that are going on when you clean them - like, what can go wrong when you use zit cream on a stain? Or sunfade the wrong white pony?  Or ruin pink hair?  Or if you never take the heads off...

Now we know a little more, due to some AWESOME pony people who used MLP in thier technical professions and hobbies, about what happens long-term to this vinyl stuff we love so much.

Using terms like "age spots" are definitely a different kind of thing than "smooze/pindot mold".  It depends on if the collector is familiar with the difference between the two, and if that sort of thing matters in their herd.    And there certainly are things I would agree are age spots and can't be helped, and maybe that's what most "cancer" turns into over 25-30 years.    The spots that look like dark dark blemishes can somewhat be stopped but then you have that lighter stained spot, but there are less and less "active" ponies the more people find them and clean them up.  I haven't seen a pony with "active mold" causing the darker stain in awhile... mostly just the age-spots that come from the stained, "nonactive mold" pony. 

So perhaps it's easier to change the definitions a little... but we have to recognize that all sorts of terms have been used in collecting over the last three decades by people who have seen the slow deterioration of ponies overall. 

So there is room for everyone to love ponies!    *throws restorable G1s out to anyone who made it through this post*

[Saiko]

I thought that we referred to it as 'cancer' as it's one of the worst things that can happen to a pony, and to call it by a human illness just shows how much affection we have for ponies.

I've never been too put off by the term. My grandmother has lived through skin cancer on her face, and it was pretty much the worst thing we've gone through as a family, but if I let myself be reminded of that situation every time I read the word (especially in regards to toys, and one of my favourite things) well, I'd be a bit of a crying wreck.

I can totally see why some people would be shocked by the term though.

[MsTwilight]

I absolutely hate the term. Collectors of other toys call it less severe names, like "age spots" or with Strawberry Shortcake it is called VDS (vinyl deterioration spots).

[Like A Tea Spoon]

I thought that we referred to it as 'cancer' as it's one of the worst things that can happen to a pony, and to call it by a human illness just shows how much affection we have for ponies.

  Couldn't have said it better myself.

[will2Bfree]

I thought that we referred to it as 'cancer' as it's one of the worst things that can happen to a pony, and to call it by a human illness just shows how much affection we have for ponies.

I think that's a great example of what "trivializing" it meant. Putting pony toys on par with human lives. And you're not wrong to think that; it does give people that impression. That's part of what is most bothering others, I think.

I've never been too put off by the term. My grandmother has lived through skin cancer on her face, and it was pretty much the worst thing we've gone through as a family, but if I let myself be reminded of that situation every time I read the word (especially in regards to toys, and one of my favourite things) well, I'd be a bit of a crying wreck.

First of all, I'm glad she was able to pull through. Second of all, I think it's sad that people who are reminded of their personal experiences by it, have to build up a wall in order to participate in something they enjoy and that should be fun (ponies).

I absolutely hate the term. Collectors of other toys call it less severe names, like "age spots" or with Strawberry Shortcake it is called VDS (vinyl deterioration spots).

VDS is the best alternative I've seen yet. The abbreviation is even shorter and easier than the word "cancer", but it's actually much more descriptive for what is really going on.

I think when the condition first started appearing not much was known about it or why it was happening, so the term was chosen as something generic that could cover many causes. But now that it's better understood, it could probably use a better name.

[Takoto]

Cancer has affected my life in the forms of people in my family, and my first pet died of a cancerous growth (I'm not 100% sure if it WAS cancer, but the Vet always called it "cancer" and "cancerous tumours"), but I'm honestly not offended in the slightest by the term, personally, however I know cancer is something which devastates lives and families; I've never had to use any term akin to "Pony cancer" but if I had to, I'd probably use a different, lighter term, just because I don't really want to trigger anyone.

So yeah, personally I have no problem with the term, but won't use the term out of respect.