Okay, so Dash has an ego, and occasionally she trips on it. Her pals know this. However, they also know she has a paralyzing fear of screwing up and being humiliated in public ("Sonic Rainboom"). Her pals also know this. I also know the series really doesn't do plot arcs, but this is also not too far removed from the Discord arc where they all got a dose of Mind Rape.
So why the hay do they all think it's a great idea to pull a prank designed to show their buddy up in front of everyone? It'd be a different matter if they pulled her aside and tried to tell her that the ego trip wasn't helping, or if they showed up as themselves to do heroic actions and pointed out how Dash is better off with allies, or called What The Hell Hero on the autograph sessions or things that could have got somepony killed.
Instead, they play on her Berserk Button and insecurities, and then gloat about how awesome they are in what's an inside joke to them, but a jerkass ploy to Dash, who's not in on the joke. Rarity didn't even get this kind of Humiliation Conga when she tried to steal Dash's thunder in "Sonic Rainboom," nor has Twilight been called out on how often she tries to pass herself off as the only sane pony.
Yes, the idea of not letting your ego get out of control is a good Aesop. It wasn't handled very well.
This one rubbed me the wrong way
Okay, so Dash has an ego, and occasionally she trips on it. Her pals know this. However, they also know she has a paralyzing fear of screwing up and being humiliated in public ("Sonic Rainboom"). Her pals also know this. I also know the series really doesn't do plot arcs, but this is also not too far removed from the Discord arc where they all got a dose of Mind Rape.
So why the hay do they all think it's a great idea to pull a prank designed to show their buddy up in front of everyone? It'd be a different matter if they pulled her aside and tried to tell her that the ego trip wasn't helping, or if they showed up as themselves to do heroic actions and pointed out how Dash is better off with allies, or called What The Hell Hero on the autograph sessions or things that could have got somepony killed.
Instead, they play on her Berserk Button and insecurities, and then gloat about how awesome they are in what's an inside joke to them, but a jerkass ploy to Dash, who's not in on the joke. Rarity didn't even get this kind of Humiliation Conga when she tried to steal Dash's thunder in "Sonic Rainboom," nor has Twilight been called out on how often she tries to pass herself off as the only sane pony.
Yes, the idea of not letting your ego get out of control is a good Aesop. It wasn't handled very well.