Why are we all even doing this?

[ciztoi 5]

I apologize in advance...  I've been trying to distance myself from this fandom for... well, now it's over 2 years, but it's never worked.  I just get worse, and feel worse and worse about myself.

 

Why are we all a part of this objectively meaningless group that has an interest in something people in general doesn't approve of?  It's not normal.  And by that, I mean, it doesn't fit society's definition of normal, and that's the only thing that matters.  How can you take yourself seriously doing this?  I know I can't take myself seriously.

 

I became part of this mess 3 years ago at the beginning of season 2.  The next 8 months or so were some of the happiest, most blissfully ignorant months of my life.  I read millions and millions of words of fanfiction.  I followed lots of pony ask blogs, regularly browsed deviantart, et cetera et cetera.  I listened to pony music and almost nothing else every day.  Then my friends all quit the pony stuff.  I "quit" as well.  Some people probably are aware, but most people don't know I'm a brony.  I'm constantly ashamed of the new levels of embarrassment I descend to over time.  I've seen so many people with severe, severe social impediments who are bronies and I can't help but feel like one of them, even though I'm nowhere near as bad as them.  These feelings are what have prevented me from applying for a programmer in many major projects despite that I would like to (regardless of the looming threat of C&Ds) and feel I would be able to make a contribution.

 

Why are you still here?  Have you managed to somehow come to terms with your interests?

[boiteporte 591]

I keep IVL and IRL totally separate. it is as if I am two different people. So, even though I talk about ponies online, it does not affect me IRL in any way.

Does this answer your question, or am I missing the point  here ?

[碇 シンジン 27,432]

I'm here because society's definition of normal is not normal. Normal is that what YOU decide is normal to do. Society has had big enough impact me already. I've driven myself into corner because I tried to be 'normal' , but I wasn't happy. I was happy when I joined here and saw that I don't need to try to be someone else to be accepted.

 

If you are following this society's normal thing I hope you are happy doing it because I wasn't, because important thing is that you are happy. You shouldn't force yourself into something society says is normal if it makes you unhappy. And if something that isn't 'normal' makes you happy then you should ignore the haters and those guys who try to ruin happines because

 

[M'aiq the Liar 5,804]

I'm here because at the end of the day I want to. Thanks to my personal history as a actual combat veteran, I tend to just do whatever I want to and not have to worry about accusations of being un-masculine, I have basically reached a point were thanks to my history I can do whatever I want and face no negative social connotations.

 

But at the end of the day, you have to make that choice for your reason as to why you stay. You can attempt to follow the societal norm and leave this all behind, or you may do as you wish and disregard what the faceless masses of broken consumerists find as normal.

[Pinkamena-Pills 6,839]

Well , i sort of don't give a damn about societal norms , or what it "approves of", it's certainly not "the only thing that matters" to me, so there's that out the window. 

 

Seems to me like you hate yourself for being a brony, or for once being one. Shame, because you shouldn't. Owell, different strokes for different folks i guess. 

 

Now ill give you this. You ask "why are we all even doing this"? Well its simple: Because we want to, and because we can. And some people(much like myself) are pretty darn happy enjoying mlp. And some people like to converse together to share their interest(some more than others), its only human nature, nothing abnormal about it.  

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,676]

I honestly am not getting the question here. Are you asking why we are 'obsessed' with the show or something? Personally, I just love the show, I love the positive atmosphere and the positive message it promotes. I don't listen to fan music, I don't browse for fan art or even read fan fictions. I still enjoy what I enjoy whether it is pony related or not. MLP is just one of my larger enjoyments and I am perfectly fine with that.

 

Yes, we go against the norm of society, that's good is it not? Why is that a bad thing? Who cares what society thinks. Society is pretty messed up, it has a lot of problems. It really isn't worth molding your life around what others see as 'normal'.

 

Enjoy what you enjoy, regardless of what 'society' thinks.

[KokuraiNoSenshi 3,463]

...I like the show and the people? Yeah, weird, I know. I'm a fan of something, so I stay a fan. Spooky, amiright?

[Moonlight 7,287]

Forcing yourself to fit society's standards of 'normal' has always been weird to me. No one is actually normal, and we all have strange entertainment choices or lifestyles, so you might as well just embrace it. You don't have to tell people you like the show as your interests are not other people's business. Fuck normal, be strange, and most importantly, be happy.

[Revy ~ Two Hands 862]

This is bait, a comment like this from a new user. Hello 4chan,ED. Sorry you didn't get the response you wanted.

[DND 2,355]

I don't know about you, but society's standards aren't really that great and capable of applying to everybody. You also have to remember that this fandom thing has been around a long while before the brony phenomenon. Why am I doing this? Well, because I do this with everything else I appreciate and I love sharing and viewing content of thus shared interests. Considering this is a thing all over the internet and if it makes you feel a little bit better, wouldn't this apply to society's standards of the internet as well? As long as it doesn't endanger any important details of your life being a brony, I say try to avoid people who are not exposed to internet culture who might take it as a interest and mindset only of the mentally impared. (Of course society as well takes this as a horrible thing to be associated with in all levels)

Edited October 30, 2014 by IncognitoKiwoy

[EquestriaGuy 1,074]

It's fun to share our enjoyment of something that's so optimistic, goodhearted, and happy. Basking in the creativity is awesome, too.

[Nulln 755]

Why is society's definition of normal the only thing that matters?

 

Being a part of a group that shares an interest you have isn't meaningless.

 

I'm really not sure why it would make you upset and feel bad about yourself?  It's just a show.  If you don't like it anymore, don't watch it.  If you still like it, then watch it.  There's no need to become obsessed with it, if that's what you're getting at.

[[NULL] 906]

I guess I'm here, just because I like the show. I'm getting really sick of the fanbase though, so I guess I don't know why I'm here. Maybe because of the occasional fans who aren't obsessed and overly sensitive, responding to every obvious troll comment. ("99.99% aren't like that" my ass.)

[EquestriaGuy 1,074]

What society pushes us to like, and what we actually like, are two completely different things. The brownie fandom is an expression of personal affections, not guided by anti intellectual marketing campaigns, or peer pressure to come off as the most macho guy around. 

[Thrashy 2,800]

No one is actually normal

 

This is pretty much a statistical truth. Even if we're to regard "normal" as synonymous with "average", consider this: If you were to list 30 things about yourself, the likelihood that you'd fall into the "average" range for every single one of those traits is extremely low.

 

Everyone, and I mean everyone has quirks. Even Mr. Norm McBoringass across the street, who seems average in every conceivable way, is guaranteed to have some skeletons in his closet.

 

That said, just because society doesn't view one thing about you as "normal" doesn't mean that's all that matters. All that matters is your character. If the people you interact with are reasonably intelligent, they will look past your quirks as long as you display strength of character. Those who are quick to demonize you, well, I think it's completely fair to say they're not the brightest crayons in the box.

[NotoriousSMALL 1,984]

I do what I enjoy and I enjoy my little pony. I don't let it completely define me, though. I'm not a "brony", I'm just someone who likes MLP and some of the products of the fandom. Although there was a time where it seized my life I took a break and when I came back I didn't let it consume me again. I have a comfortable balance with my social life and internet life.

[Admiral Regulus 2,769]

Why am I doing this, you ask? Hmm... let me think. I smell a troll, but perhaps I can give you a truthful answer.

 

For one, I like the show. I first started watching MLP back in December of 2011. Despite its "girlyness," I found that it was really enjoyable to watch. Over time, I started liking it more and more. Season one was okay, season two was good, season three was good, and season four was absolutely amazing. There's nothing wrong with liking a good cartoon, now is there?

 

Another thing, I actually like the community and what it produces. It's pretty refreshing to see what other fans can do with their talents. Sure, society thinks its weird to take such a thing to such a level of obsession, but I actually think it's kinda cool. Whatever floats your goat, man. What you like makes up the biggest part of who you are. It's absurd to try to shove that aside. I've had obsessions before and lost them... whenever that happens, it's a very sad day. Those obsessions are what makes life so amazing.

 

Lastly, I'm here because I enjoy talking to other people. It doesn't necessarily have to be MLP—it could be Star Trek, video games, sports, cars, Disney, anime, or whatever. It doesn't matter what you're passionate about, the best thing about being a fan of something is that it allows you to meet more people you otherwise wouldn't know or connect with. Perhaps you are finding that bronies are weird and you don't really like them, or something similar to that. But you know what? I don't give a crap. I am weird. To be around people weirder than me is, quite honestly, a breath of fresh air. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

I don't feel any shame about being a brony. In fact, I'm actually somewhat proud of it. I'm proud of myself for being able to watch a girl's show without judging it negatively. Knowing other bronies has allowed me to make friends I otherwise wouldn't have had. The fandom as a whole provides an excellent creative outlet. Really, I only have positive things to say.

Edited October 26, 2014 by Regulus

[AnonBrony 1,468]

I've been in the fandom as long as you have sir (join sep 7 2011) and I feel no shame, no and embarrassment. Although most don't know I'm a brony, the ones that do dont care and I feel no shame if it ever comes up.

 

Now why am I still here? The same reason I've been in this community for 3 years: Its awesome. Not just the show but many of the fans and content the fans create as well. It's amazing. Ive had great memories with this community and have experienced many awesome things. The show and the fan stuff is also very entertaining. Despite what others may say many of the fans are also great people. Loving, fun, and creative. I have also met and made several friends cuz of this fandom as well.

 

There is no reason why I shouldn't still be here hahaha! And don't give me that "it aint normal" crap. Cuz that aint true. It is normal. Cuz its diferent. Normality in a way is sorta what is common in society... and society it pretty diverse and full of different people. So in a way normal is different... and different is normal. But that's beside the point. The point is its something we like, that we enjoy, so why should we stop enjoying it? Because others think its weird? Pfft that's just silly. 

[Banul 3,831]

Why are we all a part of this objectively meaningless group that has an interest in something people in general doesn't approve of?  It's not normal.  And by that, I mean, it doesn't fit society's definition of normal, and that's the only thing that matters.  How can you take yourself seriously doing this?  I know I can't take myself seriously.

 

I tried to fit in to what society said was normal and the only thing it brought me was misery. Now I accept that I'm weird and I feel much better for it.

 

I'm here because I like being here. I like this show and I like this community. That's all I really need.

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm here for the entertainment value.

[Alex Z 848]

The reason I'm here is because I really enjoy MLP. It's one of the shows I watch to escape my regular life. I use these forums because I enjoy interacting with other people in the fandom. I've been a brony since 2012.

Edited February 16, 2015 by The Crazy Luna Fan

[ciztoi 5]

So of those that gave an actual response, the general pattern I'm seeing is "I enjoy it, and what others think is irrelevant to that fact" or "normal is relative".  I'm also seeing responses that remind the reader that what society expects us to be and what we want to be are orthogonal concepts.

 

I agree with this, but I feel that because of the circumstances of our culture the way others think about you will still affect your life anyway.  I understand "normal" is relative, but I can't ever stop seeing that the vast majority of society adheres to a single definition of normal.  Maybe to others this isn't a problem, but to me I constantly feel "wrong" for living the way I do because of it.  Locally, in our culture, the norm is an "absolute", that is, you're deviating from the expected behavior of the vast majority of society.

 

I'm also seeing responses that separate our online and offline lives to be independent of each other, which I can definitely appreciate.  That's essentially what I've been trying to do as well.  If it were possible to entirely separate these two "lives" (which is difficult when you live with someone), then ideally there would be no problems.

 

Since people seem to think this is a troll thread, I guess I'll just leave after this.  I kept this reply short because obviously some people would have preferred this thread didn't exist.  Oh well, right?

[boiteporte 591]

 

 

I'm also seeing responses that separate our online and offline lives to be independent of each other, which I can definitely appreciate.

 

That was my answer right there, lol. 

[Soldier Surplus 232]

So of those that gave an actual response, the general pattern I'm seeing is "I enjoy it, and what others think is irrelevant to that fact" or "normal is relative".  I'm also seeing responses that remind the reader that what society expects us to be and what we want to be are orthogonal concepts.

 

I agree with this, but I feel that because of the circumstances of our culture the way others think about you will still affect your life anyway.  I understand "normal" is relative, but I can't ever stop seeing that the vast majority of society adheres to a single definition of normal.  Maybe to others this isn't a problem, but to me I constantly feel "wrong" for living the way I do because of it.  Locally, in our culture, the norm is an "absolute", that is, you're deviating from the expected behavior of the vast majority of society.

 

I'm also seeing responses that separate our online and offline lives to be independent of each other, which I can definitely appreciate.  That's essentially what I've been trying to do as well.  If it were possible to entirely separate these two "lives" (which is difficult when you live with someone), then ideally there would be no problems.

 

Since people seem to think this is a troll thread, I guess I'll just leave after this.  I kept this reply short because obviously some people would have preferred this thread didn't exist.  Oh well, right?

HOLD IT! You use the word normal like it's you birth right. Like others that have posted, I like being here, and everyone is friendly(well most of the time). Screw normal and the word altogether! Isn't everyone different? What's this normal crap?!

Edit: Wasn't there a problem with people in the first place? Why separate what you enjoy? If it helps you sleep at night then fine, I don't care....

Edited October 26, 2014 by Soldier Surplus

[Night Fire 115]

Well, let's take a look at something then shall we? I'm new here, I tend to over think some things, but this, I'm going to take a shot at.

 

"Why are we all even doing this?"

 

I'm afraid, there might not be so simple an answer as "I'm doing this cause of A, B, or C. " It comes down to a ton of rationales.

 

But what I can offer, in my opinion, take it as you will; something that might answer it a bit?

 

We all, and we're only humans are always looking to be a part of something bigger, I believe it's our nature. "Join the Herd" how many times do you hear and see that? Why? Because we, as people, want to have a chance to help something grow, become more grand and wondrous than before.

Take a look at the music, the art, the comics, the episodes, the animations, the absolute outpouring of creativity from people who decided, that they wanted to show their love, or respect, or just a passion, for something. Whether it's ponies, Sci-Fi, Civil War re-enactors, it doesn't matter, it's what you want to do with your participation in what you join. Some love to read stories, some to watch the show, others do it all, art, music, whatever.

 

Or maybe, people, some I know of, that just want a little peace, maybe some innocence in a life where maybe they've seen the worst humanity had to offer, and it helps them regain what they've lost?

 

So the reasons vary, there's no simple answer. But I can say this, what you do while participating, if it makes you happy, enjoying something special, then fine, that's all you really need.

 

Just my two bits here.

 

Night Fire