Adachi 772 July 19, 2015 Share July 19, 2015 I think the main thing is most people are fine with us liking MLP if we don't shove it in their faces. There are many Bronies who get overenthusiastic and bring up the show every chance they get, and now that we're starting to get more and more accepted and more and more people are mentioning the show, and having MLP avatars, the people who dislike the show feel there's no escape from it. So I can't blame anyone who doesn't want to be labelled as a Brony. They just want to enjoy their favourite show in peace without getting harassed or stepping on anyone's toes. 2 “I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man’s reasoning powers are not above the monkey’s.” — Mark Twain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celli 4,338 July 19, 2015 Share July 19, 2015 I'm neutral on the topic. I think it's silly to get worked up over being labeled, but I also think it's silly to berate someone for not wanting to be labled. A pointless argument if you ask me. As for me, I'd consider myself a brony even if I only watched the show. Just my two cents. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nila Bean 133 July 19, 2015 Share July 19, 2015 I don't understand why some people are trying to force a label on someone else. I'm actually surprised the OP hasn't responded to some of these, because some people are being sorta rude for no reason whatsoever. I can think of a label to describe how some people are acting like in this thread, but they probably wouldn't want to be called it. Figures. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VulpineTaco 525 July 19, 2015 Share July 19, 2015 I was thinking of doing the opposite. I love the fan works and style of MLP, but the show holds no interest to me anymore. 1 "For every loud and idiotic kid in front of a computer, there's a quiet and passionate kid in front of a computer." --Einstein on Video Games,2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shanks 10,816 July 19, 2015 Share July 19, 2015 the people who dislike the show feel there's no escape from it. I have never understood that argument, you have bronies that take the show too serious and can be a bit too pushy, but how is the prevalence of pony pics, avatars ect the same thing as actually shoving it down someones throat? I have seen a lot of anime pics and avatars and that brought up a lot so by that standard that is forcing that on people. If we are going to have a standard like that then lets apply to EVERYONE and not just bronies please. There seems to be a lot of things which so many different fandoms do that bronies either get judged more harshly or judged when those other ones aren't even judged at all. 2 Rarity Get's Cockroaches Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adachi 772 July 19, 2015 Share July 19, 2015 I have never understood that argument, you have bronies that take the show too serious and can be a bit too pushy, but how is the prevalence of pony pics, avatars ect the same thing as actually shoving it down someones throat? I have seen a lot of anime pics and avatars and that brought up a lot so by that standard that is forcing that on people. If we are going to have a standard like that then lets apply to EVERYONE and not just bronies please. There seems to be a lot of things which so many different fandoms do that bronies either get judged more harshly or judged when those other ones aren't even judged at all. That's not how I feel, I'm saying there are people who feel that way. I feel that way, just with different things. I admit that it is an immature reaction, although as long as one keeps that thought to themself, it's justified, because sometimes people just can't help overreacting to things. 1 “I am quite sure now that often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man’s reasoning powers are not above the monkey’s.” — Mark Twain Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buck Testa 5,505 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 Your comparison is actually apples to oranges. When you look at it from a Japanese perspective, it's understandable why some won't adopt the term "otaku." In the United States, "otaku" is seen as a term of endearment, like manga geek or anime geek. In Japan, "otaku" apparently has a very different meaning and attitude. There, "otaku" isn't confined to anime and manga, is equivalent to someone being obsessed, and considered a very derogatory insult. Probably as much an insult there as the "weeaboo" slur in Internet cyberbully culture. Its really not apples and oranges at all. The term Brony comes with it many of the same allegations that Otaku have, including the Obsession thing which you pointed out. The social stigma for calling yourself one is quite strong, just like the social stigma is strong in japan for calling yourself an otaku. If someone doesn't want to deal with the inherent backlash that comes from calling themselves a brony then they have every right to do that. I don't care about the backlash myself because people who would stress and rant over what I find entertaining are not worth my time to begin with. 2 http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Billy%20G%20Gruff http://billyggruff.deviantart.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVpSXbUpDYTcaFHTPiPjYA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virgo.Dawn 15 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 (edited) Edit: Before you read the rest of this, I feel this quote from earlier describes a lot of what I didn't already: Ok I'll try and explain this, bare with me. We are all fighting over what it means to be a "Brony", since the definition is so obscure that my cat could be a "Brony." The problem being some people don't want to be called a "Brony" for one reason or another. Why is this a problem, you might ask? Because it indirectly reinforces multiple negative stereotypes AND it divides the community to some degree. The only reason this is an argument is because some people put the community, and everyone in it, ahead of themselves, so they adopt the name to be a positive influence. People really care about this community, because it's fun, generally nice, and networking/making friends is easy. Some would go to ends of the universe to keep the community going, and it's these people who willingly use the name "Brony." With that out of the way... Before I was in this fandom, I was in another fandom. Furry, to be exact. I did not deserve then to feel like hell for being a furry. There was nothing wrong with me being one. But at the same time, the image that that title brings to mind brought me so much internalized self hatred, and so much guilt, that I predominantly identified as and tried to push the title of Anthro. It didn't change the fact that I went to the same sites that furries did, it didn't change that I was into the same things. But it was an attempt to disassociate myself from all the negative connotations that being a furry brings with it. Did it change anything? No, because to the outside world, I was still a Furry, which is the catch all term for anyone into anything involving talking cartoon animal people. That may not be fair, but much of the world will not care to differentiate one tribe of a particular interest or community from another tribe. If they already don't like X, and you identify as something like X, they will simply still go after you for being X. This fandom faces the same kind of division and self loathing that furries do, and weaboos / anime fans to a lesser extent. We try to distinguish ourselves from each other. Those from 4chan's /mlp/ and other chanboards call themselves ponyf*ckers / horsef*ckers like it's a badge of honor, but to the rest of the world? They're still bronies. Bronies, being the catch-all for an adult fan of my little pony. Some may allow you to differentiate yourself from the negative image of being an adult mlp fan, but the majority simply won't just care, and will call you what they desire, and will do what they please with you in their treatment. So, ultimately, I would say the answer is try to come to terms with this the best that you possibly can. If you can adopt a "f*ck all of you, I'm me and I at least deserve my own respect", that's great, but I know not everyone can. I've tried. I tried with Furry, and I tried with Brony. And really, I am still a Furry, as much I don't want to admit that. But I shouldn't be. I know I shouldn't be. But like with so many other things, the world will still try it's damnedest to hurt you for anything. Even being a harmless fan of a little girl's cartoon. The best thing I can possibly say here, is to be comfortable with yourself, however you can. Beyond that? The best way I couldn't put it myself just yet, has been put here: http://juniorbizarre.tumblr.com/post/45695139663 http://juniorbizarre.tumblr.com/post/124518900194 It's your skin. You should be comfortable with it. Edited July 20, 2015 by Virgo.Dawn 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Qiviut 22,444 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 (edited) Do you call the females that don't want to be called pegasisters that also? I don't, because the reasons why are objectively better than the brony separatists who won't adopt "brony." "Brony" is the gender- and age-neutral term for all fans of FIM. "Pegasister" was born/revived out of the sexist lie that "brony" translates to a male fan of FIM, so "pegasister" is used for female bronies only. Like "FIM fan =/= brony," "pegasister" inherently divides the bronies into male and female by making it female-oriented. What about the bronies who don't identify in the binary? Then there's the lie that because "brony" has a masculine undertone, it's inappropriate for women to use "brony" compared to "pegasister" or any other title that feels feminine. To echo my blog here, neither masculinity and femininity are exclusive for both genders. They're gender-blind social constructs. Again, where do the people who don't identify with the binary (sex, gender, or both) go to? To confine "masculinity" and "femininity" both to "male" and "female," respectively, is very antifeminist and goes against the very core of the show. Because "pegaister" is born out of the implication that "brony = male FIM fan," "pegasister" is blatantly sexist. "Pegasisters" are bronies, too. To believe otherwise is to believe the bold-faced bullshit the fandom fights against and strands non-binary bronies on an island. There are many Bronies who get overenthusiastic and bring up the show every chance they get, and now that we're starting to get more and more accepted and more and more people are mentioning the show, and having MLP avatars, the people who dislike the show feel there's no escape from it. So I can't blame anyone who doesn't want to be labelled as a Brony. I see this reason — more specifically, excuse — all the time, including back when I first joined this place. It's no less stupid now as it was back then. There are reasons why bronies get really enthusiastic: They love the show. If anyone feels they're being a bit too pushy, tell them personally to calm down a bit. If it doesn't work, leave them be and let others take care of it. But it's stupid to judge the person as a whole because of it. In addition, if anyone believes the idea that talking about FIM, showing your loyalty through texts or avatars, referencing it here or there, publishing fanwork, etc. equates to not escaping or shoving it in others' face, then they have no idea what "shoving in your face" truly means. But more importantly, the second anyone uses them as any reason for trying to "distance" themselves, then they're either creating a problem that either is much smaller than they claim or doesn't exist or being the problem. Moreover, to echo what I wrote on page one, you (general "you") won't separate yourself from brony stereotypes by being a separatist. On the contrary, you'll only fit into them more accurately than the bronies you're trying to dissuade by using these stereotypes to try to look like the better fan, even if you claim it's not true. To say "I'm an FIM, but not a brony" inherently divides the fandom and makes bronies look like creeps. There's no factually good reason for anyone to scapegoat fans for anything, period. Its really not apples and oranges at all. The term Brony comes with it many of the same allegations that Otaku have, including the Obsession thing which you pointed out. The social stigma for calling yourself one is quite strong, just like the social stigma is strong in japan for calling yourself an otaku. If someone doesn't want to deal with the inherent backlash that comes from calling themselves a brony then they have every right to do that. I don't care about the backlash myself because people who would stress and rant over what I find entertaining are not worth my time to begin with. No, it is apples and oranges. In the West, bronies fight long and hard to fight off the stereotypes of a name that has no inherent connotation. Socially conservative society and the dirty cyberbully culture online treat the brony stereotype like the Sonic fan stereotype, furry stereotype, and so on. That by liking these products, you're one of these gross, porn-loving monsters lurking in the sewers of your own house. Fortunately, plenty of pockets online and in Western society are far more progressive than that, and the rest of the brony fandom and reliable news sources help dispel the stereotypes. This dispelling can be found with just a click on Google. Even colorist Heather Breckel challenged the stereotypes. In the U.S., "otaku" merely means anime or manga geek, and geek culture isn't so frowned upon here anymore. In fact, pulling this crap can accomplish the opposite, like the negative reception for a former Gizmodo intern after she bashed a top-level Magic the Gathering player in an article simply because of his hobby. But in Japan, culture is far more conservative, and "otaku" is one of the consequences. In Japan, "otaku" doesn't mean being simply a fan of anime or manga, but an obsessor of any kind of hobby, like trains, video games, clothes, etc. There, to use "otaku" is to grossly condemn somebody, which you don't get here. Considering how important culture is in Japan, it's believable why some there won't use it. Unlike anime/manga fans in Japan, bronies have no excuse to "separate" from the term. Nonetheless, I prefer anime fans worldwide to "get that term back." In other words, fight back the stereotypes and make "otaku" completely progressive no matter where you live or where you go. Edited July 20, 2015 by Dark Qiviut "Talent is a pursued interest." — Bob Ross Pro-Brony articles: 1/2/3/4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 (edited) I don't, because the reasons why are objectively better than the brony separatists who won't adopt "brony." "Brony" is the gender- and age-neutral term for all fans of FIM. The term brony feels like little more than trying to defend ones masculinity for liking a show that was previously believed for girls. The term "Brony" itself is another way for male fans to push the idea that they need to tag the word "bro" onto something feminine so it does not come off as feminine, because feminine items themselves are bad. You can argue that "bro" is a gender neutral term as much as you like, but that does not make it so. If there is a female fan who does not wish to be labeled with a term such as "bro" then to force it upon her is to force her to conform to male terms and thus dis-empower her. "Pegasister" was born/revived out of the lie that "brony" translates to a male fan of FIM, so "pegasister" is used for female bronies only. Like "FIM fan =/= brony," "pegasister" inherently divides the bronies into male and female by making it female-oriented. What about the bronies who don't identify in the binary? They may create any other term for themselves that they desire. Then there's the lie that because "brony" has a masculine undertone, it's inappropriate for women to use "brony" compared to "pegasister" or any other title that feels feminine. To echo my blog here, neither masculinity and femininity are exclusive for both genders. They're gender-blind social constructs. Again, where do the people who don't identify with the binary (sex, gender, or both) go to? Quoting yourself as a source? I am sorry, but to say that the term "bro" is a gender-blind social construct is pretty bold. I am certain if I ask several random strangers what they think of when they think of the word "bro" they will almost all state something that is male. So clearly that is not how the public interprets the term. To confine "masculinity" and "femininity" both to "male" and "female," respectively, is very antifeminist. It's very sexist for anyone to believe "brony" translates to male only. Actually it's sexist to force women to conform to a title that has male connotations in it. The only true solution to the problem is to create a term that has no contents that have basis in gender identities at all. Your argument falls apart when I point out that the term "MLP Fan" does not carry any gender terms at all, and thus all fans should be called that as it is less sexist and less applying gender roles than "brony" or "pegasister". Consequently, "pegasister" is blatantly sexist. "Pegasisters" are bronies, too. To believe otherwise is to believe the bold-faced bullshit the fandom fights against and strands non-binary bronies on an island. Forcing women to fall into a group that dons a masculine title and denying them the right to their own title is far more sexist, my friend. You'll need a better argument than that. But more importantly, the second anyone uses them as any reason for trying to "distance" themselves, then they're either creating a problem that either is much smaller than they claim or doesn't exist or being the problem. Moreover, to echo what I wrote on page one, you (general "you") won't separate yourself from brony stereotypes by being a separatist. On the contrary, you'll only fit into them more accurately than the bronies you're trying to dissuade by using these stereotypes to try to look like the better fan, even if you claim it's not true. To say "I'm an FIM, but not a brony" inherently divides the fandom and makes bronies look like creeps. There's no factually good reason for anyone to scapegoat fans for anything, period. And minimizing the problem of problematic fans does not shrink the problem either. You're rather apologetic for fans who are creating the negative stereotypes, and instead pushing the blame on those who wish to get away from them. Point the finger at the problem, not those trying to escape it. If you are that concerned about the issue, the solution is not to force people into the fandom, it would be to moderate those within it better so that people would not feel as ashamed to be associated with it. Screaming at people for wanting to get away from it only pushes them away more. You sitting here yelling at me to accept the title of brony doesn't make me wish for it anymore, and only makes me less and less keen on the idea. You're clearly coming from a place of personal offense and honestly you're coming off as very non-progressive. You're passing the blame onto others, and pointing the finger at the innocent trying to villanize them to fuel your own personal agenda. How many people have you actually convinced to don your title with this kind of argument? I am betting not many. Edited July 21, 2015 by Guest Removing another line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuyNamedEarl 1,332 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 I definitely feel brony isn't just someone who watches the show, but enjoys it and forms relations and connections with other fans of the show. Creator of MLP Ruined Vines and Recorder Sh*t Equestria's Biggest Hip-Hop Nerd Everyday is Leg Day! Follow me on Twitter: @EarlBrony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buck Testa 5,505 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 (edited) No, it is apples and oranges. In the West, bronies fight long and hard to fight off the stereotypes of a name that has no inherent connotation. Socially conservative society and the dirty cyberbully culture online treat the brony stereotype like the Sonic fan stereotype, furry stereotype, and so on. That by liking these products, you're one of these gross, porn-loving monsters lurking in the sewers of your own house. Fortunately, plenty of pockets online and in Western society are far more progressive than that, and the rest of the brony fandom and reliable news sources help dispel the stereotypes. This dispelling can be found with just a click on Google. Even colorist Heather Breckel challenged the stereotypes. In the U.S., "otaku" merely means anime or manga geek, and geek culture isn't so frowned upon here anymore. In fact, pulling this crap can accomplish the opposite, like the negative reception for a former Gizmodo intern after she bashed a top-level Magic the Gathering player in an article simply because of his hobby. But in Japan, culture is far more conservative, and "otaku" is one of the consequences. In Japan, "otaku" doesn't mean being simply a fan of anime or manga, but an obsessor of any kind of hobby, like trains, video games, clothes, etc. There, to use "otaku" is to grossly condemn somebody, which you don't get here. Considering how important culture is in Japan, it's believable why some there won't use it. Unlike anime/manga fans in Japan, bronies have no excuse to "separate" from the term. Nonetheless, I prefer anime fans worldwide to "get that term back." In other words, fight back the stereotypes and make "otaku" completely progressive no matter where you live or where you go. I know you think you are right, and there are some points to be made in what you said, however you are forgetting that people are not inherently obligated to fight for causes like this nor should they be. Saddling someone with some near religious imperative to spread the word of their specific fandom is inherently flawed and radical ways of thinking. If you were using this kind of argument for something like fighting back against racism or sexism or homophobia that is understandable, because people don't choose to be in those positions and they shouldn't be judged and harassed for them. We are talking about a label for being a fan of a cartoon show, not a new social movement. Otaku is a purely derogatory term, one associated with an actual child killer among other things, regardless how it is used in the west I am not interested in having such a label put on me simply for liking anime. People don't harass me about liking my little pony because I don't make a big deal about it, I'm not shoving it in their faces like a religious zealot. If they ask me if I'm a brony I say sure, if they ask me why I say I need some rainbows and sunshine in my life every now and then and it helped me through a rough time, and most rational individuals get that and let it rest there. Others actually grow interested in the show because they are curious about how I can be so casual about saying it. This isn't a calling in life, its a fun little pass time that people can choose to be apart of or not in whatever capacity they want. I'll fight for lgbt rights or against racism and sexism till the cows come home, because those are things worth fighting for. This is a cartoon show, like many other animated things I have watched and will watch. If I want to use the label that comes with it I will, and if I don't, i wont. I don't care about some movement based in cartoons because I am NOT obsessed, I am NOT otaku, not for anime nor for mlp. If you want to be this serious about pastel ponies that's your business, but like I said originally you do you, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Edited July 20, 2015 by Buck Testa 1 http://www.fimfiction.net/user/Billy%20G%20Gruff http://billyggruff.deviantart.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPVpSXbUpDYTcaFHTPiPjYA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luna the Great of all the Russias 2,987 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 (edited) @@Envy, I suppose the key difference in what we believe is considering the term as a title and a defined word (even though the definition appears to not be definite itself); you see Brony as a label one may choose to have (possibly as one who is more dedicated fan) and I follow 4chan's broad definition of Brony. So in the case where I were to talk about someone who states being a fan of MLPFIM but not a Brony, I would probably say "X is a Brony but doesn't want to be called one." This is why I say people don't really have a say as to what they want to be labelled if the individual fits the definition of the label (though the definition of Brony also varies but since Bronydom began in 4chan I see whatever definition determined there to be most valid). I suppose in another case in which, for example, if I were particularly fond of anthropomorphic animals, I don't see that it makes sense to say that I like anthropomorphic animals but claim to not be a Furry; perhaps I could deny that label all I want for whatever reason but it wouldn't change the fact that I still fit the definition of that term therefore that term ultimately still applies to me. If I wished to specify my level of dedication in said fandom, I would categorize myself into a certain/various sub-groups. @@Virgo.Dawn, In a case like that, I would say something like "I'm part of fandom X (with whatever level of dedication), but I'm not like those people of fandom X who follow so and so negative stereotypes". Edited July 20, 2015 by Luna the Great 1 Pony Art Thread Brony since ~25 July of 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~Lola bunny~ 56 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 I don't, because the reasons why are objectively better than the brony separatists who won't adopt "brony." "Brony" is the gender- and age-neutral term for all fans of FIM. "Pegasister" was born/revived out of the sexist lie that "brony" translates to a male fan of FIM, so "pegasister" is used for female bronies only. Like "FIM fan =/= brony," "pegasister" inherently divides the bronies into male and female by making it female-oriented. What about the bronies who don't identify in the binary? Then there's the lie that because "brony" has a masculine undertone, it's inappropriate for women to use "brony" compared to "pegasister" or any other title that feels feminine. To echo my blog here, neither masculinity and femininity are exclusive for both genders. They're gender-blind social constructs. Again, where do the people who don't identify with the binary (sex, gender, or both) go to? To confine "masculinity" and "femininity" both to "male" and "female," respectively, is very antifeminist and goes against the very core of the show. Because "pegaister" is born out of the implication that "brony = male FIM fan," "pegasister" is blatantly sexist. "Pegasisters" are bronies, too. To believe otherwise is to believe the bold-faced bullshit the fandom fights against and strands non-binary bronies on an island. You seem to be taking this to heart... I don't know if you took what I said as trying to be sexist or not, but that was not my intention. I've seen some females who prefer to be called a pegasister, and I've seen some who refuse to be called one. Nothing is wrong with neither. it's their preference, and I really don't think it has anything to do with someone trying to be sexist or not. What if they don't want to be called a brony? I'm fully aware that pegasisters are "bronies" too. I don't recall ever saying they wasn't. Females can use any damn term they want. I don't care. I'm not antifeminist, but I'm not a feminist either. My whole point was that I just don't see why people are getting so hurt over what he wants to label himself as. It's not hurting you. 1 "They say I got sas." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redacted321 105 July 20, 2015 Share July 20, 2015 Being a brony or a fan to me isn't about how involved in the fandom you are or how rabid your love for the show is. 'Brony' is a term/label that you decide whether or not you as a fan of MLP want to wear it and be called/seen as a brony. 1 "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMarkz0ne 962 July 21, 2015 Author Share July 21, 2015 I can't believe I created this explosive thread. I am really in love with the show because of its amazing adventures that are set with relatable characters. It also has great moral lessons, which kids's shows are lacking nowadays. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest July 21, 2015 Share July 21, 2015 (edited) It's just a cartoon show.. it's just a cartoon show.. By mere definition, "brony" is a title, it's a freaking word. If you don't like being labelled as said word/title, then don't label yourself as it. I mean, what's the opposition of this going to do? Force you to call yourself a brony, even if you don't want to? Wow, what a dickish and obnoxious move. Edited July 21, 2015 by Guest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unr3alGamer 230 July 21, 2015 Share July 21, 2015 I feel 100% the way you do. This fandom has shown its craziness more and more over the years, and I felt like it was in my best interest to just become a "fan". I came to the realization that a good chunk of people who label themselves as "bronies" are overly-obsessive people (not to mention some bronies are really creepy) but it's your choice. You don't have to label yourself as a "brony" if you don't want to. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Bun 681 July 21, 2015 Share July 21, 2015 (edited) I can't believe I created this explosive thread. I am really in love with the show because of its amazing adventures that are set with relatable characters. It also has great moral lessons, which kids's shows are lacking nowadays. Honestly, I think I'm little more interested in what you mean't by "brony culture." Does that include using the mlpforums? Will you just stop using EQD and other pony-related sites? Edit: Also what things does the fandom do that you think are obvious? Edited July 21, 2015 by Dark Rider JustMonika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombienixon 330 July 21, 2015 Share July 21, 2015 I can't believe I created this explosive thread. I am really in love with the show because of its amazing adventures that are set with relatable characters. It also has great moral lessons, which kids's shows are lacking nowadays. I think at this point you shouldn't be surprised that people take a girly horse cartoon this seriously. I can understand where you're coming from on this. There are a lot of great people I've met through this fandom, and a lot of memorable experiences I've had as well, but I've never called myself a brony, since the things I like about MLP and the things they do are very different. I take it that it's the same for you. You can like the show without really getting into the brony fandom, and you don't have to call yourself one if you don't want to. It's not like it's in the Oxford Dictionary with a concrete definition. What it means varies from person to person, and if it doesn't fit your definition, then you aren't one. Simple as that. Despite what anyone else (well, one guy in particular) thinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkieAwesome 65 January 28, 2016 Share January 28, 2016 I just call myself a fan and not a brony because i hate that term. To me it just sounds dumb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leave a Whisper 703 January 28, 2016 Share January 28, 2016 (edited) One: You don't have to be one sort of fan or another to like something. Two:Bronies are not the first or only fans of MLP. Three: Just enjoy it in your own way. Its not complicated at all. I mean you enjoyed stuff as a kid as nothing more then a simple pleasure that entertained you right?. Easy-peesy. Not one damn bit. When people say "I'm an FIM fan, but not a brony," that's exactly what they're actually saying. They're telling other people, particularly ones who have no idea what a brony is, that there's something inherently bad about bronydom and how "you're a better fan than them." No one fan is better than another. Claiming "I'm a fan of FIM, but I'm not a brony" is an elitist, separatist attitude that deserves nothing except be called out and questioned. That's just as wrong, too. "Whovian" and "Dr. Who fan" are as interchangeable as "Brony" and "FIM fan," and the same goes for the other categories. What I say to brony separatists apply to Whovian separatists as well as the "Trekkers." Actually, the opposite is far more true. Bronies fight hard to dispel the stereotypes. By claiming, "I'm not one of those fans," you're giving validity to the stereotypes, which affect the separatists as equally as the non-separatists. The second you imply how you're not one of "those fans," you perpetuate the stereotypes far more accurately than the rowdier bronies you try (and fail) to separate yourselves from. Sorry but no. A fan of MLP is just that. They can be a brony or pegasister, they can be a fan of older gens, all gens or one gen. But we're all just fans in the end, no matter what the individual chooses to call themselves or not to call themselves. It's just such a pushy attitude to have and if there's one thing people get annoyed with its pushiness. Things like this reinforces the stereotype that fans of the newest gen are rude and in your face. And I know quite a few fans of this gen that are all about having fun with the fandom peacefully. Edited January 28, 2016 by Leave a Whisper 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cider float 2,538 January 29, 2016 Share January 29, 2016 Labeling is what causes problems in society. Having all these terms can lead to people using them to denigrate and disparage others, lowering them to a lower status. Fight the power! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Bun 681 January 29, 2016 Share January 29, 2016 Labeling is what causes problems in society. Having all these terms can lead to people using them to denigrate and disparage others, lowering them to a lower status. Fight the power! (Holy crap don't revive this thread) 1. If someone picks a label over another label, like "fan of MLP" and "brony" they're still labeling themselves. 2. I, and anyone else, can refer to anyone who falls under our definition of "brony" a brony. 3. If "being labeled" is such an issue to anyone, don't join the community in the first place. (4. This argument died over a year ago with no good resolvement, don't even try. lol) JustMonika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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