Is being a Brony/Pegasister really that bad of a thing?

[Stardust* 3,302]

I am kind of shocked by how many members and so many more of the fandom are afraid to let their family know or their friends. 

 

Yes I am older, I'm 25 soon to be 26 and I have grown up with multiple remakes and the original My Little Pony and it wasn't a big deal. I still don't think it is a big deal today, my family knows I love the show and I love all of the merch and such. 

 

They support my art and they want to see me grow and develop it into something more and maybe eventually be good enough to sell things for commissions. Someday soon hopefully! 

 

But over the last few years I have heard stories where elementary school children are being bullied by other kids because they like the show, they were bullied to the point where they wanted to take their own lives. It is honestly sad and pathetic that kids do this to their fellow classmates. 

 

But I am really concerned about those who are afraid to tell their parents. I mean, I don't see it being any different then being a fan of some other show. Look at Star Trek (which I am also a fan of), or Dr. Who, or any and all of the anime shows. 

 

I am not trying to point fingers or single anypony out but this is coming from a place where I am truly curious and if there is anything that we as a community can do to support those who are having a hard time. 

 

I don't want somepony to feel like they can't talk to the people they care about and have to hide something that they love. 

 

I do understand to a point where you might hide it from other class mates because... let's face it, some kids can be REALLY mean, and that stems from the home and the parents of THAT child. 

 

I am honestly curious and concerned from a Psychological standpoint and from a concerned member of the fandom. 

 

Please feel free to post your story or if you have had any experience with confronting other people or why you may feel that family/friends may not support you. 

 

-Stardust*

[-Octavia- 1,176]

Only if you care what other people think of you, I suppose.

 

*Reserved for future analytical reasoning*

Relevant study: http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Patchin/publication/45289246_Bullying_cyberbullying_and_suicide/links/55098f1f0cf26ff55f85eaa2.pdf

Edited September 3, 2015 by Wubtavia

[1111 1,284]

The problem is is not every parent is accepting of their son liking mlp.

[Stardust* 3,302]

The problem is is not every parent is accepting of their son liking mlp.

Is it always sons? or do some parents have an issue no matter the gender? 

[1111 1,284]

Is it always sons? or do some parents have an issue no matter the gender? 

Its seen as strange and weird for a male to like mlp but girls its ok at a young age but wont get much flack for it when there older as men. Its viewed as I don't want my son to be a weirdo that thinks he's a girl or gay is the stigma they have.

Edited September 3, 2015 by flutersparkle

[Ashen Pathfinder 16,161]

@@Stardust*

 

As this topic deals with the brony fandom it has been moved to Sugarcube Corner.

 

Thanks.

[JonasDarkmane 19,785]

It really depends on the parents. No one really has the same parents. These are also different people. Every person thinks differently and deals with/handles things differently. This is not just from a psychological standpoint, but from a social one as well (sociology). Society and then the person's behavior plays part. So we really can't make sense unless the person explains exactly why they won't or can't tell. 

Edited September 3, 2015 by JonasDarkmane

[MountainDrew 1,877]

Some people are sexist in that they simply lack the ability to deal with the very notion of a male liking a so called "little girls show".  I frankly do not care what these people think and no one else should care either, since it's a nonissue that some people choose to blow out of proportion.  Some people also love to reinforce their already biased and ignorant opinions by clinging to others with similar opinions, resulting in a widespread stereotype that affects the entire fandom as a whole.  Some people just need to utilize more than half a brain cell and realize that people are constantly changing; and that people can love whatever they want, and that's never going to change.

 

That being said, I also know of many people that are very accepting of bronies.  It's just a shame that I have to see so much hate directed towards the male audience of MLP due to the overtly obvious stigmas that some people have against it.

 

My parents are very accepting for the most part, but if I were to have joined the brony fandom during middle/high school I fear that I would've been bullied FAR more than I already was. 

 

Case in point, some parents are just afraid of their child/children (usually male) being homosexual because they watch a "little girls show".

[Once In A Blue Moon 895]

I've found that it's more the sort of thing that I just don't bother to mention. Whilst I was away at university I got entirely out of the habit of informing my parents of... anything much, really, and the attitude stuck even after I came back home three years later. And as long as there is no feeling that their parents (or friends) would disapprove, I suspect that that is how a fair few bronies / pegasisters treat it - they could mention it, but if they're naturally introverted then their inclination would probably be to just avoid it if they can.

 

As for whether that is healthy... it's probably slightly unhealthy, as it reflects poorly on the environment in which they live, but despite this I don't consider it a big deal.

[ztrash 62]

I'm able to freely talk about it and buy merch and stuff too. I do understand that some people cannot run around freely like I do. We must understand that everyone's life is different, their surroundings are different, and the people they deal with everyday is different. Threfore we do not understand how they feel, and how they react to those feelings. All we can do is be supportive of those people that cannot watch and enjoy the show freely. 

[RivkaBobble 110]

My dad says that he's <Apply age here> and still watches kids cartoons, so he's really embarrassing himself. My uncle also watched it, saying its pretty good.

[GuyNamedEarl 1,332]

The problem is most people can't comprehend adults liking a show that's designed for kids but is still entertaining.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

Like it or not, we are participating in deviant culture. In sociology, one of the first things that first year students learn is terms such as "norms" and "deviance". In any society there are written rules, but there are also a set of unwritten expectations which sociologists term "norms". These norms are enforced simply by the expectations of people around us, and they cover an eerily large range of things from proper dinner etiquette to what someone is expected to like or dislike based on their age and gender, among other things. Deviance is a term for going against either rules or norms. Criminal behaviour, for example, is a serious form of deviance.

 

However, even going against norms is considered deviant, though not in the same way as breaking laws. Pretty much all of us are breaking an age norm by enjoying a show marketed towards little girls, and some of us are breaking a gender norm. The natural response of people is to consider it weird, because it goes against a stereotypical set of expectations that has been ingrained in our subconscious. Some may respond by bullying. Of course we don't have to put up with teasing and bullying, but I'm just saying that the fact that we are deviants is a catalyst for certain people behaving a certain way towards us. That in no way makes it ok to bully anyone, but the fact is, we are deviants and others see us as weird.

[GeekySonic 1,150]

Of course, it shouldn't be, but not everyone is open-minded. I live with a very conservative family. My parents were shocked and chagrined when they found out that I watched the show. I wasn't even the one to tell them. My brother, who at the time, was fed up with me and my ponies, told them I was "obsessed" by a little girls' show (and being a furry, they assumed sexual deviancy was involved).

 

They tried talking me out of it, tried getting to into the action/war genre, and forced me to start playing sports again to avoid it. They did not like it. My mom doesn't really care anymore, but my dad is permanently ashamed.

 

A lot of times, I think it's unfair that so many good things have come to me from becoming a Brony, but distanced my family. My brother came around, though. He refuses to admit it, but he enjoys the show as much as I do (but he's not a big fan of Bronies, Pony Merch, and the like).

[Cyandashie 128]

Well, my mom would think I'm a... pedophile?

 

I don't know why she would think that.

[Streiben Bones 228]

Gladly i haven't this problem.

 

No fama' , no drama.

 

[Stardust* 3,302]

Like it or not, we are participating in deviant culture. In sociology, one of the first things that first year students learn is terms such as "norms" and "deviance". In any society there are written rules, but there are also a set of unwritten expectations which sociologists term "norms". These norms are enforced simply by the expectations of people around us, and they cover an eerily large range of things from proper dinner etiquette to what someone is expected to like or dislike based on their age and gender, among other things. Deviance is a term for going against either rules or norms. Criminal behaviour, for example, is a serious form of deviance.

 

However, even going against norms is considered deviant, though not in the same way as breaking laws. Pretty much all of us are breaking an age norm by enjoying a show marketed towards little girls, and some of us are breaking a gender norm. The natural response of people is to consider it weird, because it goes against a stereotypical set of expectations that has been ingrained in our subconscious. Some may respond by bullying. Of course we don't have to put up with teasing and bullying, but I'm just saying that the fact that we are deviants is a catalyst for certain people behaving a certain way towards us. That in no way makes it ok to bully anyone, but the fact is, we are deviants and others see us as weird.

Well said. 

 

Everything is very insightful, I just wish that with today's society and how everyone wants equality and the right to do whatever, that people shouldn't be ridiculed for liking a "little girls show". 

 

If this was a show that cast live people in a more storybook type of way then there would be a larger fandom than there already is. 

 

People are just so worried about every little thing that they don't look at the big picture.

[Steve Piranha 29,420]

That depends with each parent. Fortunately, mine hardly care about me liking poneh, aside from a couple of teasing from time to time

[TwilightAngel 109]

I honestly don't know why people hate others for liking MLP. It's just a show,one show doesn't define who you are it's your actions that does in my opinion. But what can you do? Nothing just ignore it 

[SquipyCheetah 449]

It's not a bad thing but it may be for some parents. Mine are perfectly fine with my liking for the show so it never really bothers me.

[Commissar Alexer 763]

Kinda ironic how many bronies deny not being gay for liking MLP but yet behave as liking MLP is indeed being gay.

 

"Should i tell my parents that i am a brony?", "Is being a brony really that bad?" "How can i tell my parents/family that i'm a brony?".

 

Now replace brony with gay. See what i mean?

 

 

Now for OP's question....ask yourself, do your parents really need to know? I mean is it really that important that they know you like a cartoon show about ponies?

[chirox the pony 1,336]

The reason I imagine people are afraid to is because a lot of people think of bronies as weird obsessives. Simply put it's what's associated with the label that I think makes people afraid to talk about it. 

Edited September 4, 2015 by chirox the pony

[Stardust* 3,302]

Now for OP's question....ask yourself, do your parents really need to know? I mean is it really that important that they know you like a cartoon show about ponies?

 

I don't think it is that big of a deal honestly, but when people have an issue with wanting to by merch but they "can't" because they are afraid of what their parents might think if they do... is just hard for me to understand. 

 

Like you said, it is not like they are coming out of the closet, it is just a television show. It is just like telling someone you like Star Trek and you want to get some Trek merch. 

 

I just don't know why it is such a big deal for some people to enjoy what they like, and have the freedom to express themselves. 

 

Boy, girl, man, woman, it should not "define" you as a person, and it's not like you are going out of your way to be overly obsessed and go out dressed as a pony every day. 

[CelestialBluegrass 18]

I don't see the point in sharing with my parents, but my partner knows and thinks it's hilarious.  She doesn't see the attraction even in the slightest.  I can understand why people are reluctant to share, as many people are judgemental and anything that makes someone different can be seen as a source of ridicule.

 

I stopped caring much what folks think of me years ago, but with my parents, I never did get past the concept of giving them the mushroom treatment for most of my life.  "keep them in the dark, feed them on crap"

[Stardust* 3,302]

The reason I imagine people are afraid to is because a lot of people think of bronies as weird obsessives. Simply put it's what's associated with the label that I think makes people afraid to talk about it. 

But why is liking super hero's or anything else different or "okay" in the eyes of society? 

 

Why is it okay for people to like violent video games and that is the norm, but liking ponies that help with every day issues of friendship and acceptance is a bad thing?