Tale of a new brony: An open letter to all considering MLP:FiM

[Mana Hooves 16]

My story starts about a year and a half ago. All of a sudden these pony things had started popping up all over the internet. Now, the internet has always done weird things, but this was a totally new kind of weird. As a 19-year old male, I dismissed it as a fad that would pass over in a month at most.

 

A month passed. Still ponies.

 

A couple more months passed. Still ponies.

 

A year passed. Still ponies.

 

Nope, it's not a fad. It's stood the preliminary test of time. It seemingly contradicted every internet trend so far. The stereotypical "My Little Pony" brand is something aimed at a roughly 7-year-old female demographic, one that has almost no intersection with the internet demographic. Frankly, I had thought the show was just an extended marketing campaign for the toy brand itself (which, as I understand it, actually WAS the initial intent). But if that was true, then the internet wouldn't have latched on to it like it had. I was confident that the internet hadn't changed, so perhaps my stereotypical understanding was flawed.

 

That said, I was quite hesitant to get something such as this stuck in my head had it turned out to be crap. I did VERY extensive research, including asking actual bronies why they liked the show.

 

Results were very promising and nearly unanimous. The only shred of evidence that I would dislike the show was the fact that iTunes had labeled it a "kids" show.

 

So, I dove in with mixed and uncertain expectations.

 

Overall, the show both met and did not meet my expectations. At least, initially. I found that the show gets better over time, and it now DOES meet my expectations.

 

When I think "kids show", I think of things like Dora the Explorer, Blue's Clues, and Barney. However, these shows all share one key feature only partially shared by MLP: an EXTREME emphasis on juvenile education. As I remember it from my early childhood, Blue's Clues spent most of its screen time "listening" to their audience after asking it a question, or otherwise dumping kindergarten information. There's little actual story; Blue is always trying to tell Steve what he wants in a roundabout way, Dora is always going on some adventure, and Barney is doing...I don't know what the hell he's doing.

 

This is more or less where my open letter begins. Let me be perfectly clear on this: My Little Pony has almost NOTHING in common with any of the shows listed in the above paragraph. There is a minor educational theme to the show, but it's saved for the last minute of each episode; the other twenty minutes are pure cartoon gold. Even then, the educational theme is nothing like the above shows, which aim to teach kindergarten academics outside of actual kindergarten. MLP is more interested in life lessons, particularly surrounding a friendship theme (hence the subtitle "Friendship is Magic"). I daresay it has the potential to enrich the life of a full adult.

 

I find that I am asking myself just WHY this show doesn't make me want to throw up. WHY am I still watching? In short, because it's good. In long, for many reasons:

 

POTENTIAL FOR RELATION: Among the core six characters, there's an immense amount of diversity, so that the vast majority of people can find one of these ponies relatable. Personally, I find that I relate best with Twilight Sparkle. This is the reason behind the "X pony is the best pony!" arguments; everyone is arguing that the pony that most matches themselves is best.

 

FANTASY: The world of MLP (that is, Equestria) is a fine example of a fantasy setting. Adults enjoy World of Warcraft, which is a great fantasy setting, so they can enjoy MLP as well.

 

CONSISTENT FANTASY: Among geeks, consistency is HUGE. This is why Big Bang Theory is so great; the show ensures that every tiny detail is as consistent as Sheldon is, most clearly represented in the fact that he has his own "spot" on the couch. In a fantasy setting, consistency is that much harder to pull off. I won't lie, they do slightly screw it up here and there, but for the most part, everything you learned about Equestria in one episode is true in all the others.

 

THE FANBASE MATTERS: Derpy Hooves. 'Nuff said.

 

COMEDY: Sadly, the majority of internet comedy is sexual (see rule 34). But, being a kids show at heart, MLP can't touch that ground. Non-sexual comedy is a great break from the now-repetitive stuff the internet loves to spam.

 

In the end, this show is surrounded by false stereotypes, and that alone is unfortunately enough to keep some people away. Trust me, anything you think you know about this show is probably wrong. I understand; I was in the same position as you just a month ago. But then I came to my senses and realized that before I condemn, I should probably know WHAT I'm condemning, and so I gave the show a chance. And I'm glad I did.

 

This is all I ask of anyone who is not yet a fan of the show: give it a chance. Before you hate on it, watch at least one full episode. If you can do that and still hate it, that's fine; to each their own, I can still respect you on the grounds that you gave it a chance. But hating it just because it looks like it's geared towards 7-year-old girls is immature and ignorant.

 

 

So, now that that's over with...HI THERE, EVERYPONY!

[Jokuc 8,173]

That's a big post right there.

Welcome to the forums! I am pretty sure the most ponies who will read this already have seen the show. Anyways, I hope you will enjoy your stay.

[Twilight Sky 449]

20% Cooler than my first post ^^

but welcome all the same!

[NavelColt 22,879]

 

I'm glad you took the time to write an established intro, as it's always something a lot of people enjoy. Regardless, it appears you've identified some of the reasons so many people love the show, and glad you have decided to join this particular pony board, as it's one of the best around Enjoy yourself, stay active, and remember:

 

[Cocodrillo 1,565]

Welcome Such a long post on Welcoming Plaza? The last long one I saw was written by meh

[Spring Veil 255]

Welcome! That was a very long and very well written welcome post, I quite enjoyed reading it.