The term "Brony" and why I dislike it it.

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

“Brony” is a term we all know, and if you’re reading this, I have no need to explain it.

 

I hate this term. Now, don’t jump to conclusions and assume I hate this fandom. Allow me to elaborate further.

 

You see, the term “Bro” has negative connotations. When many of us hear “Bro”, we think of sexism, idiocy, materialism, selfishness. We think of crap like “Jersey Shore”. Bros. You know who I’m talking about. I know a lot of the hate our fandom receives is from what many of the fans call themselves. Hell, it’s a big reason why I myself disliked the fandom for so long. Most of the reason I hate the term is simply what it brings to mind, but there are also other reasons I hate it.

 

By having a term such as “Brony” many people use it as a label. “Oh, let’s see, I like video games, I’m straight, I’m a brony...” I see that sort of thing all the time. Now, while nothing seems wrong at first, in reality, it’s probably the second worst aspect of our fandom: People thinking that enjoyment of a series equals who they are as a person. All the things we enjoy and do should be a part of who we are as people, not 80% of who we are. Many people take the fandom too far, and make it who they are.

 

A huge example of this is some of the shirts I see, and if you read the comic that I post here, you may notice I have parodied it: Shirts that exist only to announce you are a fan of My Little Pony. Now, shirts that say, have a picture of a pony on them are fine. It’s fine to wear clothing that show your interests. But I have seen shirts that have no characters, nothing related to ponies, other than just, bluntly, the word “Brony”. Do you see metal fans wear shirts that just say “Metalhead”? No. You see them wearing band shirts, with artwork, etc. When people are simply walking around with hats/shirts that just say “Brony” they are a part of the fandom for the wrong reasons.

 

When it comes to the point where people simply declare themselves “Bronies” at that point, they’re pretty much hipsters under a different name, not displaying the characters or artwork they enjoy, but simply declaring their involvement in the fandom as a means to make themselves look different. “Hey, look at me! I watch My Little Pony! I’m such a card!” This is one of the things that really makes our fandom look bad: Fans who shove their enjoyment of the show on others as a means to gain attention.

 

I am not saying fans are bad. I know this fandom has achieved amazing things. Improved some peoples’ quality of life. Saved lives, even. Earned money for causes. I acknowledge all the goodness of the fandom, but I cannot ignore the bad.

 

We should just enjoy what we enjoy about the show and its fandom, but not have it become who we are. Do people who enjoy the Mario series call themselves “Maribros”? No. Do fans of the Toxic Avenger series call themselves “Broxies”? No. Do fans of comics call themselves “Bromics”? Nope. Why can’t we just be fans of ponies? Or at least create a better name that doesn’t bring immature, spray-tanned jocks to mind? "Pony-speak" (Everypony, anypony, etc. etc.) is fine, unless it’s used in inappropriate places and/or forced on those who don’t want to hear it. I guess another thing I’m trying to say in this thread is: There’s a time and a place for everything.

 

So, what is everypony’s opinion on this? Do you agree with my points, or disagree? If you disagree with the term “Brony” as I do, what would you call members of the fandom, if you had the choice to pick the new term? What I’m trying to say is, discuss the topic this thread presents.

[Finesthour 7,287]

What about Trekkies? They call themselves Trekkies from Star Trek

 

But on topic to this, I've always thought Bronies was a weird term as well. It also gives off a bad vibe when you tell someone you're a "brony". They're always like "What the fuck is that? A bro?"

 

So yeah, I agree

 

(Even though most of our fandom is incredibly stupid, and I am starting to hate people on DA and other places )

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

I have no problems with the term brony, but I think you made a very good point in your 4th paragraph. I really don't like it when people do that. I know some people don't know what a brony is and they still wear those shirts, just to make themselves look different. I do not have a MLP shirt sadly, but If I get one I'm having Vinyl Scratch on it.

[Flicker Sweet 3,391]

You see, the term “Bro” has negative connotations. When many of us hear “Bro”, we think of sexism, idiocy, materialism, selfishness. We think of crap like “Jersey Shore”. Bros. You know who I’m talking about. I know a lot of the hate our fandom receives is from what many of the fans call themselves. Hell, it’s a big reason why I myself disliked the fandom for so long. Most of the reason I hate the term is simply what it brings to mind, but there are also other reasons I hate it.

Gotta stop 'ya there partner, where I'm from anything that has a family notation (bro being a short version of brother) is actually a huge compliment and sign of trust. Not at all related to Jersey Shore

[Street Comedy 327]

I wholeheartedly agree, I wouldn't call myself a brony if someone asked my interests. I would just simply say I like My Little Pony.

Sometimes our community can be annoying overly-vocal.

[Master Chief 183]

I can sort of get behind this. Plus, Brony just sounds... Ermm... Kinda gay. For my first day back in high school we had to bring in three items that described my personality. I brought in a Halo 4 Master Chief figure, the rough draft for a novel I am writing, and my crystal Rainbow Dash blindbag figure. And gee lemme tell you, it took a lot of proof to show all of the douche-bags in my class that I wasn't gay for watching a TV show for little girls and calling myself something that sounds like pony. Edited August 23, 2012 by Rainbow Dash G4

[Cookie Feather 490]

I remember when the first term of "brony", was ponyfuckers. Ah. D8

So I think the term, "brony" is a better term~

[Solar Wind 595]

I am fine with the term. People say Brony because it combines the two terms it gives us something to call ourself. Many fandoms have this. Twihards, Trekkies, Potterheads. I always thought Brony was quite clever compared to some others. However youd did bring up a valid point and therefore I was indeed interested and It got me thinking. I wont sue you after all

[Here'sUrAmmoMan! 12]

Eeeyup, I agree exept... Bro. Bro is, you must admit kinda fun to say, but only say it for a reson like "Whats up bro! " And all that.

but with everything else you said I totaly agree. Im a brony I wear the shirt that has pinkie pie on it im straight and most importantly I live JUST. LIKE. YOU. Its not like I get home and say ":I HAVE TO WATCH MLP TODAY OH GOD I SWEAR IF I DONT!" ALSO People always think you a life less guy sitting infront of your pc all day, admit im cool, and lost some freinds because they thought im gay for liking the show or having a pony on my shirt. My friend bought a shirt that just said "IM A BRONY" And everybody thinks we love the theme song. I HATE IT. D: Wow, i could have made a page of rant. LOL http://mlpforums.com/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.png

[Skullbuster 1,906]

im going to disagree a little, i own the classic brony shirt, i wear it openly, as you stated it announces that i am a fan of the show and im ok with that, and yes i do own other brony shirts, and i dont mind the term brony, and i openly admit it to people

 

(Even though most of our fandom is incredibly stupid, and I am starting to hate people on DA and other places )

according to statistics, the average brony is smarter than the average non brony

[Boxxi The Brony 119]

While I do agree with you I wish I could be called a Pegasister, but I am a guy, so I am not getting a sex change just for that ... I do not like the term Bro whatsoever I only use it whenever I make fun of people who say it ... Wait, am I making fun of myself, anyways, I think it is alright to wear certain shirts that say Brony, because I believe it is the same as most people wearing a shirt with Pinkie Pie on it, people will ask why, and it will be a bit harder to explain without using the word Brony, usually for me it goes a bit like this

Whats a pink pony doing on your shirt

It is Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony

Why are you wearing it

I like the show

Ewwww why, that's gay

Listen can you just shut up a bit, I am trying to aim for your head.

And yes that is from an actual conversation, I did say the "Aim for your head" as a joke, but he took off running ... I hope I don't have a restraining order on me, I LIKE TO GO PLACES!

 

I have no problems with the term brony, but I think you made a very good point in your 4th paragraph. I really don't like it when people do that. I know some people don't know what a brony is and they still wear those shirts, just to make themselves look different. I do not have a MLP shirt sadly, but If I get one I'm having Vinyl Scratch on it.

 

There is one at Hot Topic, it says DJ Pon-3 and has her playing some records creating some wubs

[Here'sUrAmmoMan! 12]

I brought in a Halo 4 Master Chief figure, the rough draft for a novel I am writing, and my crystal Rainbow Dash blindbag figure. And gee lemme tell you, it took a lot of proof to show all of the douche-bags in my class that I wasn't gay for watching a TV show for little girls and calling myself something that sounds like pony.

 

Other people are having the same problem with people calling them fags, and if they watch it, and they become a brony then people will insult them. On of my worthless friends said We masturbate to it. HOLY SHIT I got pissed....

[XUNUSEDXXX 3,459]

Meh, it doesn't bother me that much. Besides, I can always explain what that means to people who don't know.

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

What about Trekkies? They call themselves Trekkies from Star Trek

 

But on topic to this, I've always thought Bronies was a weird term as well. It also gives off a bad vibe when you tell someone you're a "brony". They're always like "What the fuck is that? A bro?"

 

So yeah, I agree

 

(Even though most of our fandom is incredibly stupid, and I am starting to hate people on DA and other places )

 

Well yes, I know about Trekkies, but they don't go around flaunting being a "Trekkie" in the same way that a lot of MLP fans flaunt being a "Brony", from what I've seen of them. MLP fans frequently use "Brony" as a label, trying to label themselves as a person for enjoying the show. Some people just take it too far and stuff.

 

Gotta stop 'ya there partner, where I'm from anything that has a family notation (bro being a short version of brother) is actually a huge compliment and sign of trust. Not at all related to Jersey Shore

 

Well, yeah. But the whole "bro" subculture has soured the term "bro" for many of us. While I know the term "bro" isn't directly related to that subculture, the fact that the "bro" subculture has such infamy makes people think of it when they hear the word.

[Solar Wind 595]

Also the term Bro doesnt make me think of jersey shore AT ALL. I think of mario bros. two great heroes.

In addition to the T-shirts I cant agree there either. Some people are afraid to admit they like MLP so they wear those shirts to show they like it but for it to be an inside joke.

[KakeiTheWolf 652]

I read that whole thing, and got "There are actually fans of Toxic Avenger" out of it.

 

In all seriousness, you bring up points. It's another special snowflake situation where people mostly choose to be twits.

[Flicker Sweet 3,391]

Also the term Bro doesnt make me think of jersey shore AT ALL. I think of mario bros. two great heroes.

In addition to the T-shirts I cant agree there either. Some people are afraid to admit they like MLP so they wear those shirts to show they like it but for it to be an inside joke.

 

Don't forget Pewdiepie and his Bro-Army

Frankly, Brony is amazing compared to the OTHER names I've heard....and I used to be a hater so I know the others....

[Here'sUrAmmoMan! 12]

MLP fans frequently use "Brony" as a label, trying to label themselves as a person for enjoying the show. Some people just take it too far and stuff.

Yes, there are people that take it to far in both ways...

1. If you like mlp your a fag

Everybody hates when someone says that because, honestly we're just like normal people. DUDE I could be in the army and be a brony. That wont change sh!t

2. PEOPLE WHO BUY MLP DOLLS AND STUFF

Bro, thats going to far. Theres "This show is awesome! And " I WILL BUY A DOLL OF FLUTTERSHY AND LOVE IT FOREVER!

EGH! http://mlpforums.com/public/style_emoticons/default/dry.png

 

Remember When My Little Pony was a toy thing not a show, just pony toys...... WHY DID THAT HAPPEN LOL.

[Bohtty 1,775]

I like the word Brony for one reason and one reason only! When someone tells me they are a Brony, I know instantly that they like My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.

 

I can see why you hate the word "bro" and I don't know what it's like where you live, but the word "bro" is very common where I live. People in my school used the word "bro" all the time, long before Jersey Shore.

 

The difference between all the things you listed ("Maribros","Bromics", etc) and My Little Pony is that all the things you listed are socially acceptable things to like.

 

There are only three types of people who know what the word "Brony" means, bronies, haters and people who are indifferent. Everyone knows what My Little Pony is. So if I go wearing a My Little Pony shirt with ponies on it then I am MUCH more likly to get shit from people who don't even know about the fandom. If I wear a shirt with the word "Brony" on it, I get to cut out all those people who don't know what a "Brony" is, as potential haters.

See how that works? Don't know if I explained it well enough.

 

Imo, it just seems like your reading more into these things then are actually there. lol

 

You're no fun scootacool.

Edited October 10, 2012 by Bohtty
Please keep the discussion civil.

[SpikeyWikey07 58]

At least now I understand a bit more of this term, yet I'm just labelled as one for watching the show, despite my only care in that show is just the dragons like Spike. I even enjoy Discord as well.

[Ron Jeremy 2,032]

2. PEOPLE WHO BUY MLP DOLLS AND STUFF

 

I have pony stuff. But I totally get what you're sayin'.

 

I like the word Brony for one reason and one reason only! When someone tells me they are a Brony, I know instantly that they like My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.

 

I can see why you hate the word "bro" and I don't know what it's like where you live, but the word "bro" is very common where I live. People in my school used the word "bro" all the time, long before Jersey Shore.

 

The difference between all the things you listed ("Maribros","Bromics", etc) and My Little Pony is that all the things you listed are socially acceptable things to like.

 

There are only three types of people who know what the word "Brony" means, bronies, haters and people who are indifferent. Everyone knows what My Little Pony is. So if I go wearing a My Little Pony shirt with ponies on it then I am MUCH more likly to get shit from people who don't even know about the fandom. If I wear a shirt with the word "Brony" on it, I get to cut out all those people who don't know what a "Brony" is, as potential haters.

See how that works? Don't know if I explained it well enough.

 

Imo, it just seems like your reading more into these things then are actually there. lol

 

 

You bring up some interesting points. However, here's the thing: If you don't want to wear a shirt because you enjoy the art that is on the shirt, but just want to wear a shirt that says "Brony" on it, then you are only wearing that shirt to declare that you enjoy the show. The only purpose the shirt serves at that point is to say "Hey! Look at me!". At which point, you're not wearing the shirt for artwork, you're wearing the shirt for responses. And you'll get them, both "Hey! I like that show too!" and "Go die in a fire, brony freak!". If you're wearing a shirt with a pony design, sure, you'll get attention from haters, but at least the shirt will also serve a purpose beyond just getting that attention.

[Colon Leftbracket 971]

Don't forget Pewdiepie and his Bro-Army

 

That really doesn't inspire any more confidence in the term "Bro" in my opinion. I have no gripes with Pewdiepie and I can't really judge him as a Let's Player because I haven't watched much of him, but the main thing that makes me distance myself from him is THAT! "The Bro Army" It just looks bad to name your subscribers like that. No sir, I will not subscribe to you because I do NOT want to be a "Bro". If I could be just a subscriber that would be fine.

 

But that aside yeah I hate the term Brony too. I hate the term Bro in general. Its short for Brother and I do not want to be everyone's brother. Most the people who use Bro in real life are probably the type who hangs out with guy friends a lot and obeys the Bro Code, which in my opinion is a guideline for idiots.

 

Alas I just learned to live with Brony as a term. If people call me a Brony I understand fully what they are saying of me and I guess I'll just have to accept it in my daily vocabulary. But no disrespect I am not your brother!

Edited August 23, 2012 by Colon Leftbracket

[Flicker Sweet 3,391]

It just looks bad to name your subscribers

Actually subscribers have just started calling themselves that and he decided to go with it

[Regality 233]

I'm not too excited over the term either, but it's better than having no collective group name. Plus calling yourself a "Brony", is better than outright saying "I'm a fan of My Little Pony".

[Colon Leftbracket 971]

Actually subscribers have just started calling themselves that and he decided to go with it

 

Hmm... I did consider that possibility since that's identical to how the term Brony started.

I guess in similar light I'd just have to accept that's how the majority of his subscribers which to identify their selves.

 

I still don't like it, but that's how most of the world works I guess!