My parents want me out of the fandom. I might be saying goodbye someday soon.*

[Cowl 128]

If you’re going to go the confrontation route, I suggest you spend a lot of time preparing before you make any serious efforts to convince them.

 

Willful ignorance is a powerful weapon in an argument if it is used correctly. It can only be defeated by direct incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.  Beating it takes a lot of preparation. You need to predict what their excuses and arguments will be, and you need to have the evidence on hand to prove that they are not just wrong but dead wrong.

 

Practice debating/arguing the topic with someone else first. Think of the questions or arguments you fear them asking/saying. What is the worst thing they could say to you and what would be your response.

 

Alright so maybe at this point my suggestion is headed towards "lesson zero" levels of OCD, but I think it might be necessary if you really want to convince your parents that it is ok to like MLP.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

I'm going to be frank here.Your parents are some of the stupidest parents I've ever seen.First the whole plushie thing,now this bullshit comes up?Like,friggin' hell man,I'm surprised your parents haven't tried to make your home like a prison camp where you can't like anything "abnormal" for typical male.

 

 

Well, that's pretty much what it's come down to. I mean, Minecraft was a problem for them at first, then later a bunch of people we know got into it, so they were fine with it, albeit still surprised that our age group liked that stuff.

 

 

I really want to say that you should just tell them to bugger off and let you do your own thing,but like Seiji said,you're still under their roof and their rules.Honestly,I would just not bring it up unless it's brought up and keep it low-key until you can afford to move out,then just buy all the brony stuff you want.Or if worse comes to worse,just sell your merch and just let your parents think you're not a brony,then just buy anything you want once you're outta the house.

 

 

I don't have any merchandise, though.  I swear, all I wanted was a plush, is that too much to ask?

 

 

It's always good to stand up for yourself,but if the situation is as delicate as this,I honestly would just (relucantly) comply and do whatever they say until they're satisfied.Hell,that's the only reason I'm in a house right now as I was almost kicked out of the house by my own mother.Play your cards smartly,don't just go all in.

 

 

Agreed. They've even told me that if I don't like it, I can move out. Since that isn't really an option (for more reasons than one, trust me), I'm just going to have to lay low. Shame.

Edited December 30, 2012 by whoovesfan7698

[SongBrony 419]

Agreed. They've even told me that if I don't like it, I can move out. Since that isn't really an option (for more reasons than one, trust me), I'm just going to have to lay low. Shame.

Wow. I'm sorry, but that's just wrong. Your parents kicking you out because you watch a show and asked for one plushie? Hell, I feel like my parents should be kicking me out. (I have, like, six shirts, RD pajama pants, and a Twi, Pinkie, and RD plushie ((Which I would gladly send to you.)) It's just wrong for them to kick you out over a show. It's one thing if it's based on your sexuality, I live in a state where that's huge, but it doesn't seem like that's what they're concerned with. Again, I hope everything works out for you.

[Night Shine 767]

My parents aren't exactly happy with me being in the fandom, either. Technically, according to them, I shouldn't even be on this forum anymore >.<

 

Still, just because your parents try to change who you are, forcibly, without your permission, and without good motivation, doesn't mean you need to exactly follow their demands to the letter. One option to consider is becoming a closet brony (as in, on the outside pretending that you've quit but still being in the fandom on the Internet).

 

However, if you want to respect your parents' wishes even if they may be misguided, then....well...please make sure to tell us before leaving. As your friend (by that i mean fellow brony), I'll want to say goodbye to you.

[Koori 156]

This is a problem that makes me both angry and disappointed.

 

I absolutely HATE when someone tries to change someone else to be different or quit something. It goes against the principle of free will. While parents may be doing this "for your own good", they have no right to force you to quit something, let alone change you to something else.

 

Don't get me wrong. In some cases, that's a good thing, but DEFINITIVELY not in this case. It's not like you're learning something violent from being a brony, right? 

 

So I'm both angry and disappointed because elder people don't really seem to understand the possible good things. I can, however, understand that they may be creeped out and get highly worried about something like this, but they STILL don't have a right to do anything like this. Not unless  this whole fandom becomes violent or similarly wrong. We have a right to watch what we want and be what we want to be.

 

... I always wanted to be a programmer/flash artist. It would have made my life complete, but instead I'm a taxi driver for my big brother. Now I feel like my life is... kinda sad. That's why... I hate when someone else tells you what you should do, who you should be like. ... There's simply no free will in that. Nothing but a straight road with no choices.

[Appetite4Democracy 451]

No offense, but your parents are full of shit.

 

Trying to tell you what to like or dislike is bad parenting and it's taking away your freedom. Would they rather you watch Jersey Shore and porn like other people your age?

Edited December 30, 2012 by Bloo47

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

No offense, but your parents are full of shit.

 

Trying to tell you what to like or dislike is bad parenting and it's taking away your freedom. Would they rather you watch Jersey Shore and porn like other people your age?

 

Funny you should mention that. I did ask them something like that once jokingly. They didn't take it well. Seriously though? They want me watching stuff like The Walking Dead, and playing Call of Duty, and yadayadayda. Basically, they want me to be doing what my gender is "supposed" to be doing. My response is always "who says?" but my reply is never listened to.

[Appetite4Democracy 451]

Funny you should mention that. I did ask them something like that once jokingly. They didn't take it well. Seriously though? They want me watching stuff like The Walking Dead, and playing Call of Duty, and yadayadayda. Basically, they want me to be doing what my gender is "supposed" to be doing. My response is always "who says?" but my reply is never listened to.

That's what your gender supposedly is doing. Meanwhile, millions of people of your age and gender are watching ponies. I actually found out that two of my friends on Xbox Live are bronies and I had no idea.

[Koori 156]

Funny you should mention that. I did ask them something like that once jokingly. They didn't take it well. Seriously though? They want me watching stuff like The Walking Dead, and playing Call of Duty, and yadayadayda. Basically, they want me to be doing what my gender is "supposed" to be doing. My response is always "who says?" but my reply is never listened to.

 

I myself play all sorts of games, mainly those that have great stories like Final Fantasy, Mass Effect, Call of Duty (yes, even that game has a story) and Need for Speed. Everything a male usually plays. I always look a bit deeper than most players (and fan artists). As for the series... well that area is a bit more... something that an adult male wouldn't normally watch. Anime series like Sailor Moon aren't exactly meant for adult males, but at the same time it's my favorite anime of all time. I haven't watched many live action series actually. Those like Lost and Heroes. I did give them a try, but I just lost interest in them pretty soon.

 

Basically I like anything that has a good story and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has such story. Hidden, but good story. A story that goes through many episodes, maybe even through the entire series.

 

Anyway, just because I like some things that can be considered girly and perhaps disturbing doesn't make me any less manly than I am. I am who I am and I'm proud of it. The same should apply to you. Sure my life hasn't gone as I've hoped as some choices were forced on me, but every choice I've made has shaped me to who I am now today.

[z11011 16]

I honestly have no idea what to think. I mean Ive heard of parents who have hated their chidren for liking MLP, but forcing you to dislike it? Thats just plain wrong.When I told my mother, she laughed the first time, but didnt object. I guess she was happy I had dropped Family guy for a more innocent show.Dont give in to your parents, and If neccessary, try to see if their are other bronies in your own school already if you havent looked. Also, If your friend starts hating you for liking a show, He isnt your friend.(the ending is cheesy, I know, but its all I got.

[almozayaf 72]

Funny you should mention that. I did ask them something like that once jokingly. They didn't take it well. Seriously though? They want me watching stuff like The Walking Dead, and playing Call of Duty, and yadayadayda. Basically, they want me to be doing what my gender is "supposed" to be doing. My response is always "who says?" but my reply is never listened to.

 

so you parents want you to do what all other parents want they kids to don't do

 

 

you know what, do like me when sameone tell me why you watch anime

 

i find there weakness

 

if my dad watch WWE i set and make fun of it all the way and point at all acting point

 

mom watch any of these drama show i point at all it stupidity

 

NOTHING BEYOND THE CRITIC

 

let fact the truth MLP is stupid same time ,and evry thing els

i know from hear they have they own

 

and you can go into food strike

*(and loss that extra ponds)

 

by the way if you was 14 or 15 i will not say that things

but i'm 30 years now and i regret evry moment i never stand for my self aganst my dad

you 17 next year you will be a adult and in few years a dad to (be cerful)

 

it not about MLP

 

it not about you right to watch a cartoon

 

it about be a man and stand for you self

 

 

and you parents to know you not a kid any more

[cuteycindyhoney 13,285]

I sometimes feel I must be extremely lucky in my personal life. Growing up, I'd get punished if i did something wrong, but I was ALWAYS permitted to live life the way I wanted to. I'm 33 now, so it's not the same, but just recently I was talking to my mom about how a lot of people perceive bronies. Do you know what her response was? "That's stupid. Why would people be so against someone liking a television program?" I think she may actually think I was kidding her about it. She isn't very internet orientated. 

I honestly have no idea what to think. I mean Ive heard of parents who have hated their chidren for liking MLP, but forcing you to dislike it? Thats just plain wrong.When I told my mother, she laughed the first time, but didnt object. I guess she was happy I had dropped Family guy for a more innocent show.Dont give in to your parents, and If neccessary, try to see if their are other bronies in your own school already if you havent looked. Also, If your friend starts hating you for liking a show, He isnt your friend.(the ending is cheesy, I know, but its all I got.

 

 

I did actually make my mom watch a couple episodes of Family Guy with me a few years ago. She tried to hide it, but she laughed quite a few times while complaining how stupid it was and trying to make me change channels.

[MagicalStarRain 599]

So your parents haven't seen this forum yet? As long as you keep this topic a secret, why not show this site off to them? Or better yet, show some art like this:http://bamboodog.deviantart.com/art/The-Attack-213457775

[Shanks 10,811]

Funny you should mention that. I did ask them something like that once jokingly. They didn't take it well. Seriously though? They want me watching stuff like The Walking Dead, and playing Call of Duty, and yadayadayda. Basically, they want me to be doing what my gender is "supposed" to be doing. My response is always "who says?" but my reply is never listened to.

 

Have you considered telling them that there are a lot of bronies that watch and play that stuff too? I am not too much into Call of Duty myself because every game in the series just seems like a rehashing of the last one but the Walking Dead is one of my favorite shows along with My Little Pony Friendship is Magic.

[Commander Bubbles 1,343]

Let's get this straight, shall we? (Not trying to be confrontational here) Basically, your parents are wanting to change, basically, who you are, and what your interests are. Well, for starters, it's your life. In a few years, you'll be movin' out of your parents' house, and living your own life. Even when you're still in your parents' home, as the years go by, you become less and less dependent on them. Plus, it's none of their business what shows you like and don't like. My parents are huge fans of The Walking Dead, yet I could care less for that show. Do I tell them that they need to stop watching the show just because I don't like it? Nope, because their interest in the show doesn't affect me in any way, shape, or form. So what I'm trying to say here is that you gotta try to get your parents to realize that your interest in FiM has close to no bearing on your parents' life. Let your parents know that their basically contradicting themselves with the whole "be yourself" mentality they instilled in you. Contradicting parents are bad parents. Now I don't exactly know how your parents think, but if you do bring up to them that they're being hypocritical, they'll probably change their opinion about whether you can be a Brony or not.

[TheWannabeBrony 22]

Don't let your parents tell you who you should be, if you want to be a brony, be a brony, but certainly do not back down, put up an argument, ask them why they frown upon you being a brony. 

[iLegovideo 152]

I personally think that is not right for your parents to say that you cannot be a brony. True, they are your parents, and you should respect them. That does not mean you have no control of your interests. You should always do what at your parents say, but isn't there a limit to that before it just becomes total control and there's no room for anything fun related? If there was a limit, you just described it. Parents should have some control over your interests, but what you described crossed the limit. If the fandom is not hurting anyone, threatening anyone, or psychologically attacking your parents, then they have nothing to go against the show, so this argument is invalid.

[Lupus 127]

Maybe you should just ask why they feel that way? Perhaps they think its a little girl show and that by joining in fandom you are trying to chase such fans? That would obviously worry a parent! Maybe they still look at you as a young 'un and think there are all those big bad perverted bronies out there trying to get at you? 

 

If they just think its "inappropriate" are they worried it will make you gay or something? There has to be some subverted reason in their thinking. If its not manly enough for them, you sound like you have a load of other manly stuff to show them, eg fencing.

 

As for your friend, sounds like you might be the one making too big a deal of it. I learnt at that age, don't trust your peers with something that might be sensitive. 

[V1RUS_ 85]

I would say to them, 

 

But seriously, your parents sound ridiculously stupid.

"Oh no billy (I know that's not your name) don't be yourself or do anything different, blend in with the crowd, do what all your friends are doing."

 

What the hell? I mean, seriously! Maybe you should just play COD and smoke weed all day as that's the generic stereotype for a man your age.

 

Being a brony, you are preaching a good message and making new friends (basically everyone who posted on this thread is now your new friend.)

 

The show itself is very driven, having well developed characters, a great plot (pun), and fantastic animation and art style.

I don't see why it's such a big deal that you have a hobby that's a little different.

(Also, what the hell did they have against MINECRAFT?!)

If I ever need cheering up I watch this video: 

I hope it does the same for you.

[Swick (ded) 436]

Willful ignorance is a powerful weapon in an argument if it is used correctly. It can only be defeated by direct incontrovertible evidence to the contrary.  Beating it takes a lot of preparation. You need to predict what their excuses and arguments will be, and you need to have the evidence on hand to prove that they are not just wrong but dead wrong.

This. Determining your parents' reactions beforehand is infinitely valuable in an argument. Try to think of at least two things they might say back, then think of counters for each of them. Trust me, I've won multiple arguments with my parents using this method. You can't let them push you around anymore. Get them to sit down, and have a talk.

[otarolgam 22]

To those who are saying to ignore the issue, you're wrong.

 

To those who are saying that the topic creator shouldn't stand up for himself because it's disrespecting his parents wishes... you're also wrong.

 

I've got words for the Topic Creator: Remember the Fluttershy episode where she went to Iron Will's seminar to learn how to be assertive. That's what you have to be, Assertive! But don't exactly copy Fluttershy... >.>;;;

 

Tell your parents that, despite their worries and concerns that they may have (in which you appreciate the fact that they care about your well being), you will remain a Brony, will continue to watch the show and enjoy every aspect that these things bring you.

 

If they persist in trying to have you back off, double down. Keep making sure that you have their attention and that they will not disrupt you when speaking. Once you have that taken care of, start explaining how the show promotes Love AND Tolerance and pointing out that what is happening right there, right then... is not tolerance.

 

At that time, it might be a wise decision to open up the discussion to them and ask WHY they're asking you to do this. It's now your turn to listen to their side of the story. And no matter what they say or do in terms of trying to make what you do seem ridiculous, calmly point out that the only thing ridiculous going on right now is a couple of adults trying to control something they cannot.

 

You are almost 18 years old. If you love this show, it's completely alright! Do not let others steer you wrong. Stand up for yourself and show them how mature you are. 

[Ron J 276]

I skipped everything aside from the OP and stopped reading at "If your friends aren't doing it..."

Seriously, what kind of reasoning is that? My friends mainly go around bragging about how they lost their virginity and telling everyone about their most recent CoD killstreak. If you apply your dad's logic to this, I'd probably be sitting down watching Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory and cracking sex jokes every 5 seconds like every other teenager in my general area does.

That aside, you should just say straight to his face "You can get off my back about what I like and what I don't like, it's my opinion and you have yet to provide any valid reason for me to not like the show."

Edited December 30, 2012 by Ursnampls

[The Stranger 812]

Your parents have no right to tell you what you can or can't be interested in. If you like MLP that's your business. You are your own person and have control of your own life. 

 

No offense but your parents reacted exactly the way most people in this world would react to a brony and they want you to quit. In another MLP forum I posted a thread explaining why it's important to be yourself. I'd like to share it with you in hopes that it'll make things easier for you and that you'll make a choice that you believe to be right.

---

 

 

Why It's Important To Be Yourself

 

 

I may be young but during my 21 years of life on this troubled earth i've noticed a lot of things. The thing I've noticed above all is the unfair judgment others place upon each other. This does mostly happen in school but I've noticed it in work spaces, online over the internet, even in public in front of total strangers. What I'm talking about is the unfair and blind judgment people cast upon those who don't deserve it. 

I've been a victim of judgment myself in the past so I know how degrading it can feel. I'm sure anyone who's reading this has experienced being judge one way or another. It can range from someone not liking how you fix your hair or how you walk to someone not liking you because of how you dress or the sorts of things you do in your free time. 

Things like this can lead to people changing how they look or act so society can accept them. That's the sad thing about folks these days. In society their is an unwritten and unspoken set of rules that most people don't realize they're following until they stop and look at the big picture. These set of unwritten rules dictate how people should dress, talk, walk, interact, and what interests you should have. I don't know when down the line society structured itself to be like this but it breaks my heart to see folks bend to the public norm because they're afraid of what others will think of them. 

The funny thing about human life is that it's very short. Most folks don't get past 80 years. Do you really have time to worry about what others think about you? Do the folks who judge you without seeing the good in you have the right to do so? The answer is no. With our limited time here on earth we have to make the best of what we have. In the end it won't matter what someone thought of you because in the end we're all the same. 

Everyone has something they do or say that makes them unique. Why in the world would you let someone take away what makes you who you are? You don't owe the world anything. If you stop being yourself just to please the image of you others expect you to be then you're no longer an individual because you've given up who you are to fit in with the herd. 

Being different is what filled this world with the wonders and awe it has in the first place. To make all forms of art or music means you have to be a little unique and creative in order to do so. If everyone suddenly submitted to the norm of society we'd have shows like "Jersey Shore" or "The Housewives" on every TV channel and on every corner of the internet. Personally I'd prefer not to live in a world like that. 

Being unique being yourself is what makes communities like ours so special. The fan art, fan fictions, music, and events that made our community so awesome wouldn't exist today if everyone submitted to what society believed to be acceptable or normal. This goes for every other community in existence currently and in the past. No one who calls themselves successful in what they do got to that point if they never went against what most people expected of them. The point is don't let others decide for you on who you should be. They don't have the right. If they knew that being and individual (being yourself) was what keeps the world spinning they'd think twice before judging you or telling you what you are is wrong. 

 

 

---

 

I hope this helped you in any way. Be strong, you'll get through this. 

[Sarajevo 124]

I skipped everything aside from the OP and stopped reading at "If your friends aren't doing it..."

Seriously, what kind of reasoning is that? My friends mainly go around bragging about how they lost their virginity and telling everyone about their most recent CoD killstreak. If you apply your dad's logic to this, I'd probably be sitting down watching Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory and cracking sex jokes every 5 seconds like every other teenager in my general area does.

That aside, you should just say straight to his face "You can get off my back about what I like and what I don't like, it's my opinion and you have yet to provide any valid reason for me to not like the show."

Agreed. Most of the things my friends are doing are incredibly stupid or bad... why follow them? It's a harmless TV show but I guess it's the whole idea about the theme of it that makes them go off... all conservative parents are like this ughh

[Ron J 276]

The only thing my parents asked me upon telling them I watched MLP is if I was gay, and of course, I said no.

I think they did pick on me about it once by picking me up a McDonalds happy meal with a girl's toy at the time when they had MLP toys. (In my defense, I asked for a big mac.)

I just ended up taking the toy and fries and gave the rest to my little sister.