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

[Lady Leopardess 393]

 I think that's really disappointed that parents act like that.

 

I would say just don't bring it up if they don't , as it'll make you seem less interested in the show.

 

However if they do bring it up, I would ask them WHAT exactly they have against the show.

Too childish/for girls? Point out that they(hasbro/lauren) have stated it is a show meant to be enjoyed by both girls and their fathers watching it with them.  Mention they make adult oriented jokes in the show. ( such as spiking the punch) Or songs based on older songs such as Art of the Dress.

Not your age group/gender? Point out that places like Hot Topic are selling boy shirts with ponies. And that people who work on my little pony worked on boys shows such as dexter's lab.  

Might get picked on?  Ask them if they would give up something they really enjoyed just because other people didn't like it.

etc

 

Then proceed to ask " No , but what in the show itself don't you like?"   Since there's not that much objectionable in the show , it might cause them to think.

 

However you know your parents best.

I don't know what exactly you'll be doing those two years (makes me think obligatory military training or something) but if you know you won't have internet or what not . You can use that to your advantage to say you want to enjoy it while you can before you have to be gone or whatnot for 2 years.

[hawkflame 3,310]

I've only been skimming through this thread (10 pages is a lot to go through) so maybe I'm just repeating what others have said, but here'smy two cents worth:  I also obviously don't know the full details of your family dynamic, so take all this with a grain of salt.

 

(And maybe I missed something in the thread, but.. why are they so dead set against you watching the show?  It sounds completely irrational.)

 

1) Make sure everything else in your life is in order.  Get good grades, maintain a healthy social life, be a good son otherwise.  Do not give them *any* reason for you to quit the show.  If you're already there, that's great. 

 

2) Be assertive, make your stance known, that there is nothing wrong with liking this show and remind them how you've got everything else in your life in order.  But at the same time, pick your battles and make sure any rift between you and your family can still be manageable. 

 

3) If and ONLY if it does get to that point, lay low.  Watch it in secret, wait out the year, and (i'm assuming youre a high school senior, since you're 17) and when you move out, watch it as much as you damn well please.

[Veylon 255]

I think your parents problem is that Bronyism simply isn't comfortable. It doesn't fit into any of the standard stories of youth that they know how to handle. It isn't smoking, drinking, swearing, rock music, porno magazines, drugs, or even violent video games. Those are scenarios that pop into their minds and they can imagine themselves giving lectures to an imagined you. These are things that, however repugnant, they know something about and can hope to understand. They have likely received or heard of lectures about things like this in their own youths.

 

But Bronyism is alien. Your parents don't have a narrative surrounding it and weaving it into the story of their lives.They don't, can't have an argument or line of logic to deal with it, but it's not on the approved list, either. So it's just there, being wrong in a wrong way, strange and incomprehensible. So they're in a situation where MLP has to be bad, but they don't have chapter and verse to prove it. This is why they're so eager to believe any stupid thing on the internet that says it's bad. They need some kind of excuse to push the ponies away or they'll have no choice but to accept the obviously bad thing as being okay.

 

So your best bet is to find a way to make it relevant to them. What did they like that their parents disapproved of and/or couldn't understand? Were they Elvis or Beatles fans that had moral guardians of the day tut-tutting? Find some dirt on your parents vaguely the color of your own and smear them hard. They loved (and still love) something once upon a time that their own parents feared and hated. Remind them of that.

[bunnybuzki 45]

They are your parents, and think about this, they can make your life miserable. But you shouldn't have to wait until you're out of the house to be happy.

 

Here's what you do, you listen to them, and make sure they know you heard them. You don't react, no matter how angry what they say makes you. You simply ask to talk about it. Everything they say, you repeat back to them in your own words. If they say, "The show is for little girls and it's wrong for you to watch," you say something like, "It's inappropriate to watch a show that's made for small girls when I am...(I actually don't know what you are sorry, a 17 year old boy?)," etc. until they are done. This lets them know you are being rational, are intelligent, and are in control of yourself. This is absolutely necessary before they can even begin to listen to you. After all, why should they listen to you when they know what's best and you aren't listening to them?

 

I would also stop buying merchandise and making it public for a while just so that they are no longer on edge. This isn't changing who you are, it's just giving them some space and allowing them to see you beyond your bronyness.

 

Anyway, then you can start addressing their concerns with the other advice given here. The thing is, you want something, so give a little something first. I think the biggest thing is to show you are in control of yourself and are respectful. There is tons of communications advice online that real family therapists use (I am a therapist actually) such as "I" statements and no blaming. Look these up, and just remember to breath and whatever you do, do not react!

 

I have been there before. Remember your relationship and communication with your parents is really the issue, not the show. Do you have any siblings that can help? Work on that first. Spend time with them and get on a friendly basis with them. Again, family therapy tools should be easy to find online and if not just ask. (Not that i am officially counseling you). One thing i want to make you aware of is that you have had a lot of ideas thrown at you here, but for the most part I have been seeing your response as lacking hope and insisting nothing will work. That is ok because some of the advice was really bad and you should be able to work out your feelings and ideas here, but Try to open your own mind up as well.

 

Again, Ive been there when I was in high school too. It is awful but in six years you will want to love your parents and have them as a part of your life. Im sure you even want that now.

Edited January 18, 2013 by bunnybuzki

[SkyGust 71]

Do what I do. Go on sites and watch the show when no one is around, and hide your merchandise away deep into your drawer. 

 

 

 

Just because your parents don't want you to be a brony, that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Parents want what is best for there kids. They want to help you, and keep you safe. I am guessing your parents most likely think that it is very weird, so that is why they are trying to make you stop. Like I said, I suggest hiding the stuff. Good luck to you.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

I would also stop buying merchandise and making it public for a while just so that they are no longer on edge. This isn't changing who you are, it's just giving them some space and allowing them to see you beyond your bronyness.

 

Just a note, I actually own NO MLP merchandise whatsoever. I swear, what they got me for my birthday...long story short, it wasn't what I was talking about, and they even admitted they'd bought it as a joke. Yeah, because saying something's a joke makes it suddenly acceptable and removes any intended offensiveness at all (sarcasm).

[Doctor-Whooves 288]

I suppose that is was a G3 toy or something like that. Forgive me for saying so, but your parents don't sound very nice to me at all.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

There is tons of communications advice online that real family therapists use (I am a therapist actually) such as "I" statements and no blaming.

 

*Jaw drops*

 

You're a therapist? That's awesome! I'm actually thinking of going into the same field, so it's nice to talk with someone who has some experience out there. Thanks for the advice as well, I do love my parents and want them in my life, but I'd also appreciate acceptance.

 

Here's the biggest issue I see: They accept most fandoms out there (ie: Whovians and Trekkies especially because some of my friends are into that), but they won't accept something new like this. I mean, one of those Whovian friends of mine wanted to do a senior paper on the effect of Harry Potter on society, and then later talked about getting a plush version of the Tardis (from Toys R' Us no less). Then another friend of mine (into the "Big Bang Theory" show) wanted to do his senior paper on that fandom. I don't have any problem with either of these, and neither would my parents (they'd probably think it's awesome and even encourage it), but if, let's say, I tried to do a senior paper on bronies, I wouldn't hear the end of it from my parents (Or possibly my friends either. Hypocrites.).

 

I suppose that is was a G3 toy or something like that. Forgive me for saying so, but your parents don't sound very nice to me at all.

 

Well the shirt was, they also bought some of the G4 "figurines", but I didn't really want those (looking back on it, I should have just taken it for what it was. I admit it, I made a mistake.).

Edited January 18, 2013 by whoovesfan7698

[Fluttershyish 6]

They can't stop you from being who you really are. You have to talk to them, tell them how important all of this is for you. Do what you think is right.

 

[Darkbringer 2]

If your parents I.e. your dad, tries to get you out of the fandom watch it right in front of both of your parents chances are your mom will be on your side so that's 2 on 1. If that doesn't work ignore anything your dad does or says if he takes your computer, find it and take it back, if he blocks the hub or whatever find the code and unblock it or you could take the rational approach and try to reason with him, tell him that I am my own person and I don't care what anyone does or says so if u can't accept me for me then you need to rethink your morals and stop badgering me like I'm watching porn. So yeah that has a good chance of getting him to stop being a intolerant jerk. When life gives you lemons make combustible lemons and burn life's house down.

[Fridge 382]

First, isn't this contradicting what they've told me about being confident and being myself? Secondly, is this in any way right? Seriously, is it?

 

To answer the first part, you are right this goes totally against everything pretty your told about believeing in yourself and being 'who you are'. The issue is if you bring that point up they'll likely say things like; 'Its for your own good' and 'But I'm only asking you to improve yourself'

 

Self improvement is one thing but I doubt anyone can honestly say that not watching a show is a way of self improvement. As for the fandom... well it depends on how seriously you take it all, or how far. There are some brony's out there I would love to tell to tone it down a notch.

 

As for the second part I think you know its not right.

 

My advise is defend yourself, I've said this to others and I think to yourself before but if you give on this topic (which is relatively minor) then your just giving a clear signal that they can walk all over you. Parents or not they have to learn to respect your choices.

 

That being said, when it comes to defending yourself don't argue. I know that sounds difficult if near impossible but getting angry won't help, it'll actually make things worse. Be calm and rational, believe me it will get you more respect and if it doesn't... well then they don't deserve your respect. Respect is earned not given and being your parents only gets them so far.

[Flutterwing 105]

man i havent read every post in this thread but... i feel bad for all of you guys, i know i think my parents have noticed but decided to just let it go "un-noticed" and leave me be and usually thats exactly what they do.... however im still waiting for that day they confront me..

but i have plenty of friends who have gone through parents buying them MLP merchandise as a joke and other things like that and id try and reccomend ummmm just go full out? show you like it and thats that? dont be aggressive about it but like simply just say, i like it and theres really nothing more to it, keep cool? thats what my friend did when he got all these "joke t-shirts" he said thank you and accepted it and wore them the following day to school, if you show you are ok with watching it then others will most likely be fine with it too after a while, especially if they are friends or family

[Vinyl Scratch (Filly)™ 936]

Don't let your parents, or friends tell you what you should and should not like. That's just not right, I was bullied because I was friends with a little Jewish kid in my last school, they said things like  'Dude why are you friends with him? You wouldn't get bullied if you just stopped hanging out with him.' I stayed friends with that kid, there was something wrong with him and he was Jewish so people bullied him. He needed a friend. Just because people kept telling me to stop being friends with him doesn't mean I listened to them, why should you listen to your parents or friends? Seriously it's an innocent show that does no harm to anyone. Your choice not theirs! (Okay, do listen to your parents on more serious matters like school work and stuff...)

[SonOfTheNorthe 412]

Personally, I would pretend to stop watching it. Throw all your merchandise in a bag and stash it away somewhere. Watch MLP like you would watch porn.

[bunnybuzki 45]

*Jaw drops*

 

You're a therapist? That's awesome! I'm actually thinking of going into the same field, so it's nice to talk with someone who has some experience out there. Thanks for the advice as well, I do love my parents and want them in my life, but I'd also appreciate acceptance.

Well the shirt was, they also bought some of the G4 "figurines", but I didn't really want those (looking back on it, I should have just taken it for what it was. I admit it, I made a mistake.).

Well, to be clear I'm working on getting the license, but I have done work with families and am in the field still. I just graduated so I'm moving beyond my internship and seeking a real position, but yes I am trained and in my work I do therapy and counseling as my job. I'm always available if you need friendly advice (friendly, not official counseling, I feel I must make that disclaimer   ). I also couldn't tell but it almost sounds like you are an only child? Siblings and cousins make great allies in these cases, maybe aunts or uncles too. But like I said before, try to put the relationship before the fandom and I do hope you'll reap the benefits. Contact me if you want to talk about doing counseling or therapy!

[PoniesPlease 365]

Yeah, whatever you do, you have to hold out. Don't take the fight to them, don't let them get too close to home. They may be your parents, but they're trying to deny you something you clearly enjoy. If I were you, I'd play the game in the long run. prepare for every contingency. Let them know how silly the prospect of forcing you to stop watching a TV show is.

 

MAKE THEM SEE YOUR SITUATION FROM YOUR EYES.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

MAKE THEM SEE YOUR SITUATION FROM YOUR EYES.

THEY DON'T WANT TO SEE THE SITUATION FROM MY EYES.

 

Or, at least I don't see that happening. At this point, though, just about anything's worth a shot (note that I said "just about").

[PoniesPlease 365]

THEY DON'T WANT TO SEE THE SITUATION FROM MY EYES.

 

Or, at least I don't see that happening. At this point, though, just about anything's worth a shot (note that I said "just about").

Fair enough, I suspect there's something about them that you'd find weird. By this I mean, tel them about how you see what they do from your eyes, and then turn that around on them. Make them feel how you feel. 

[Agent505 661]

I dont know if this has been suggested or not, and hell if im going to be reading through 11 pages to post a response no one else will read but...couldn't you just fake out of it? 

 

Put up a fight, kick and scream but in the end let them "win" 

Then just stay a brony in secret. That's what i'd do...if I were ever forced into this situation.

[ComradeUncleJoe 29]

I really hope you can make something out of this. I hope your parents back off and let you be who you are. Honestly, they're being retarded assholes.

 

It seems to me, it's going to come down to you just becoming a closet brony until you move out. (That's how I am with mlp and my religious beliefs) then if you want, once you no longer rely on them, tell them everything that they put you through and how much it angered you. Don't hold back, give them hell for putting you through hell. Now, this is only if you feel you should confront them about it.

 

Anyways, I really hope things work out for you man. Good Luck and Godspeed soldier.

[Crayon Blitz 3]

you will have brony in you! bronies: file:///C:/Users/mic/Pictures/ROBLOX/BRONIES!.png                                                                              

You are a brony no one can change that you will have us in your heart! if you leave we will miss you    I DONT WANT YOU TO LEAVE!!!!!!    *tears up*  

Edited April 4, 2013 by ~Chaotic Discord~
Removing unesscary exclamtion.

[Thundershock 310]

wow,your parents are going too far.even though they are your parents,you should tell them that you still want to be a brony.cause i see no reason they don't want you to watch the show.

[Lady Leopardess 393]

About your friend.  Is he a "family friend" ? ( as in you're mostly friends with him because he's similar age and your parents are friends with his or something) ?

If he's actually like a normal friend. I would think it wouldn't be too much to ask of said friend (when asked by your parents) to say positive things about the show.  Even if he doesn't like the show , he could either 1 lie and say he does or 2 state factual things about the show ( like that is super popular among adults both male and female , that a lot of creative art comes out of it ... things like that , that even people who don't like the show , can agree upon.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

About your friend.  Is he a "family friend" ? ( as in you're mostly friends with him because he's similar age and your parents are friends with his or something) ?

If he's actually like a normal friend. I would think it wouldn't be too much to ask of said friend (when asked by your parents) to say positive things about the show.  Even if he doesn't like the show , he could either 1 lie and say he does or 2 state factual things about the show ( like that is super popular among adults both male and female , that a lot of creative art comes out of it ... things like that , that even people who don't like the show , can agree upon.

 

He's a normal friend, and I was actually considering asking that of him. He hasn't showed much hatred for the show recently (long story short, the show has been brought up twice and he hasn't made a usual comment like that "it's stupid" or "I still can't belive you watch that show". Not sure why.), so I think I might just be able to get his help. I don't think my parents would bring it up around him, but it's worth a shot. Plus, what's the harm in a little back up?

 

Also, if they see him saying positive things about the show, they might be easier convinced that it's a good show considering they use my friend constantly in arguments (especially when comparing me), thus considering him a "reliable source" as they'd put it.

[TheMarkz0ne 962]

I am in a similar situation. Just 5 minutes ago I was watching S3EP11 and my mom said if people found out they would think I was a child molester or something. But I retain and still watch the show. You shouldn't have to leave the fandom because you feel like your being forced to