Greetings, Bronies. To the point: why are you even here?

[Otherwise 3]

Hello, hello! Visiting passer-througher here. You're my first stop, and here's the question:

Why do you bother watching this show?

 

Now this is an honest question, and a fair one, I think, and not one based from a perspective that assumes FiM is garbage because it's aimed at little girls. Extremities aside, it's watched a significant number of presumably level-headed people - of both genders, though as you may expect males are the more curious - apparently find and extoll in this show virtues that would make leading television writers jealous.

 

I'm just not seeing it.

 

Admittedly I've only watched a little of the series, mostly from shows of good faith, and I find none of the incredible qualities so generously bestowed upon it by its more avid watchers. Every indication I've been able to find shows that...well, to be blunt, it's meant for the entertainment of little girls with a bit of life lessons thrown in. Frankly, the cover matches the book in this case.

 

And yet the apparent level-headedness of its watchers remains - I remain on friendly terms with those who began such - thus so too does my curiosity.

 

Bronies, and more accurately the brony craze, are a mystery to me. I've yet to receive a satisfying answer as to why FiM is deserving of words like "great" or "awesome" and the like. Much of the time answers come in the form of such things as "Because I like it", "It feels cheery", "The animation is great", and "Other cartoons are crap nowadays". These, while individually valid and cannot be objectionably negated, also are not answers. They are non-answers: they do not address the question why and also, I think, are not sufficient in themselves to explain the sudden brony stampede.

 

I see that here, to provide a starting point, character depth is the specific subject being explored. Hearing about the older MLP series, I have to ask - again, in all fairness - are you not exaggerating the characters' personalities and qualities beyond their merits simply because personalities are present in this iteration?

 

Character growth, at its basest level, requires that individuals learn from past experiences. Here's a simple example: when Pinkie Pie finds out that none of her friends want to attend her party, she has a depressive-psychotic episode and rather literally has a pity party, only to find out later that her friends were turning her down in favor of throwing a party for her. Putting aside the question of whether a character with something like actual depth might have simply learned that not every day is a party, she has presumably gained understanding that her friends' actions should not be met with extreme reactions and paranoiac distrust - certainly a word to the wise - but is there growth? Does FiM give her an opportunity to remember past events and avoid previous mistakes? If Thunder Dash's description of everyone abandoning Twilight Sparkle sometime later is any indication, the initial answer is "apparently not".

 

Other examples provided to me continue to say, to me at least, that FiM is at an intellectual and thought-provoking level slightly above that of Sesame Street - possibly less, since the latter is seemingly tackling some more controversial topics recently. They continue to make me think that bronies tend to make an automatic leap from "personality exists" to "personalities deep and rich in character".

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

So, again, this is an honest assessment. I'd ask that you forgive the length - and this is only a part of problems I have with this topic - but it's only fair to show the same degree of fair consideration that I am asking in reply. I've failed to see FiM as anything but a show for little girls and continue to wonder about reasons to the contrary that so many apparently are able to see. Please, enlighten me.

 

This is just a starting point, really. In short I have been and am still a skeptic seeking to satisfy his curiosity about what makes Bronies tick. Rule 34, sexual deviation, comparisons to furries are all out the window here: it's no difficulty for me to assume you are all level-headed, mature individuals - more or less, anyway, this is the internet after all - and therefore are capable of reaching specific conclusions as to why FiM suits your fancy.

 

A specific request, on the side: what 2 to 3 episodes exhibit FiM's redeeming qualities at their best? Convince me. Individual opinions are welcome - detailed explanations even more so. Spoil away un/important information, after previous attempts I really don't have the stomach to search for background tidbits on my own.

 

Oh, and by all means answer honestly. This is not intended to be a flame war but insults, negligence, thread-closings and the like are also interesting feedback.

Edited July 8, 2013 by Otherwise

[NavelColt 22,881]

Moved your topic to Sugarcube Corner, since you're addressing the fandom about something, not just talking about the show There's no need to remake the topic in the old forum again.

[Otherwise 3]

Interesting interpretation, I suppose. I assumed that since I was directly talking about the show it would fit nicely enough in the show's forum, but hopefully this should work. I'll endeavor to be more observant of forum mechanics in the future.

[Darkshift 85]

You've put it in a nice way which I respect but remember you can like whatever you want to like in a democratic country basically meaning if you are a fan which was first aimed as a child's tv show so be it.Honestly if you picked up on the story it is actually quite a deep story which shows progression like all the best shows in the world

[Circadian 1,273]

FiM doesn't really ever seem to take risks lately. Season 3 has been all about playing it safe. Except for turning Twilight into an A-Corn

 

 

 

I wonder how that's going to work out. 

Edited July 8, 2013 by Circadian

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,632]

While this is worded well and politely, I must ask my own question, why do you care? Do you have legitimate interest in the show itself or are you just trying to figure out why we like it?

 

I will answer why I like it: It is innocent, kind hearted, promotes good morals, has love able characters, and you know what? It being a show for little girls as you say, has more than likely attributed to this in some way. Maybe DHX is just better at making it entertaining. The show does have progression, it just isn't in your face and instant. If we had instant progression after every episode, the show would have completely ended a long time ago. Twilight progress through these 3 seasons, which was over the span of 2.5 years. Her growth led to her becoming an Alicorn, hence the payoff. Her arch is completed. The other characters still have a lot to learn as well as she does.

 

Honestly, this is a tired question. We like it for many reasons and it differs among Bronies. That is one thing that makes it so great, there are so many things to love about it. I know I am violating your rule there, but isn't that enough? Do I have to come up with a scientific theory to why I love it? Again, why is this such a massive concern of yours? Not wanting to sound rude there, but this has been asked before.

[longgone 873]

Well, the animation was what first got me into it. I guess it's the fact that it's a show that manages to teach important values and have enough intelligent humor to make it appeal to older audiences? IMO, it would be hard to say what is an acceptable answer. What may been an answer for someone may not being an answer for someone else. Someone may like it for the animation, someone else may like it for the voice acting and character design. There are many factors that go into it I guess.

 

 

As for my "What shows the shows qualities the best", I choose lesson zero, in terms of making it enjoyable for older audiences. Crazy Twittlelight is Best Twittlelight

 

 

I present to you, Examination A!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbRO2H-4Xc4

 

 

I rest my case :3

[James 302]

First of all I'd like to say that no-one even needs a 'good reason' to like any form of entertainment. There should be no need for anyone to justify their tastes in TV shows, movies, or whatever.

 

Well, the reason I like the show, above all else, is that it makes me feel happy, that's all I need. It reminds of how a child sees the world, before they are forced to realise how horrible and cynical the world can be. It's made me a happier person and completely changed my outlook.

 

Also, the characters are incredibly relatable, which is an important thing for any TV show to get right, regardless of target audience. Fluttershy is the character I can relate to the most, so much so that it feels like they just made me in pony form sometimes. Everyone who watches will find a character they can relate to, even you.

 

Of course, there are all the other reasons that everyone mentions all the time. Great animation, voice-acting, music, writing, etc, etc. All of those are true.

[Princess Periwinkle 3,775]

When funny/interesting/epic stories are presented to me in the form of cute, lovable ponies... I just can't help myself.

 

Another thing that really keeps me into the fandom is the fandom itself. Fan fiction, art, and videos are among the best I've seen. Also, semi-related:

Q: Is My Little Pony just for little girls?

 

A:

 

 

 

 

 

You could argue that it really didn't look like that in the show, but to be honest it wasn't that far off. The world of Equestria leaves so much to the imagination that I can spend hours there.

 

So yup, that's why I like the show (besides the more obvious good animation/good voice acting/good morals). I appreciate your maturity in asking, by the way.

[Otherwise 3]

Interesting start.

 

I'll take the chance to elaborate that terms like "girly crap" on my part are frank reactions because, well, that's how it came across.

 

"It's a democratic country, we're allowed to like what we want": Thank you for illustrating what I called a "non-answer". Relevancy of democracy aside anyone is certainly allowed their likes and dislikes - to a certain degree - but though valid in and of itself it fails to address anything beyond "I like it because I like it".

 

"Why bother asking?", "Why do you care?", etc:  Pure curiosity. If I find a reason to care about the show I'm no stranger to a "Nope, it's crap...except for that one thing. They did good there" sort of view - Highschool of the Dead currently being the foremost example of this.

 

"It makes me feel happy", "It's innocent and light-hearted", "It promotes good morals": Happiness is to be expected from a decent production whose purpose is to entertain, and naturally everyone likes feeling happy, but you have to admit that a magical land of talking ponies somewhat inundated with traditionally feminine characteristics is an unusual choice of outlet for an adult male. Regarding the other ideas here, there are any number of programs dedicated to teaching good morals in a light-hearted manner - as a rule adults tolerate them only somewhat willingly apart from a sense of nostalgia. What makes FiM so drastically different?

 

"No-one even needs a 'good reason' to like any form of entertainment. There should be no need for anyone to justify their tastes in TV shows, movies, or whatever.": No one is asking you to justify anything; justification implies the presence of accusation or condemnation. That being said, is there a problem with asking why? Certainly anyone is entitled to their own likes and dislikes, but without specifics and particulars discussions of such media would be very dull indeed. "What about it do you like? What do you dislike?" are fair questions and not necessarily demanding inquiries.

 

To illustrate my answers to these questions, I am fond of anime. If asked I can, with admittedly a bit of difficulty at times, provide examples of titles I like and dislike. If confronted with the idea that anime is for children or some such I can provide reasons why I, as an adult male, like and dislike those titles - usually beyond the simpler notions of attractive animation or catchy music, and naturally besides the point that obviously not all anime is for children.

 

EDIT - "I like it for the fandom", fan-based productions: Thank you both for bringing that up. The question of Pony fan productions seems to be an area entirely its own, as it is practically another subject completely. Fan productions are of such widely varied material that it's nearly impossible to compare them to the original content, apart from visually. It's safe to say that the pony craze has spawned a disturbingly large amount of creativity - easy exchange of media and formation of communities via the internet are probably to blame. The video that Circadian provided pre-edit is a good example: it was well assembled, well edited, and well presented. This says little for FiM itself, however, and more to the credit of the two artists unassociated with the show whose efforts replaced nearly all but the fancy animation of the show proper.

Edited July 8, 2013 by Otherwise

[longgone 873]

"To illustrate my answers to these questions, I am fond of anime. If asked I can, with admittedly a bit of difficulty at times, provide examples of titles I like and dislike. If confronted with the idea that anime is for children or some such I can provide reasons why I, as an adult male, like and dislike those titles - usually beyond the simpler notions of attractive animation or catchy music, and naturally besides the point that obviously not all anime is for children."

 

 

 

Did we not just provide reasons?  How are animation, character design, depth of character, voice acting, moral values etc. NOT reason(s) to why we like the show? 

 

 

Please my good sir, go ahead and explain to us why you like anime, I'm curious to see why you like it.

Edited July 8, 2013 by ~HistoricallyInaccurate~

[Booksmith 87]

Honestly, for me, it just makes me feel good. I can't even figure out why but I watch it and I feel good afterwards.

It's pretty much my free emotional heroin.

I can watch a show, listen to Pinkie's songs, the art of the dress, This day or any of the music really and it cheers me up.

Reduces my stress and makes my other wise soul crushing life of poverty and despair more tolerable. 

I think perhaps it lets me believe, even for a few minutes, that not all the world is shit and there can be things worth doing in the long run. 

Not that I think MLP will last forever, but the positive emotional contributions the show has made to the general population of the human race will live on for at least a generation. Happiness passed from child to parent and parent to child in turn. Can there be any thing better to do with your life than that? The artists/producers should be very proud of what they have done.

 

I also think Hasbro executives should also be kicked in the junk for their tampering with a great story in the name of squeezing out 2% more profit. I never was a nice person though

Edited July 8, 2013 by Plowplot

[longgone 873]

Honestly, for me, it just makes me feel good. I can't even figure out why but I watch it and I feel good afterwards.

It's pretty much my free emotional heroin.

I can watch a show, listen to Pinkie's songs, the art of the dress, This day or any of the music really and it cheers me up.

Reduces my stress and makes my other wise soul crushing life of poverty and despair more tolerable. 

I think perhaps it lets me believe, even for a few minutes, that not all the world is shit and there can be things worth doing in the long run. 

Not that I think MLP will last forever, but the positive emotional contributions the show has made to the general population of the human race will live on for at least a generation. Happiness passed from child to parent and parent to child in turn. Can there be any thing better to do with your life than that? The artists/producers should be very proud of what they have done.

 

I also think Hasbro executives should also be kicked in the junk for their tampering with a great story in the name of squeezing out 2% more profit. I never was a nice person though

Here here!

 

 

The world is a mere cesspool of utter vileness, filled to the brim with corruption, greed, war, hunger, poverty, sadness, despair, hatred, malice...I could go on for days. This show has inspired me, and I believe it is safe to say it has done the same with others here, to try to be more like the characters in this show: honest, loyal, kind, generous, etc. When I look around these forums and see, for the most part, a site full of kind people, it makes me believe that perhaps the world isn't completely horrid, perhaps there is a small group of humans on this evil planet that still bears human decency.

 

 

That is why I watch the show.

[Booksmith 87]

Oh, also, if you want to truely understand what makes them good from a more intelectual and not just "The feels" point of view I recommend: 

 

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCipYvDkcBw8Np3H8cmmxIzw - Bronycurious 

and 

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHhnf3RgHabfk5f2gUX6EVQ - DigibronyMLP 

 

These two channels are where two gentlemen sit down and analyse the shows, the characters, the plots (No not that kind of plot, the literary kind) and try to make sense of some of the back story. They both give well thought out presentations which gave me a new appreciation of the show and it's more subtle meanings. 

 

Once you have watches the three seasons of the show (All on netflix!) you should then watch:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao9teQKuEo8 - My little Critiques 4 where Bronycurious and Williamsfan, another youtube user, work together to critique the most controversial episodes in the show, the two part "Canterlot Wedding." They end it with a conspiracy theory that gave a friend of mine eye twitches because it -could- be true but we will most likely never know.   

Edited July 8, 2013 by Plowplot

[eightbithoof 518]

Objection

I have a general objection to your approach, here. It seems to me that you are attempting to present an objective facade, yet your tone is negative and the post is peppered with thinly veiled insults. It makes me suspect a troll or at the very least one who isn't really looking for answers, merely for justification of their own view. Be that as it may, I'm willing to go forward and give you what you claim you want: an answer.

 

Answer - Art

I watch the show because it makes me feel good. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me think and it taught me how to be happy again. It would appear that this is not the case for you. The important point here is that the show is art and that each of us responds to each work of art differently.

 

To continue the answer - Philosophy

Now, to continue the inquiry, I will ask "why does MLP:FIM make me feel good?" Because the stories in the show detail - for me - an approach to life that is (1) completely the opposite of the approach I was taught by my peers growing up and (2) far more compatible with my idealized self. MLP:FIM gave me the means to identify and resolve an internal conflict that I was carrying for the last fifteen years.

 

To answer the implied question - Poetry

Now, to the implied question: "why are Bronies so passionate about MLP:FIM?" Simply put: when you find something you love, you celebrate it.

 

Summary

If you don't like MLP:FIM, then nothing I have to say will change your mind. If you want to understand Bronies, look to any fandom, we're no different then they.

[Pinkie D Pie 1,036]

I shall explain why I bother watching this show, a show meant for little girls, a show that I should not enjoy, a show that has gathered a majority of male followers.

 

To start off, I shall not be giving any examples of videos or pictures, partially because I don't have good internet connection, and partially because I don't feel like I need to.

 

To start off with, I find the show to be good. I don't have an answer to why I do, I just do. I originally thought okay, it's an okay show, but it wasn't nearly as good as I find it now.

 

To make my point, I originally started watching the show in January of 2012, and that was when I thought it was okay but not the best. Later on in that year, about May, I got depressed for some really personal reasons. The show made me happy, and still makes me happy. Later on in that year, these forums pretty much saved my life. I was close to suicide, or I think I was, and one post I read on here made me change my mind.

 

Another thing the show and this forums has made me realize, is that I shouldn't be depressed and so well annoyed at the world all the time. I shouldn't care what happens, or who cares what I do. The show changed my way of thinking, and it changed who I am. I have to thank it for that.

 

I still consider the show to be good. It's not the best I've ever seen, but it is better than quite a few I have seen. Those are the reasons, I watch the show, those are the reasons I first fell in love with the show. Maybe these reasons aren't as good as others, but I don't care, I just wanted to get my point out there.

 

Oh and one more thing, every time I watch the show I smile, and I laugh. It's one of the few things that will make me laugh that still comes on TV.

[Argumedies 1,748]

I was going to stay out of this thread if it wasn't for one thing.

 

The problem is that your asking a question that no one here can answer.

 

We can site you reasons all day long but no answer will satisfy you. By setting a standard for the answer you seek, you limit yourself on the "why"

 

The truth to the question is the "why" does not matter, but the answer you seek can only be answered by yourself

Edited July 8, 2013 by Argumedies

[MontagnaMagica 307]

Let me just cut straight to the chase and list out why I like the show.

Animation - Yes, the animation is important, because we like to see something æsthetically-pleasing to the eyes. The ponies really are adorable (large expressive eyes, colorful coats and manes, relatively small stature). Besides the ponies, the environment around them is also very nice. The show flows smoothly, and isn't jarring. That's important.

 

Character Interaction - To me, it's not so much the characters themselves that grabbed my attention, and hooked me. It's the interaction among the characters. As the series has progressed, you'll notice that the writers have gotten increasingly good at relating the characters to one another through playful banter, and a lot of other means. I'm not singling out any one personality as great, but together they are a fun bunch to watch!

 

Fantasy World - Probably the most important reason I like this show is because of the general mythological feel of "Equestria". There's enough realism that it's not just unicorns dancing on rainbows and singing about flowers. On the other hand (hoof?), it's "fantasy", and within the physics of the realm the writers created, things make sense, and I don't find myself suspending disbelief as I do in a lot of more down-to-earth shows, where we know what can and cannot happen in our world.

 

Villains - While certainly not the strongest point, I do like that the world is imperfect, and there is reason for fear at times. From manticores to changelings, there's plenty of beasts for the characters to fend off. Plus, we've got recurring character, "Discord", a god of chaos, voiced by none other than John de Lancie himself! He is (and has been for many years) a fantastic actor!

 

As a last point, you could say that I came for the show, and stayed for the fandom. Yes, I still love the show, and I know not everyone will, but it's become more than just a TV show to me (I don't even watch TV regularly). Did Hasbro get lucky for having such a following as this? Perhaps, but I don't think it was completely undeserved either. They've been rewarded for making a quality form of entertainment!

Edited July 8, 2013 by MontagnaMagica

[THE WILD HUNT 213]

I don't really watch it as much as before, but I think one major reason I and several other people watch MLP is because it actually does lift our spirits in some strange way. It could be the very fact that it's a show aimed at small children, in which watching it stirs up that type of child like happiness because of the bright colors (which do have an effect on mood), happy songs, and other situations we all may have been in (doubting our friends, feeling afraid of a competition, etc).

 

The plots for the episodes are actually realistic, and actually play them out and solve them in ways older people would instead of the cookie cutter "drink some tea and be his friend" method most little girl shows have. Story lines of the show are executed in clever ways, and the characters....

The characters are probably one of the most interesting characters I've seen in a show because they actually seem like people who have certain quirks we know all too well because we see them in ourselves and in others.

[Booksmith 87]

OP, you might also consider that a lot of the fandom -doesn't- like the show, but they took it as a branching off point and started massive independent projects like Fallout Equestria and the other famous fanfictions. A lot of people in the fandom are OK with the show, but like the community and it's creations a lot more. 

[weegeez 150]

I decided to watch the show under severe amounts of peer pressure from my brony friends sooooo yeah. I disliked the first couple episodes but it got better and the characters and animation really grew on me. I can;t really explain it, something about the show just really clicks with me even though it really shouldn;t but I guess that just goes to show the actual effort put into writing for this show for little girls

[Scootalove 10,689]

I respect your opinion on probably trying to know on why we love the show or, just asking for drama. We love the show because, we find it entertaining with storylines, villains, and the things that keep us on the edge of our seats. I just find that, the fandom has changed a lot since the show first began. So whoever does not like the show, it would be best to go then.

[Homura Akemi 974]

I'll admit if this fandom never existed I would not be watching the show, as I'm sure many other people wouldn't either. For the first year that I was a fan, which I became a fan in August 2011, almost 2 years ago, I watched it because I found it amusing. I like the animation, the characters, the music, and the story. If you asked me 3 years ago to imagine what a new My Little Pony show would be like, I would think of a show where the characters were very flat with little to no development and very simple situations in the storyline so a young child could understand and keep up with the pacing of the show.

 

Another new reason that I watch the show, which was brought to my attention more after I attended my first convention in November 2012, was the fandom. The fandom is full of creative people who are very fun to meet in person. I have met several people who work on the show: Tara Strong (Twilight Sparkle), Cathy Weisluck (Spike/Mayor Mare), Andrea Libman (Fluttershy/Pinkie Pie), and Michelle Creber (Apple Bloom). They are all very nice ladies. The people who work on the show, as well as their relatives which I have met as well, are so appreciative of the fandom and bright people in general. I have gotten to know the fandom rather well in my area since then, and it has allowed me to make many new friends. And no, we don't always talk pony 24/7. I have discovered other similar interests in them as well. I have even grown closer to other people I already knew because of the fandom.

 

Friendship is Magic is far from a perfect show. It's not the greatest thing to ever exist. The fandom isn't perfect, either. That's okay. But I believe when you are a fan, you will embrace whatever flaws are at the table and enjoy it for its quality that is available to you.

 

Edited July 8, 2013 by Nagisa Misumi

[Discount_Flunky 75]

The show was originally created by Lauren Faust a women who excels at making shows appealing to all genders and age groups.  Power puff girls was most certainly originally marketed to young girls, but it has gained a huge following among boys and adults.  Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends was marketed to young boys, but it has gained a decent following with girls and adults as well.  I think she has a deep understanding of what appeals to both genders and she makes things that SHE wants to see. AKA what adults want to see.  The writers just stuck with her formula and what we get is a show that appeals to virtually everyone with an open mind.  It's really not surprising it has the following it has, especially with how powerful the internet is today.  

[Gone for good 1,593]

To be honest with you, I don't really think the show is near as perfect as the bronies make it out to be. I find it entertaining, and I really can't answer you why, but there are better cartoons out there. In fact while I'm at it I might be a minority group here and say that while the vast majority of bronies assume that Faust is god at creating characters, I actually disagree and think that for the most part her characters are meh. I really have no reason to say this other than it's what I think from seeing some of her character designs.

Now then, would I be watching this crap without the fandom? lol probably. I'm a dork already who watches anime cartoons that are clearly made for little girls in Japan, so I don't see why I wouldn't give this a shot.