Fandom Self-Identification Issue

[Adente 1,000]

So this is an issue that I've noticed as being a recurring problem with lots of fandoms, Bronies being a prime offender. Lots of fandoms (I personally dislike the term, but its shorter than 'fan group') have fans who introduce themselves as a 'x', be it Brony, Whoovian, COD Fan, or whatever. They treat their enjoyment of a show as a personality trait, and in extreme cases their main personality trait.

 

Why is this a problem? Well, for starters, at the end of the day, MLP is a tv show. Made to sell cheap plastic toys to small children. Is it a good show? Yeah, its very enjoyable, but it is just a tv show. It is not a religion, lifestyle, whatever. So why treat it like that? 

 

Secondly, a lot of serious fans of something 'lose themselves' in the subject of their support. They either abandon their individual personality, or they mold it to match others in the same fan group as them. You shouldn't reply "I'm a Brony", or "I love anime" when asked what your personality is. When you're asked your likes, quirks, whatever, then sure, say that you love anime! But don't treat your love of that tv show like it is the centerpiece of your entire existence. It doesn't even matter if you wear a MLP t-shirt in public, that's not what I'm talking about.

 

For example, I love the NFL, and especially the Seattle Seahawks! I wear Seahawks gear in public, but I don't introduce myself as a Seahawks fan, or use that as the basis for my personality/lifestyle. Doing so would ditch my individuality in favor of dissolving into part of a larger, more homogeneous group. 

 

So, what are you guy's opinions on fandom members who let their liking of a single thing dominate them, their personality, and lifestyle completely?

Edited November 25, 2013 by Windy Runner

[Hive King 2,001]

I think you're looking a bit too much into this. If I introduce myself as a fan of DBZ, it does not mean my life revolves around that, it's just sharing interests

[Dark Horn 430]

Interesting and enlightening thoughts, but when asked "Who are you?", the minority of the fandom would say "A brony."

 

I do consider being a brony among my top five or ten major traits that define me... and even though that very slightly disturbs me, I'm not trying to change that much though, because I like specializing in things and I do not enjoy new experiences.

 

You're right, at the end of the day, MLP exists to sell toys, but it's become a little more than that, and even though one might not be wise to center their life around it, people have invested a lot of time, money, and emotion into it.

[Guest]

So this is an issue that I've noticed as being a recurring problem with lots of fandoms, Bronies being a prime offender. Lots of fandoms (I personally dislike the term, but its shorter than 'fan group') have fans who introduce themselves as a 'x', be it Brony, Whoovian, COD Fan, or whatever. They treat their enjoyment of a show as a personality trait, and in extreme cases their main personality trait.

 

Why is this a problem? Well, for starters, at the end of the day, MLP is a tv show. Made to sell cheap plastic toys to small children. Is it a good show? Yeah, its very enjoyable, but it is just a tv show. It is not a religion, lifestyle, whatever. So why treat it like that? 

 

Secondly, a lot of serious fans of something 'lose themselves' in the subject of their support. They either abandon their individual personality, or they mold it to match others in the same fan group as them. You shouldn't reply "I'm a Brony", or "I love anime" when asked what your personality is. When you're asked your personality, quirks, whatever, then sure, say that you love anime! But don't treat your love of that tv show like it is the centerpiece of your entire existence. It doesn't even matter if you wear a MLP t-shirt in public, that's not what I'm talking about.

 

For example, I'm love the NFL, and especially the Seattle Seahawks! I wear Seahawks gear in public, but I don't introduce myself as a Seahawks fan, or use that as the basis for my personality/lifestyle. Doing so would ditch my individuality in favor of dissolving into part of a larger, more homogeneous group. 

 

So, what are you guy's opinions on fandom members who let their liking of a single thing dominate them, their personality, and lifestyle completely?

I think you are confusing the difference between social recognition, and interest.

 

An example from my own life: I am an avid gamer. I like playing videogames in my spare time. I like many games. Games like ArmA, Warframe, and SWTOR are on my top list of games I commonly play. I am interested in these games, and I play them when I feel like it. I have an interest in things like this.

 

However, I am a fan of EVE Online. A follower one might say. I really like the game and I play it more than anything else. It commonly comes up in conversation if one were to talk with me about hobbies. I live and breathe the universe because I think it's the single greatest universe that has been created in digital history (followed very very very closely behind by Warhammer 40K).

 

I identify with the group because (below a rainbow dash pin on my backpack) I wear an EVE Online pin. It's a social recognition. I really like this game. I spend a lot of my time in it, therefore I try and get into a social group of people who all have interests in EVE Online (like a massive venn diagram of personal hobbies.) This is how fandoms are formed. A group of like minded people with similar interests come together and enhance, explore, and enjoy the experience of whatever they are getting together for.

 

Some things might define a person. Like how some people might be known as a wood worker, or a blacksmith, a programmer, or a a brony, some things create a stimuli that very much appeals to people, and they accociate themselves with it. It depends on the person.

 

TL;DR You might be interested in certain things only a little bit, but other things are more important to different people. The fact that you have not found something that you can dedicate yourself to shouldn't put down others. Some people treat being a brony as liberating, an opportunity to discover who they are, but to others it might just be a silly thing that's awesome for them for a couple days.

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,673]

Something needs to be cleared up here. Liking a show and being part of a fandom aren't the same thing and both have their extreme versions. As I understand it, to call oneself a brony is to affiliate oneself with the fandom. Some people enjoy the show but refuse to call themselves bronies or affiliate with the fandom in any shape or form while others stick around for the community even though they lost interest in the show. I'm not kidding you with the latter, I've actually seen a few bronies make such posts. (Then there are the types who simply wish to jump on the hype train.) In fact, say "I love the show", then say "I am a brony". They don't mean the same thing, do they?

 

If there's something we can all agree on, it's that unhealthy obsessions are, well, unhealthy and that's what this is about. (Far from a new subject...) Though right now I think a more interesting subject would be "how to tell if another person has an unhealthy obsession with a show or fandom". Since I haven't eaten yet today, I can't think as clearly as usual so it's best I leave it there for now >.>

[Shanks 10,816]

I think it is because a lot of people want to feel like they are part of something that their life has some kind of purpose and for some people they find that in a particular fandom. I am not saying that it is necessarily a good thing, but it comes from a very real need that is for whatever reason not being met. Wanting to have purpose and be a part of something is understandable but what people often lose sight of is that while it is okay to be a part of things like fandoms that they cannot forget that they are individuals and individuals are made of many different traits and interests and the only way to be a complete and healthy person is to embrace all parts of the self. It is of course okay to have interests but there is a major difference between defining interests and letting them define you. I like ponies, that is of course why I am here but I also like many other things as well some things as well.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I see it as no different than having being a technology nut or a gamer as a major personality trait, or hell: Being a furry. Sometimes being in a huge fandom like this winds up making an impression on someone and becoming an important part of them. I have a friend that grew-up during the era they were big and still obsesses over KISS memorabilia to this day.    

Edited November 25, 2013 by Shoboni

[MissDashie 275]

I see what OP means by this. I am certainly against the idea of losing your identity in a group, and its true that some hardcore fans of things do that. But I don't think that its a bad thing to talk about your likes and dislikes when describing yourself. Life isn't a college application where you 'use 5 adjectives to describe yourself and your personality'. You can talk about what you like and dislike; its part of what makes you you. Just so long as it doesn't become the only thing that makes you you.

[Dark Qiviut 22,447]

You're thinking WAY too deeply about this and building a mountain out of a molehill.

 

A "brony" is nothing more than a fan of the franchise, be it the show, comic, toys, or a multitude of things. You're a fan of FIM, you're a brony. But being a brony has nothing to do with a lfestyle or identity thereof. You're a fan of FIM, so you're a brony. You like the Seattle Seahawks, too, so you're a Seahawks fan. But these are mere interests you have.

 

Me? I have a multitude of interests besides being a brony. I'm a Red Sox fan and part of Red Sox nation. I'm a Sonic, Digimon, Potterhead, railfan, busfan, and Thomas fan, too. But most of these are all interests. However, my interests don't stay confined. I'm very open about them and like to connect with others who share similar interests. That's how fandoms and websites grow. The MLP Forums wouldn't be so big if people weren't open to sharing their brony-related interests.

 

However, there are people whose fandom gives them positive impressions for the future. @@Shoboni, for example, gave a good one with KISS. @@xzeno gave a personal one because he spends a lot of time with a big passion himself. I bumped into one who was devoted to The Beatles. There are people who I know and read about who let the Peace and Hippie movements in the 1960s result in who they are today.

 

There's a whole culture in Green Bay, Wisconsin, whose blood, sweat, and tears are behind the Green Bay Packers; the city and fandom own the franchise!

 

Part of my life is about trains, as I loved them since I was an infant. I have a big passion for Thomas, real trains (past, present, and future), and toy trains. I love them, and trians impacted my life, but I don't obsess over them single-mindedly.

 

FIM is no exception. There are people who love the show and help shape their lives to where they are now. Like every other hobby, can it get to the point where it becomes unhealthy? Sometimes. But that's more of an exception than the rule.

 

Some people let their fandom/interest positively impact their lives. Sometimes they're just interests. It depends on the interest and passion they have for the product and how much time they spend on it. FIM/bronydom is no exception.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Dark Qiviut

[John 793]

So this is an issue that I've noticed as being a recurring problem with lots of fandoms, Bronies being a prime offender. Lots of fandoms (I personally dislike the term, but its shorter than 'fan group') have fans who introduce themselves as a 'x', be it Brony, Whoovian, COD Fan, or whatever. They treat their enjoyment of a show as a personality trait, and in extreme cases their main personality trait.

 

Why is this a problem? Well, for starters, at the end of the day, MLP is a tv show. Made to sell cheap plastic toys to small children. Is it a good show? Yeah, its very enjoyable, but it is just a tv show. It is not a religion, lifestyle, whatever. So why treat it like that? 

 

Secondly, a lot of serious fans of something 'lose themselves' in the subject of their support. They either abandon their individual personality, or they mold it to match others in the same fan group as them. You shouldn't reply "I'm a Brony", or "I love anime" when asked what your personality is. When you're asked your likes, quirks, whatever, then sure, say that you love anime! But don't treat your love of that tv show like it is the centerpiece of your entire existence. It doesn't even matter if you wear a MLP t-shirt in public, that's not what I'm talking about.

 

For example, I love the NFL, and especially the Seattle Seahawks! I wear Seahawks gear in public, but I don't introduce myself as a Seahawks fan, or use that as the basis for my personality/lifestyle. Doing so would ditch my individuality in favor of dissolving into part of a larger, more homogeneous group. 

 

So, what are you guy's opinions on fandom members who let their liking of a single thing dominate them, their personality, and lifestyle completely?

 

They're not really trying to detract from the show "just being a show," they're just taking things to the next level.  There is a broad spectra of fans!  Some of which are more moderate (like me!) and some of which are really extreme.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QCyrpW6jFI

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

You're making a lot of sense to me. I have noticed this quite a bit over the years. Might be because the extremist fans stand out the most. I've seen people speak of it as if it were a sexual orientation. Talk about "coming out of the brony closet." It's quite silly in my opinion. I mean, yes, it is humiliating to admit to your friends/family that you like a little girl's show when you're a male in our society, but... it shouldn't be too big a deal. At least, not as much as being homosexual. 

 

But different things are important to different people. It may seem insane to those of us who... quite honestly, aren't really all that invested in the ponies that they let such an aspect dominate their lives so closely. No, I don't think people should use brony as a personality trait, to be honest. But I'm sure the things I care about most (like my art, my stories, my strange fantasies) seem weird to many people. I've seen their reactions to my passion. I try not to think about it much, you know? All it's going to do is just bother me and resolve nothing. Different strokes for different blokes. Ya gotta let people do all the stuff they want for themselves. As long as they don't hurt anyone, that is. And also, as long as it isn't an obsession detrimental to their lives. That's when we start getting into psychological issues, and it ain't healthy. 

[Adente 1,000]

You're making a lot of sense to me. I have noticed this quite a bit over the years. Might be because the extremist fans stand out the most. I've seen people speak of it as if it were a sexual orientation. Talk about "coming out of the brony closet." It's quite silly in my opinion. I mean, yes, it is humiliating to admit to your friends/family that you like a little girl's show when you're a male in our society, but... it shouldn't be too big a deal. At least, not as much as being homosexual. 

 

But different things are important to different people. It may seem insane to those of us who... quite honestly, aren't really all that invested in the ponies that they let such an aspect dominate their lives so closely. No, I don't think people should use brony as a personality trait, to be honest. But I'm sure the things I care about most (like my art, my stories, my strange fantasies) seem weird to many people. I've seen their reactions to my passion. I try not to think about it much, you know? All it's going to do is just bother me and resolve nothing. Different strokes for different blokes. Ya gotta let people do all the stuff they want for themselves. As long as they don't hurt anyone, that is. And also, as long as it isn't an obsession detrimental to their lives. That's when we start getting into psychological issues, and it ain't healthy. 

 

Great point! I completely forgot to use the example of people treating liking a tv show like a sexual orientation! And I guess our likes/borderline obsessions could be taken differently by different people. Like, depending on who I'm talking to, some people might think I'm over-obsessed with soccer. Maybe less people than if I said I loved My Little Pony, but same idea.

[ClosetBrony00 15]

You're making a lot of sense to me. I have noticed this quite a bit over the years. Might be because the extremist fans stand out the most. I've seen people speak of it as if it were a sexual orientation. Talk about "coming out of the brony closet." It's quite silly in my opinion. I mean, yes, it is humiliating to admit to your friends/family that you like a little girl's show when you're a male in our society, but... it shouldn't be too big a deal. At least, not as much as being homosexual.

 

Anyway, I find annoying people who try very hard to be inside the stereotype, the easier example I can think of are otakus who talk in a mix of japanese (which I guess is terrible) and try to act like they were japanese and things like that. In the brony community things like these also happen (like saying "hello everypony" and stuff) which truly gets on my nerve

[Throwaway19573639385 764]

While I do agree that certain "brony phenomena" (Eg. Telling others your a brony, letting a show define your life) can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance, there's also the other side of the coin.

 

For me, the message that the show radiates, one of friendship and love, is a message I do hold close to my heart. I don't let the fandom nor the show control my life, but that doesn't mean I can't take its spirit seriously.

 

And that goes for everything. Music, literature, art, tv shows, cartoons, religion. Whatever it is, people still take the message of what they do serious. Whether it's about working hard, acceptance or living life to the fullest. What's wrong with that? Nothing at all. 

 

Besides this point, does it really matter that some people are obsessed with the show? Not really, it's actually none of your business honestly. I mean, are you weak enough to allow it to effect your life in some way (which is ridiculous) or are you strong enough not to? Sure, some fans are annoying, but that isn't just FiM, every fanbase has those people. I choose to ignore, live and let live, rather than provoke and abuse. I don't mind that some people are overly-enthusiastic about something as a cartoon. As long as no one is harmed in the process, who am I to restrain people from what they like to do the most?

 

So no, I wouldn't give up my individuality for a fandom, I'm me and that's who I want to be. People who do give it up, ehh. It's not my problem. It's their choice after all.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I've always wondered the same thing to you, like how we're trying to identify ourselves and trying to find out who we really are. It is always something to ask yourself, when it comes to the huge number of fandoms that your either interested in or you try to pick which one your more comfortable in.

[Static 27]

If there's something we can all agree on, it's that unhealthy obsessions are, well, unhealthy and that's what this is about. (Far from a new subject...) Though right now I think a more interesting subject would be "how to tell if another person has an unhealthy obsession with a show or fandom". Since I haven't eaten yet today, I can't think as clearly as usual so it's best I leave it there for now >.>

 

I think this is exactly what it all boils down to: are you a fan or are you obsessed? Do you enjoy the show or can you be diagnosed with "Ponymania?"

 

I have struggled with a sort of twisted obsession with the show ever since I finished season 3 last July. 2013 has almost become "the Year of the Pony." Something snapped when I ran out of episodes to watch and fell into a mentally-paralytic major depressive fit- so much so that I dropped out of a college course. Before that, I casually enjoyed the show by myself and wasn't even a member of the brony community. The story continues but I'll cut it  short here. 

 

I think obsession levels vary between individuals. I think it's something neuro-psychological. For me, the emotional/identity effects My Little Pony (used to) have on me run down certain neural pathways that I think my depression neuro-impulses already use, creating complicated unhealthy oscillating emotions and identity swings. Taking antidepressants helped mend these burnt neuro-pathways and reduced my depression and "Ponymania."

 

There are some of us that have become so [mal]nourished by unhealthy "synthetically created" biopsychosocial neurons that it takes a heavy dosage of "organic reality" at regular intervals to bring us back to relative health. 

[aoEAF2FBvC0MIo2Q 3,673]

Something I'd like to try and clear up about obsessed fans. In the very first place, such people can be described as unhealthy, unwhole, unfulfilled, lost, broken, wounded, scarred, empty or even dead inside. In fact, chances are slim that they weren't already such even before they got exposed to the show and got fixated. When that happens, they begin to feel like the opposite or become too distracted to feel the emptiness and because of such a contrast, it's to be expected that they will hold on very very tightly. This is far from unique to our fandom. Not only that, in a world as unrelenting and cruel as our own, having damaged individuals around is practically a given.

 

I'm totally OK about this fandom having such fans and frankly, I can't see it being different.

[LightsCameraAction 100]

I totally agree with you, because I know that being a brony is a small part of me. There are, however, some people that being a brony is a huge part of their life. I have a friend at school who loves the show to death. The way I see it, if he wants to make his love for a show the centerpiece of his personality, then he can go right ahead. After all, it isn't affecting me in any way, shape or form. If it makes him happy, then I am happy too.

[Stina 53]

I think I get what you're saying. Personally, I suck at introducing myself and never really know what to say, but I try to first talk about things that are definite (I'm a 19-year-old girl, have horses and dogs, and live in the USA for example) and then generic/broad interests (animal lover, veganish, artist) and after that if I need to continue talking about myself, I'll get into "fandoms." They may be serious, deep interests and might have had a huge impact on me, but they're not as solid as my other interests. Shows get cancelled and no matter how much you loved it after a few years there just isn't as much of an active fandom and it's not that big a part of your life anymore. Or the producers/writers/whoever do something crazy and you don't like it anymore. So yeah . . . let your identity rest on a firmer foundation. Fandom is just the decor that gets changed around periodically.

[Techite Sparkle 354]

Yeah. Its a good show. It has improved my lifestyle. But I am not the person to run around and say. (I think I have said this before) " BECOME A BRONY OR DIE!"

But yeah xD