Like the Show, Dislike the Fandom?

[Adente 1,000]

Out of all the things I expected to discuss and do in AP Psychology today, examining the MLP fandom was not one of them. But, lo and behold, my Psych teacher showed us a 40 minute documentary on Bronies, (I don't know if it was the documentary that everyone was all gaga about or not, since I never saw it) then had us identify the developmental issues and deficiencies in the various fans shown in the documentary, or what fixations they had from earlier stages of development. Of course, as we did this, everyone was laughing and talking about their favorite parts. (As in, who they thought was the most embarrassing) Of course, I joked along with my friends and did the assignment, and as I did, I thought on what I had seen on the documentary.

 

To be honest, the Bronies that I saw on the documentary, all garbed in pink and purple and wearing wings and horns at one of the cons, were people I would never want to associate with. I was disturbed at what some of the were talking about to the interviewers, (such as their various 'waifus', among other things) and thoroughly ashamed to think that I was in the same group. 

 

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, is it wrong that I love the show proper, but am strongly put off by the more extreme parts of the fandom shown in the documentary?

[Sweet Dreams 1,893]

To be completely honest, hardcore fans put me off too. You know, the kinds who paint their faces and wear wings and horns and do their hair up like manes... And carry around pony toys.

I love the people in this fandom, don't get me wrong, but I honestly find those people kinda... Disturbing. I don't mean cosplayers who wear a little bit of that stuff on a rare occasion, but I mean people who just wear that around. And there's something really unsettling about holding a pony plush while just walking around on the street....

[Scootalove 10,689]

Don't get me wrong I love the people in the fandom but, some fans have me question why I'm in the fandom. I mean it's fine to show your individuality but, you don't have to always show it every time your in public. Not saying it's wrong.

[Gone Airbourne 21,977]

I know exactly what it is your are talking about. Now I love the show and a part of the fandom yes. But there are some in the fandom in which well you would never see me be around. Some I think take it way too extreme in certain aspects. The show is still a kids cartoon show and I believe a lot of people take it way way too seriously at times. 

 

For instance I went to a meetup at my state just for the fun of it and in our group there were a lot of awesome people that I met however there were some that were o.O overly over the top... Like for me you'd *never* catch me in the isle of a girls section of a store buying dolls of the show... That part of the liking I have never understood. I love a lot of the shirts that have been made and some of the plushie things but I have seen my share of awkward merchandise from the fandom like some of the hoodies and dolls which to me I find very very odd. But know this in every fandom you go into or anywhere in general your going to have those who take things to the extreme. 

[Irish Mist 119]

I always find myself sitting on the sidelines of most fandoms because of things like this. I just can never get this passion people have for these animated characters. Sure, they are great characters with interesting personalities, but the second we get into the various acts you mentioned, then I just think it's gone too far. I've almost left the fandom twice because of people like this and the fact that I'm going to be associated with them if I ever bring this up. 

[Scootaloodle 1,622]

Maybe the documentary was showing the extreme bronys: and the was out in the first place to make out that "here's this weird group of adults who like My Little Pony". I'm sure every fandom has it's more extreme members that is too much for the less extreme

 

And there's something really unsettling about holding a pony plush while just walking around on the street....

 

Does it count if there's like a big MLP con in town? because if it's like the big con and everyones doing it I don't see why not

[Luximus 482]

It's okay to love a good show, but yeah when you go overboard with it, it kind of makes you look bad in public. Hardcore bronies tend to tip me off as well, but remember there are bronies out there who are really cool people and can be awesome friends. I think the reason why THEY don't see it is because they're not to shy about showing off their love of ponies. They wear t-shirts and other accessories in public and they tend to get laughed at most of the time. I would only wear a t-shirt when I'm at home...or at Brony-con. Sometimes some bronies in the fandom tend to go all out with the show (thus revealing "My Little Brony") but others will just say that they like it...and that's it. It makes you question weather this really is a good show or not, and so we have this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9yGYK_YmIg&feature=c4-overview&list=UUr_Mv-YQxX4T9B1F_Ch6XfQ

[Malinter 3,064]

The vid also probably deliberately picks the more extreme cases too. Then again, this isn't new.

 

you might feel 'ashamed' you like the same thing as these people but thats no different so someone being ashamed to be american when the news just shows obese-retards waving guns.

 

I can't judge every american against these people just as I can't judge every brony against the more flamboant at the bronycons XD

Edited December 12, 2013 by Malinter

[Skeleton Kin 385]

yes, I do ask why am I part of the community but then again I'm sort of not

also some fans can just be schizophrenic in a way

 

such as this guy

Edited December 12, 2013 by XCOM Commander

[Leavinh 313]

I felt like the documentary showed a bit too much of the more dedicated side of the fandom. But then again, I think a documentary about the majority who are like "Yeah, I just like the show and occasionally go on a couple forums every once in a while" wouldn't have been very interesting. 

[Sweet Dreams 1,893]

Maybe the documentary was showing the extreme bronys: and the was out in the first place to make out that "here's this weird group of adults who like My Little Pony". I'm sure every fandom has it's more extreme members that is too much for the less extreme

 

 

 

Does it count if there's like a big MLP con in town? because if it's like the big con and everyones doing it I don't see why not

No, I just mean if they're doing it just randomly, like going to the shops and whatnot. If there's a ponycon, of course they'll dress up and all that. That's the same for most fandoms anyway. d:

[Love4discord18 269]

I get cha. I found a group of brownies in school, and I got myself associated with it. We all were nicknamed our favourite ponies which I was alright with in the group. I'm a closet brony, I don't necessarily wear my brony badge everywhere because my main group was computer engineering students, and they already cracked bad jokes about the fandom so I stayed quiet that I was in it.

 

What set me off from the group was that they started calling me Discord at school. Most average people don't know that discords a pony, but they wanted me to call the their pony nicknames too. And the one guy who loved Fluttershy started hitting on me and trying to kiss me, saying we had to " complete his otp " ( being Fluttershy x discord ).

 

so that kinda set me really off because I started wondering if every brony was this weird and creepy.

[Arylett Charnoa 4,919]

I always find myself sitting on the sidelines of most fandoms because of things like this. I just can never get this passion people have for these animated characters. Sure, they are great characters with interesting personalities, but the second we get into the various acts you mentioned, then I just think it's gone too far. I've almost left the fandom twice because of people like this and the fact that I'm going to be associated with them if I ever bring this up. 

Pretty much this is kinda like me.

 

The fandom's full of nuts, I don't deny this. And many people are so passionate about it, so intensely so to the point where the more... shall we say, sane of us are kind of intimidated by these nuttos. It's really the only fandom I've kind of participated in the most deeply, and the deeper I go... the more I kinda just shake my head at how people could just kind of be SO in love with a show that honestly lacks serious depth or a large amount of content. 

 

But don't let them nuttos bug you, ya? We can all enjoy the show in our own way. Whether it be in a more casual way which involves just kind of being entertained and generally liking it (though not absolutely LOVING it), or in a more intense way... just as long as nobody gets hurt, everything's all good. You can still like a piece of media, and stay the hell away from its fandom. I know I do for almost everything else I like. It isn't required to participate in a community based on that media to be a fan. In fact, I find consuming a piece of media without a bunch of other fans sometimes enhances the experience for me. I can keep my own thoughts on the subject to myself, and not have anybody else's thoughts enter my mind and kind of irritate me. It can be very peaceful.

[IDontExistAnymore 74]

Well the documentary seemed to be showing a lot of bias towards the more extreme bronies. Maybe opinions would be different if they showed what it actually was about and not what was portrayed.

Edited December 12, 2013 by Fluttershy Addict

[Klopp 2,050]

There's no denying that there are weirdos in the MLP Fandom. But there's also weirdos in EVERY fandom out there. No matter where you go there will be whack-jobs out there who are insanely involved in something just because they like it. And unfortunately, the people not apart of any given fandoms will label the entire fandom as those whack-jobs, cause they are the ones that are most shared because they are easiest to laugh at.

 

The only solution is to just kinda ignore those crazy buckets, as well as those fools who use the crazy buckets as stereotypes for the whole fandom.

[Techite Sparkle 354]

I do think that the documentary did cover ALOT of good points. But like many others above... I could not agree more with that it plainly displayed to many "Overboard" bronies in which the eyes of a non brony would be like "What the hell is he doing" And I will blaintly admit that those people indeed. Do sort of disturb me. And probably would not hand out with. Sure I would wear a brony shirt or minimalistic MLP shirt. Or wear a wrist band or have a keychain on my backpack, or have a mini plush stick out of a pocket. But not a fullout cosplay for going crazy syndrome in public. that's how hard labels on people are set. And does put more distress on minimal or everyday bronies and the documentary should have included more minimalistic or people that are or were new to the fandom. In words a brony that portrays more of a central aditide torwards the show and showing that he carrys on an everyday life and has interests in things other people in the age group have that "The majority" of people have.

 

Sadly I would say the documentary as it is would easily label ANY brony as possibly the same "weird" factor as the little too "Extreme-dedicated" bronys out there. And not so intense bronys out there get this steriotype chained to their back for other people to make fun of and laugh at, or throw insults at.

Edited December 12, 2013 by Techite Sparkle

[GONEFOREVER 518]

Hey, I do like the fandom, but the hardcore fans REALLY creep me out.

 

Thats why you'll NEVER see me at bronycan. Waaayyy too creepy.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

Those pony fans are no different than sport superfans like 

 

The difference is that being a sports superfan is more socially acceptable and not completely looked down upon whereas a male enjoying MLP is not understood and is looked down upon. That's just how it is. So it's bad enough less expressive bronies are already put down, but the super expressive ones really open the fandom up for weird looks and scrutiny.

[Cygnus 60]

I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to be around people without a mental filter who'll say anything at all to reporters. I've slowly inched away from the social side of the furry fandom despite some interest, so I know that sometimes people are just downright obnoxious about their passion.

 

However, I don't think there's anything wrong with having fixations or any reason people should recieve shameful vibes from others for it. Of all the things I think are worth pointing and laughing or cringing at, being a decent human being with a few childish fixations ranks near the bottom.

Edited December 12, 2013 by Cygnus

[GONEFOREVER 518]

One more thing:

 

I'm willing to bet that the reporters DID interview some of the more passive fans.... and cut them out because they weren't showing the point that the show was trying to make. The way you describe the film makes it sound like they were deliberately trying to put down bronies.

[Megas 27,625]

I love the show. And while I don't outright dislike the fandom, it does have a ton of detractors

[SparklingSquirrels 21,341]

Yeah, even though there are many fans that aren't like that, some of those over-the-top fans can be quite annoying. I just do my best to ignore them, and instead I just focus on the show itself and the "saner" parts of the fandom.

[Guest]

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Edited December 22, 2016 by plzremoveaccountfdfd

[Oblivion 20,266]

Meh, I'm not into the whole cosplaying thing and all, I gotta admit though I have met some AWESOME people on this forum, and people that are into cosplaying as ponies, I having nothing against them!

[King Sejong 859]

   This is why I put off joining the herd a year and a half ago, I was afraid to be umbrella into the overzealous fan category. Although, may rabid fans exist they are a minority, but visual media such as the documentary described above, flaunted said fans because of the sensationalism that makes for good ratings, not because of good journalism, I have seen a fine documentary on furries when TLC was The Learning Channel, while it did have one over the top fan, most of the furries interviewed were normal fans, so there was a balance. Fandoms like sports, reality TV, Harry Potter and Star Wars definitely have those convoluted fans, the "Powerpuff Girls" even had an episode with an zealous fan turned villain in "Collect Her", true it is a caricature of a superfan, but given the opportunity some fans would go that far. As much as I would like to go to brony conventions, I am also afraid to because I don't know what to expect from the fan's level of dedication, I would still like to meet moderate bronies on a personal level, and I would like to discus things outside from ponies, and if we could hang out together, just keep the party to the minimum, I still have respect for the ordinary bronies that have yet to be interview by real journalism, however they are out there and I hope to meet them whenever that is.