In Defense of Bronies...

[AppleGearRising 526]

I would do absolutely nothing. I don't have to defend nor justify my or anyone else's interests to someone who has preconceived prejudices.

That's fine for you and there's nothing wrong with that but think about the people that suffer deeply because of what they like? Should they not have their rights and interests justified?

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I'd show start with a slide-show of the most beautiful fan-art I could find, stuff like this(which is still one of my favorite pony pics and my phone's background):

 

 

Then I show off some of the really awesome fan-animations like Snow Drop and Button Mash. I'd top it all off my showing off some of the really awesome and well written fanfic and rooting around for some of the really cool fan-games. 

 

Then for deeper stuff, I'd spring all the stories of people that were helped so much by the show and community. 

 

Also, can't forget this song:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH8Ri2VULHo

[Standard User 2,127]

That's fine for you and there's nothing wrong with that but think about the people that suffer deeply because of what they like? Should they not have their rights and interests justified?

 

This is where people call me the bad guy. I believe that people should stand up for and defend themselves. We shouldn't have to depend on other people to be our protectors, especially with something as silly as an interest in a television show.

[Fire_Fly 499]

I feel like a major point against the fandom is that nothing good or productive comes from a bunch of people getting into a show like Friendship is Magic. At least, I tend to hear that point a lot in arguments. In opposition of that point, I usually refer people to my favorite part of the fandom: Fan works!  

 

I enjoy the family-like feel of this fandom, and wouldn't trade it for anything, but what I love most about the fandom is that we carry in our other interests, like art and music. Just because a musician or artist is a brony doesn't mean they stop creating, and when they combine what they do with the brony community, we end up with amazing things to show for it, like fan animations, original music, some of the best stories I've ever read, and more. We churn out work like this nonstop, and there's always something new to discover and share. It's been a while since I've seen a fandom shake up the media like we have, and I think that's something to be proud of.

[AppleGearRising 526]

This is where people call me the bad guy. I believe that people should stand up for and defend themselves. We shouldn't have to depend on other people to be our protectors, especially with something as silly as an interest in a television show.

I'm not pointing any fingers at you and to an extent I agree that each person should be able to take care of themselves but the problem is that not all of them can. In some cases some of the younger fans suffer because they don't know what to do or who to turn to, case in point? think Michael Morones.

[applejock 358]

At this point i firmly believe that our Fandom no longer needs a shield. Maybe back in 12 or 2011, sure. But these days Bronies have become so strong in number and also thick in skin. Even those in student ages. I head a story from my friend, her Daughter (both are Pegasisters) is just entering highschool, as a freshmen she gets crap all the time. But after the first few months now shes gottne used to it and her Mother says "she is back to doing her own thing" I guess last week she finally broke out her MLP folders, tshirts, hair bands, etc. She was so excited to get for her birthday (right before school), she was never ashamed of her fangirlness in 8th grade but 9th was rough at the start. Anyways she walked into school with Sunset remake high boots on, her "I was into MLP before it was Manestream" Rarity Tshirt and matching tri-diamond hair band with her head high (love this girl already!). She went to home room and was immedately lynched by the "bully girls" (didnt know thats what HS girls where called but, lol anyways) and she looked up at them from where she sat. Gave the finger and calmly opened her "Spike certified" Daily planner and went about her normal morning routine.

 

Now as far as I know (I an old man of 30 lol who is married to a Pegasister) that the student age fans of MLP have it the roughest. If this one girl can do her own thing with such a real flare to it, and be proud of who she is. I see no problem with all the teen bronies busting out the Discord hat or rocking a Twilight notebook.

 

This fandom doesnt need more shields, its standing up, on its own. And it is screaming at the top of its lungs "FRIENDSHIP...IS..MAGIC, DEAL WITH IT!'

[Fire_Fly 499]

At this point i firmly believe that our Fandom no longer needs a shield. Maybe back in 12 or 2011, sure. But these days Bronies have become so strong in number and also thick in skin. Even those in student ages. I head a story from my friend, her Daughter (both are Pegasisters) is just entering highschool, as a freshmen she gets crap all the time. But after the first few months now shes gottne used to it and her Mother says "she is back to doing her own thing" I guess last week she finally broke out her MLP folders, tshirts, hair bands, etc. She was so excited to get for her birthday (right before school), she was never ashamed of her fangirlness in 8th grade but 9th was rough at the start. Anyways she walked into school with Sunset remake high boots on, her "I was into MLP before it was Manestream" Rarity Tshirt and matching tri-diamond hair band with her head high (love this girl already!). She went to home room and was immedately lynched by the "bully girls" (didnt know thats what HS girls where called but, lol anyways) and she looked up at them from where she sat. Gave the finger and calmly opened her "Spike certified" Daily planner and went about her normal morning routine.

 

Now as far as I know (I an old man of 30 lol who is married to a Pegasister) that the student age fans of MLP have it the roughest. If this one girl can do her own thing with such a real flare to it, and be proud of who she is. I see no problem with all the teen bronies busting out the Discord hat or rocking a Twilight notebook.

 

This fandom doesnt need more shields, its standing up, on its own. And it is screaming at the top of its lungs "FRIENDSHIP...IS..MAGIC, DEAL WITH IT!'

 

I agree that we've developed thicker skins as the fandom thrives, but there are always exceptions. I have a friend who doesn't understand or necessarily like the brony subculture, despite me being a part of it. We've been friends for years, and we're both accepting of each others' stances on the topic. His younger brother is slowly immersing himself into the fandom, and he refuses to tell anyone but me, since he's already apparently caught flak from some of the kids at his school for it. I finally managed to convince him to tell his older brother about it, and our two-person support system is working out for the most part, but I'd imagine it's like this for lots of people who are just joining the fandom.

[Thrashy 2,800]

Explaining all the positive aspects of the show/fandom would be a complete waste of breath, so really, the only thing I would bother saying is "It's just a television show, people. I don't judge anyone for watching the insipid, brain-melting garbage known as Jersey Shore, TMZ or Duck Dynasty, so what the hell should anyone else care what I watch on my free time? If all you're gonna do is bitch about what other people enjoy, maybe you are the 'manchildren' who are in dire need of getting a life."

 

...And if that defense isn't good enough for them, well, that's life. Always gonna be SOME ignorant tit out there who's gonna stick their fingers in their ears and scream "LALALALALA I'M RITE UR RONG LALALA" no matter what you say to them, so it's best not to worry about what any of these people have to say in the first place.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Thrashy

[applejock 358]

I understand your angers, your fears, your quick need to push and shove in a digital manner or physical one at your place of buisness or school. You want attention, but you also want to belong. You fear rejection, you savior union. You-are-human. This is what we are. The Bronydom is something..differnt, then other fandoms. It's what the pups might call, "viral". A single viewing of a full episode tends to be enough to "turn" someone. Or its not and they shrug and move along. Your human, share your interest, give as it gives to you. Be human.

 

 

It is human to want to be part of a group, to enjoy things, to communicate that enjoyment. That is our nature. To study, to relate, to want and put energy behind those wants. MLP, yes, it is just another fandom. There have been MILLIONS of them. However this fandom is hitting on all cylinders, all generations and its hitting with messages that we learned as pups and that now are suddenly coming right back into our faces. We know how important friendship is, but todays society uses that as a tool, we use our friends and they us. For "likes" for quotes on blogs, for anything that has to do with proving your online ego is better. The modern day form of socialization is all information and facts, google and email. It is HORRIBLE. But, without it, would we have one another? Would every pony here share in a linked image of Ra-ra with wet hair and pinkie holding a bundle of water ballons? We might not, it might still be sitting on some ones desk at there home.

[zev_zev The outcast 415]

Never faced this problem in real live (I pretty authoritative in my circles). But in internet... well, there are two ways: 1. Ignore any trolling as adult person. 2. Try to counterattack troll (don't defend, only attack! Don't position yourself as a victim) Considering that 90% of all haters are schoolboys we have a great advantage. You can immediately crush your opponent with help of your intelligence, or you can have a little fun with a little troll Just remember that people who hates smth because they don't understand it, just clueless persons (or kids). 

 

About rest of fandom, who thinks that we need a shield. Guys we don't need a shield, we need a sword. Stop positioning themselves as victims.

 

 

I'd show start with a slide-show of the most beautiful fan-art I could find, stuff like this(which is still one of my favorite pony pics and my phone's background):

 

 

 

 

Oh my eyes! Now I'm ready to die, because I already saw the most beautifull thing!

[Nerdy Luigi 2,065]

I can't argue with rocks, but I can try to I guess...

 

1. How the hell is it pedophilic? Nothing in the show suggests it. There is Rule 34, but don't assume we all are vile like cloppers (and shippers...)

2. How can you link a show to a sexuality? *nonsensical rebuttal.* That makes no sense at all. Exactly. True, there does happen to be a larger ratio of LGBT bronies... Plus, how is homosexuality a bad thing? So much nonsense.

3. How are we insane? I could call you insane for liking *whatever the arguing idiot likes.* My point.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I can't argue with rocks, but I can try to I guess...

 

1. How the hell is it pedophilic? Nothing in the show suggests it. There is Rule 34, but don't assume we all are vile like cloppers (and shippers...)

2. How can you link a show to a sexuality? *nonsensical rebuttal.* That makes no sense at all. Exactly. True, there does happen to be a larger ratio of LGBT bronies... Plus, how is homosexuality a bad thing? So much nonsense.

3. How are we insane? I could call you insane for liking *whatever the arguing idiot likes.* My point.

 

As a shipper, but not a clopper you just pressed on of my buttons and asked for a "romance does not have to be porn" rant...

[TheChosenPony 279]

I would probably show them this

 

 

aaand this:

 

Edited February 11, 2014 by TheChosenPony

[Its Rainbow Dash 151]

I'd show them the fan art, fiction and of course Animations out there if that does nothing then allow them to see the humor and just plain good vibes the show offers if all fails then who cares they are just missing out on something awesome because they are hung up on what they think is not normal.

 

Normal is just something everyone is used to people by nature fear change., but in time even the oddest of things become the norm take Transgenderism for EX. once it was like wha?...now it's thought of as nothing really out of the norm.

 

 

I guess Last thing to say is Haters Goin Hate... ~Dashes Off.~

[skysweep 541]

Oooh... Time to share my thoughts.

 

I understand what some people here are saying, but the fact is that we who have the thick-skins are those who have seen all the crap the world threw, so we dont give a damn. But for the new members of the herd, they are rather new to this level of assault and abuse, or are somewhat like Fluttershy (I should know how it feels) that they simply do not know how to manage. I take the side that some strong arguments should be kept on hand. Not to shove down people's faces, but to be ready. Its like how the army runs. We are not in any major war, but exercises and tactics are shared for the day it does happen. For each of the new guys. In this fandom, there will be a time eventually where you need to stand against judgement and hate with pride(Strange it never happened to me yet, for a 2 and a half years brony. Hmm.) Its would be nice to just offer them some level of help.

 

Now for the arguments. 

Firstly. Since when did associating with a show for girls make you "gay"? Is this not a demonstration of my human right to free speech? Is it strength to admit a truth or to hide behind false courage? Was the definition of masculinity originally about strength? Does open hatred do anything for either person? Would it not be better to respect differences?

 

Short and simple set of questions to make the person see the huge holes in their argument.