New here and doing research!

[Faultinmystars4 3]

My Favourite Mane 6 Pony: Fluttershy

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Hey Everypony!

 

So I am relatively new here, and I am hoping I can get some responses to help me out with my senior research that I'm doing (also hoping that I put this post in the right forum, I always have trouble with that hahaha). I'm looking at Bronies and masculinity, specifically how they fit in to social constructions of masculinity and what they can potentially do to change this definition. If you could take a minute to answer the questions below, it would really really help me out! 

 

1. What does the term masculinity mean to you personally? Where did you get your definition?

2. How long have you liked the show, and what do you like about it?

3. Who is your favorite character and why?

4. How do you feel about Brony stereotypes? Have you ever received any backlash or abuse for being one?

 

If there is anything else you'd like to add, feel free! Thanks much in advance to anyone who replies. 

 

Stay swell Ponies. 

[Frostgage 7,981]

Hello! First of all let me say welcome to the forums. Hope you have a good time here.

 

1. Meh, masculinity is overrated. Of course I could just do what people think is "normal". You know, work on nothing but biceps in the gym, act tough and whatever, and certainly never watch My Little Pony. But I'd rather be myself than what other people think I should be.

 

2. About four months. More than anything, I'd say just because the characters are all so awesome. Watching it just makes me feel good. Of course the art, voice acting, writing etc. are all great as well.

 

3. Rarity episodes are my favorite, but my favorite character is Twilight. I feel like I relate the most to her, like me, she's obsessed with organization and can have trouble fitting in. Also I felt really bad for her when none of her friends stayed by her side during The Canterlot Wedding.

 

4. Eh, there are stereotypes for everything, doesn't make any of them true. Best just to ignore the haters. That being said, though, I haven't told anyone I'm a brony in real life nor do I expect to. It's just not worth all the shit it would bring.

[Foxx 258]

Welcome to MLP forums! 

 

1: Masculinity means absolutely nothing to me. The whole concept of masculinity is just a huge stereotype of what men are "supposed" to act like, nothing more, nothing less. That being said though. As a female, I would not think any less of anyone just because they do not follow that stereotype of all men being brainless jocks.

 

2:4 and a half months. I love My Little pony because of the great music, V.A, plot(not that kind of plot), animation,characters, basically everything. Oh and the community Friendship is magic is, simply put, 22 minutes of pure good-feeling.

3: Rainbow Dash all the way. I can relate to her in the way that I am loyal to my friends and will always be by their side. Sometimes she bites off more than she can chew but she never gives up on her hopes and goals, just like me. And she is 20% cooler than all the other ponies

4: Well, there is really nothing I can do about the stereotypes, society sucks and that is that. I you think I am a pedophile because I like my little pony, then good for you. I just go with the flow  Life is fun, haters can jump into a volcano for all I care.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Vixxen

[Krys9 456]

1.Masculinity is a set of qualities, characteristics or roles generally considered typical of, or appropriate to, a man.

2.  I liked the show for like maybe 8 months then grew out of it. I don't do much in the fandom anymore.

3. I used to like Rainbow Dash and Twilight a whole lot mostly because they have certain personality traits that I can relate to.

4. I don't like stereotypes in general. There has been a lot of backlash about it in my personal experience.

 

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Director

[SFyr 1,982]

Well first off, welcome to the site~!! 

I hope you get some good answers for your questions. I'll personally try to answer them the best I can myself.    On that note~!

 

1. What does the term masculinity mean to you personally? Where did you get your definition?

2. How long have you liked the show, and what do you like about it?

3. Who is your favorite character and why?

4. How do you feel about Brony stereotypes? Have you ever received any backlash or abuse for being one?

 

1.) Musculinity... I actually kinda have two different divisions of the word. I have like, an 'image' form of masculinity, and a more 'true' masculinity, I guess. The first is just the general media portrayal of what a desirable man is; that being tough, confident, manly, and in control of things--all the while, being surrounded by things fitting of the image of a man. The second form... I see it more as confidence and security. Of pinning down what you want to do and seeking it out; of accepting who you are and standing up for it as a man, even if it comes off weird. I think that still kinda conflicts with being all-out girly or wishy-washy (but allows for some room for it), and has a certain male-ness to it... but it's not out of trying to be, it's just being and not caring if people don't think you're doing enough to come off well. That, I think I get from media/family distilled by life experience?

As it applies to MLP. Meh. I think I have to give up a little of the first to embrace the second; basically just that I think there's a little masculinity to be found in liking cute ponies and being bothered by it not being stereotypical of a man.

 

2.) I think I've liked it for a year or two now. The art is what originally drew me in, though since then I've found a good bit more to like. In terms of the show, I took a liking to the characters; I originally watched it and for awhile was struck with the belief that they were more mature than a lot of teens/adults who'd see themselves as above MLP's level. It was just that the characters were pretty real about things (and sappy emotional stuff) instead of clinging to bitterness, grudges, and a bunch of other immature crud.

So. Characters are pretty decent. Art is lovely and adorable, and flows really nicely--honestly one of my highest reasons. The music coming back in increasing frequency is endearing. Aaaand... The fandom is often lovely. While I took a liking to a lot of the characters in the show, fanfiction has added a lot more dimension to the series in my opinion. Plus the community, from what I've seen, is both highly friendly and highly creative; the art alone is often amazing, and the projects, impressive.

Plus there seems to be something of an appreciation going between the fandom and the creators. Derpy becoming canon, for example, you wouldn't likely see in many other shows--yet another reason the show has endearing qualities in my eyes.

 

3.) My favorite... Fanfiction has expanded Luna into my favorite, honestly. She's kinda taken on a persona somewhere between immortal ruler and common pony--plus both the rulers often have a slight loneliness about them, but Luna seems to have something of a vulnerability. Plus I've seen an interesting take or two on her banishment, as well as return. ...I think I have a slight fondness for high-and-mighty characters who can't really act as normal ponies/people, but... are, and may suffer for it in some ways. Plus her design is pretty, so there's that too.

Canon-only is possibly Twilight though, just because she's a reasonable and relatable pony to me (usually; she goes off the deep-end sometimes, but hey, it's a quirk).

 

4.) I think we are pretty weird, and should accept getting some looks now and then for embracing what was originally a little girl's show. That said, I think bronies are often a lot cooler and a ton more creative that people give them credit for. If being odd was ever awesome, well... I think bronies hit it more often than most. If not, often it can just be something to laugh about and smile.

I personally haven't experienced backlash, but then, I'm not vocal enough about liking MLP to really draw a lot of attention, so...

Edited February 23, 2014 by SFyr

[equerio 6,153]

Hey, welcome to the forum! :yay

I'm sure you'll have a great time here, 'cause everypony is super-friendly here!

If you ever wish to talk about ANYTHING, feel free to send me a message, and I'll be glad to respond!

Now, to answer your questions:

1.Well, masculinity is about being a gentleman. And gentleman should care, give and share. Which is exactly what this show taught me.

2. For approx. 1-2 month, can't remember clearly when I started watching it. I like pretty much everything about it. The fact that it promotes true values in life, the animation, the humor, the plot (NOT r34 refference, I mean real plot of the episodes), etc.

3. Well, Pinkie Pie! Because I identify with her the most.

4. People who give these stereotypes to bronies haven't watches MLP with their open hearts yet.

 

Enjoy your awesome stay!

[Faultinmystars4 3]

Thanks so much everypony, for the responses! I hope to get some more while I'm here. But these answers are great and super useful! I just wanted to add that if you have had a negative response from people for being Brony, could you maybe share what happened? But only if you feel comfortable saying so! 

 

Also feel free to spread the word about this to anypony you know that might want to answer the question too.