Is the title ''Brony'' deteriorating?

[LordDiscord 289]

I ask this as I have unfortunately ran into a few people who once wore the title but dropped it do to bad experiences within the community. While I feel that it is your right to choose to bear the title or not, I also feel that you should not just give up on a community due to a few rotten apples. 

 

I fear that the title is becoming something it should not be, and I for one feel it needs to stop, dropping the title should not be the only answer, as that is only letting those who have the intention to cause grief get away with ruining something that we as a community created. 

 

I for one don't want to see this title become something that people both inside the community and outside, frown upon do to the actions of individuals that solely wish to hurt others.

 

I don't know, maybe I am looking to much into this, but I just fear that the title is becoming something that is driving people away from the community instead of welcoming them. 

 

I want to know what you all think, do you believe the title is degrading into something its not, or do you feel that it is just fine?

 

Debate.

Edited March 7, 2014 by LordDiscord

[Concerto Dusk 240]

i think its fine, people should be proud of who they are and not hide it, like seriously, you watch mlp, so what, be open its not like its illegal

[Mywas 687]

I don't really care about the title anymore. If someone wants to call me or someone wants to call himself a brony then thats okay. I just don't like those who think they are better than non-bronies

[Khaoios 1,970]

Most likely....no.  At this point, we hear it a lot, and I doubt that the title, itself would be trashed.   Like mirrorwing mentioned, people should be proud of what they watch. 

Edited March 7, 2014 by Promethean Alicorn

[LordDiscord 289]

i think its fine, people should be proud of who they are and not hide it, like seriously, you watch mlp, so what, be open its not like its illegal

I know, but my concern isn't really aimed at people who try to hide the fact that they are a brony and is more aimed at the ones that have had bad experiences within the community and feel that they had to abandon the title as they felt, wearing it made them as bad as the other bronies that caused them the grief to begin with.

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

I know, but my concern isn't really aimed at people who try to hide the fact that they are a brony and is more aimed at the ones that have had bad experiences within the community and feel that they had to abandon the title as they felt, wearing it made them as bad as the other bronies that caused them the grief to begin with.

 

Well that's par for the course. People come and go from fandoms all the time for whatever reason.

 

Honestly the term is a bit of a joke, because even as far as fandoms go we're definitely a bit out there. I think a lot of it has to do with all the media hype bronies get. Do you see Homestuck or Madoka making as many random headlines as the ponies do? The more something off beat like a fandom is in the public eye and conscious, the more inherently looked down upon it will be. Just look at the furry fandom.

 

But then again, the term never really had anything special attached to it in the first place, in my opinion. We're just a fandom, at the end of the day. How can a word lose value if it never had any to begin with? That's the way I think about it.

[LordDiscord 289]

Well that's par for the course. People come and go from fandoms all the time for whatever reason.

 

Honestly the term is a bit of a joke, because even as far as fandoms go we're definitely a bit out there. I think a lot of it has to do with all the media hype bronies get. Do you see Homestuck or Madoka making as many random headlines as the ponies do? The more something off beat like a fandom is in the public eye and conscious, the more inherently looked down upon it will be. Just look at the furry fandom.

 

But then again, the term never really had anything special attached to it in the first place, in my opinion. We're just a fandom, at the end of the day. How can a word lose value if it never had any to begin with? That's the way I think about it.

While I agree with everything you said, I feel I should point out that just because the title isn't anything special for some does not mean that it isn't special for others. I find the title special as it something we use to identify ourselves within the community, It gives our community a identity it can roll with, and i just don't want to see said identity be tarnish by some that can't keep things to themselves or feel they need to be a burden to some. 

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

While I agree with everything you said, I feel I should point out that just because the title isn't anything special for some does not mean that it isn't special for others. I find the title special as it something we use to identify ourselves within the community, It gives our community a identity it can roll with, and i just don't want to see said identity be tarnish by some that can't keep things to themselves or feel they need to be a burden to some. 

 

I never said my opinion is absolute, did I? If you feel the title is important to yourself, by all means that's your prerogative.

 

But.

 

You cannot control what others who identify with the title do. This ties into the common thing I see where bronies want to keep the fandom and everything associated with it pure. Not happening. The fandom is way too diverse, with folks of all walks of life, from the people who enjoy it innocently to those who enjoy it in a more adult way. Focus on what you personally enjoy about the fandom, but don't expect it to in anyway edit itself for your sake. Your involvement with the title of 'brony' is purely self made. And if others think the title is a farce because of actions that aren't of your own, that's too bad. You live with it.

[Megas 27,567]

There are many cases where I felt the same way as your friend, there's just a lot of times where I feel like certain dramas that just bring out the worst in some fans, whether it be something trivial like grimdark fanfics or Rule 34, or things that happen in the show like Derpygate, Twilicorn, and Equestria Girls. They just really turn fans into nasty people sometimes. I can't really blame him for feeling that way.

 

But in all I don't think it's "deteriorating", it's just going through another phase(sometimes being a fan can be fun, sometimes it can be miserable)

Edited March 8, 2014 by Megas75

[LordDiscord 289]

I never said my opinion is absolute, did I? If you feel the title is important to yourself, by all means that's your prerogative.

 

But.

 

You cannot control what others who identify with the title do. This ties into the common thing I see where bronies want to keep the fandom and everything associated with it pure. Not happening. The fandom is way too diverse, with folks of all walks of life, from the people who enjoy it innocently to those who enjoy it in a more adult way. Focus on what you personally enjoy about the fandom, but don't expect it to in anyway edit itself for your sake. Your involvement with the title of 'brony' is purely self made. And if others think the title is a farce because of actions that aren't of your own, that's too bad. You live with it.

I never accused your opinion of being absolute, I was merely stating that the title can have meaning to some even if it doesn't to you. Also I am fully aware that I can't control how others act, but that does not mean I should just sit back and just accept it while others that could care less about the title continue to tarnish it. This is the core of the problem, instead of trying to enforce any form of change we just sit back and allow people to get away with such behavior. Even if something feels hopeless, it is better to say you tried then to sit back and do nothing and then complain as the problem gets worse. If you feel the title isn't important, fine, that is your opinion but that does not mean that I should have to sit back and allow others to completely ruin it because they only view it as a title.

Edited March 7, 2014 by LordDiscord

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

I never accused your opinion of being absolute, I was merely stating that the title can have meaning to some even if it doesn't to you. Also I am full aware that I can't control how others act, but that does not mean I should be quiet and just accept it, this is the core of the problem, instead of trying to enforce change we just sit back and allow it happen. Even if something feels hopeless, it is better to say you tried then to sit back and do nothing and then complain as the problem gets worse. If you feel the title isn't important, fine, that is your opinion but that does not mean that I should have to sit back and allow others to completely ruin it because they only view it as a title.

 

Ah, well we're going to differ on that count, naturally. I'm very hard to rouse to action unless it's for a cause I feel is worthy. Something like, say, LGBT rights I'll put effort into. Not into something I personally find superfluous like bronydom. Again, do what you will.

[LordDiscord 289]

Ah, well we're going to differ on that count, naturally. I'm very hard to rouse to action unless it's for a cause I feel is worthy. Something like, say, LGBT rights I'll put effort into. Not into something I personally find superfluous like bronydom. Again, do what you will.

I can support that, yes there are somethings that are worth fighting for more than others, but that still does not mean you should entirely ignore a problem, even if it feels insignificant to you.

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

I can support that, yes there are somethings that are worth fighting for more than others, but that still does not mean you should entirely ignore a problem, even if it feels insignificant to you.

 

No, I'm perfectly free to ignore a 'problem' if I don't feel it is a problem. My prerogative. Best and worst thing about free choice.

Edited March 7, 2014 by Little Black Dress

[LordDiscord 289]

No, I'm perfectly free to ignore a 'problem' if I don't feel it is a problem. My prerogative. Best and worst thing about free choice.

I am getting a sense of hostility here, I only mean for this to be a discussion. If you feel that you don't want to worry yourself over a problem you find insignificant, fine that is your prerogative, but it is also my prerogative to atleast try to enforce some change if any can be made, I can't force anyone to do anything nor am I trying, all I was doing is adding encouragement to atleast try to keep the title from becoming something frowned upon.

Edited March 7, 2014 by LordDiscord

[Fhaolan 4,483]

I can support that, yes there are somethings that are worth fighting for more than others, but that still does not mean you should entirely ignore a problem, even if it feels insignificant to you.

Be careful with that, though. Part of the attraction of this fandom for a lot of bronies is that it's formed around a show that espouses 'Friendship is Magic'. By fighting for the title 'Brony' and removing those who in your eyes 'tarnish' it, you're starting down the path of exclusivity rather than inclusivity. You're going to find a lot of people joining the cause who will apply ever more restrictive and exclusive definitions, that you don't necessarily agree with but who will be acting in the name of your cause. Once you start banning people for not being Brony enough for your tastes, it's gone too far. That leaves the door open for banning the younger fans because they're still in the target demographic so they aren't technically Bronies, banning women because they're not 'bros', so on and so forth.

 

I'm not saying that you shouldn't stand up for your beliefs, but just be careful with your methods. This is not the first fandom to go through this. The furries went through it twenty years ago, and the fandom is still trying to recover from the divisive actions of those claiming to be fighting for a 'clean fandom'. Trekkies went through it far enough back I don't clearly remember it anymore, but it was far less reaching due to the slowness of communication in the fandom at the time.

Edited March 7, 2014 by Fhaolan

[Sekhayet 253]

What do you want to call us then?

 

The Society for the Preservation of Aesthetic Appreciation for a Television Show for Little Girls that Coincidentally Contains Small Horses?

 

Brony is fine. People need thicker skins.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

While there are assholes in the fandom, I think the issue here is also from outside perspective as well. There seems to be this weird double standard and confirmation bias going on were people want to judge us based only on the asshole(and in turn glossing over the good people) when most of them would never do that with other fandoms, and might even be in a fandom with as many problems as ours and turn a partial blind eye to it.

 

One person I saw on Tumblr(yes, there are a few good blogs) that's trying to address these issues and the problems on both sides said they've seen fangirls of Sherlock go things just as bad(if not worse) than the worse bronies. 

Be careful with that, though. Part of the attraction of this fandom for a lot of bronies is that it's formed around a show that espouses 'Friendship is Magic'. By fighting for the title 'Brony' and removing those who in your eyes 'tarnish' it, you're starting down the path of exclusivity rather than inclusivity. You're going to find a lot of people joining the cause who will apply ever more restrictive and exclusive definitions, that you don't necessarily agree with but who will be acting in the name of your cause. Once you start banning people for not being Brony enough for your tastes, it's gone too far. That leaves the door open for banning the younger fans because they're still in the target demographic so they aren't technically Bronies, banning women because they're not 'bros', so on and so forth.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't stand up for your beliefs, but just be careful with your methods. This is not the first fandom to go through this. The furries went through it twenty years ago, and the fandom is still trying to recover from the divisive actions of those claiming to be fighting for a 'clean fandom'. Trekkies went through it far enough back I don't clearly remember it anymore, but it was far less reaching due to the slowness of communication in the fandom at the time.

 

While I do agree, there are people that need politely called on on their behavior(or at we need to at least make it known we don't condone it) 

[Ribbonfree 2,383]

I am getting a sense of hostility here, I only mean for this to be a discussion. If you feel that you don't want to worry yourself over a problem you find insignificant, fine that is your prerogative, but it is also my prerogative to atleast try to enforce some change if any can be made, I can't force anyone to do anything nor am I trying, all I was doing is adding encouragement to atleast try to keep the title from becoming something frowned upon.

 

I'm not being hostile, but I've already made all the points I wanted to make, hence my further brusqueness. Encouragement is fine, that's fair.

[Treble Bolt 1,122]

To be a "Brony" is a label. Media tries to make the label that has been associated with the fandom in a negative light.  For the most part, the fandom itself helps keep the more positive aspects in the forefront within the fanbase.

 

I do not think overall, the term is becoming a more derogatory name, for under this banner, the adult fandom is united under due to our appreciation for FIM.  For individual people, it's all up to choice not only whether or not to associate with the greater fanbase under said banner, but also HOW you conduct yourself within the fanbase.  This is true among any fandoms. There will always be instances and people you come across in the fanbase that will make you feel like the fanbase as a whole has a bad name for some reason or another.  This is almost always true in regards to external media. Time will tell how the media adjusts to fanbases, but it seems like any and all fanbases are laughed at, if not scrutinized by outside media. If we, within the fanbase, basically give in to circumstances outside and inside the fandom that do not overall affect our perception and creativity of what we are a fan OF, then I can not only see many Bronies dropping the banner that this fandom carries, but essentially move away from the fandom for superfluously frivolous reasons that will eventually hurt their view on the show that they enjoy.  It's a fine line to tread when people often associate any form of media with whatever fanbase they may have, making them essentially one in the same to general public. It's one thing to leave the fandom over something that happens within the show that you may outright hate (such as Alicorn Twilight, EQG (2), etc), but to leave the fandom and the media you love because of societal problems, peer pressure, a disgruntled fan member, or even a part of the fanbase that you vehemently hate, then you are missing the point what being a fan (of anything) is.

 

Now this is an extremity of where this topic could go (delving into the sociological aspect here), but overall, Bronies ARE the adult fanbase of FIM, and unless the entire fandom changes their name or the media does it for us, the banner of the Brony will always fly high, as long as Bronies exist. What WE as the fanbase do with that name, will either make Bronies a fanbase to be cherished and built upon, or reviled in some way. It's all up to us as individuals within this greater community. If you leave the name but stay a fan, Sure. Go right ahead Because honestly, it's just a name, a label, something that separates one group from another through predetermined constructs, and is thus quite trite to truly argue with someone whether or not they want to carry said label. But as long you are a fan of FIM, the name Brony will always be attached to you by other people.

Edited March 7, 2014 by Treble Bolt

[LordDiscord 289]

Be careful with that, though. Part of the attraction of this fandom for a lot of bronies is that it's formed around a show that espouses 'Friendship is Magic'. By fighting for the title 'Brony' and removing those who in your eyes 'tarnish' it, you're starting down the path of exclusivity rather than inclusivity. You're going to find a lot of people joining the cause who will apply ever more restrictive and exclusive definitions, that you don't necessarily agree with but who will be acting in the name of your cause. Once you start banning people for not being Brony enough for your tastes, it's gone too far. That leaves the door open for banning the younger fans because they're still in the target demographic so they aren't technically Bronies, banning women because they're not 'bros', so on and so forth.

 

I'm not saying that you shouldn't stand up for your beliefs, but just be careful with your methods. This is not the first fandom to go through this. The furries went through it twenty years ago, and the fandom is still trying to recover from the divisive actions of those claiming to be fighting for a 'clean fandom'. Trekkies went through it far enough back I don't clearly remember it anymore, but it was far less reaching due to the slowness of communication in the fandom at the time.

I honestly had not thought about that, I don't mean we should entirely turn or backs on those that do this, but rather set a example that others and hopefully those that I mentioned before could follow. Abandoning those that abuse the title is not the answer, what is the answer is not allowing their antics to get the better of us that don't wish to spread grief and hurt. All we can do is set a example, one that many could follow that won't give our fandom a bad name to those outside of the fandom and beyond, to people that those that cause grief does not define our community.

What do you want to call us then?

 

The Society for the Preservation of Aesthetic Appreciation for a Television Show for Little Girls that Coincidentally Contains Small Horses?

 

Brony is fine. People need thicker skins.

I don't mean change our name, just we should put more effort in showing people that those that abuse the title does not define our community as a whole.

[Fhaolan 4,483]

I honestly had not thought about that, I don't mean we should entirely turn or backs on those that do this, but rather set a example that others and hopefully those that I mentioned before could follow. Abandoning those that abuse the title is not the answer, what is the answer is not allowing their antics to get the better of us that don't wish to spread grief and hurt. All we can do is set a example, one that many could follow that won't give our fandom a bad name to those outside of the fandom and beyond, to people that those that cause grief does not define our community.

While I do agree, there are people that need politely called on on their behavior(or at we need to at least make it known we don't condone it)

And that's really all I'm saying. There's nothing wrong with setting examples, and calling bad behavior what it is. Just be thoughtful about your methods, because that also sets an example.

[Sekhayet 253]

I honestly had not thought about that, I don't mean we should entirely turn or backs on those that do this, but rather set a example that others and hopefully those that I mentioned before could follow. Abandoning those that abuse the title is not the answer, what is the answer is not allowing their antics to get the better of us that don't wish to spread grief and hurt. All we can do is set a example, one that many could follow that won't give our fandom a bad name to those outside of the fandom and beyond, to people that those that cause grief does not define our community.

I don't mean change our name, just we should put more effort in showing people that those that abuse the title does not define our community as a whole.

 

Or we could just... ignore them... since they don't really matter. I don't care what they think as long as it doesn't change their view of my ability to fulfill tasks. If it does, it's easy to illustrate why being a brony does not in anyway impinge on my ability to act or deliver results.

Edited March 7, 2014 by Sekhayet

[KarentheUnicorn 218]

I ask this as I have unfortunately ran into a few people who once wore the title but dropped it do to bad experiences within the community. While I feel that it is your right to choose to bear the title or not, I also feel that you should not just give up on a community due to a few rotten apples.

 

I fear that the title is becoming something it should not be, and I for one feel it needs to stop, dropping the title should not be the only answer, as that is only letting those who have the intention to cause grief get away with ruining something that we as a community created.

 

 

You probably need to ask yourself why the title matters so much. I know a lot of people who liked my little pony before the term beony came into existance who don't call themself brony (myself included). There was already an existing community of people who like MLP so I can't speak for the people who apparently need the title to fit in with a community...but the rest of us are doing fine without a title. I've never needed to call myself something just because I like mlp. I've never needed a label to join in online or in person with others who like MLP.

 

So why does it really matter one way or the other? If some people like MLP but don't assume the brony label why does it matter?

[Zhortac 1,474]

Eh, not like the title would change anything. I still have yet to have more crap slung at me for being a Power Rangers fan, then MLP. When I was a kid, I got crap for it too, and there wasn't a title for fans of PR lol.

[Mlpfan185 1,763]

Something was here. Something was here. Something was here. Something was here. Something was here.

Edited October 9, 2018 by NONAME