My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

[Skykid]

Skykid, cut the trolling out. I can see right through your dumb tricks.

Wtf are you talking about?

[Paradigm]

Please don't tell me that is the best you have in order to call out those with a different point of view.

OK fine, 'sad cunt' is more accurate.

[Blackbird]

The fact is, if you enjoy watching it; you're gay.

I'd rather be gay than be a homophobe. Go take the piss somewhere else.

People need to realize that you're not getting trashed for watching the show, but for flaunting your fandom.

No one was "flaunting" anything. There was very little of anything to do with MLP on this forum until the anti-ponies made this thread to raise a stink about it.

[Specineff]

Please don't tell me that is the best you have in order to call out those with a different point of view.

OK fine, 'sad cunt' is more accurate.

Look, if you're trying to get anyone inflamed to the point they will reply in kind (maybe to get it locked, or whatever), it's not going to happen. The thread got past the name calling about two or three pages ago. There are better ways to press your argument than that.

You're not comfortable with others liking a show you don't, point is taken. Behold, the world is still spinning.

[Paradigm]

You're not comfortable with others liking a show you don't, point is taken.

Like I said, I think it's sad, but it doesn't bother me that you watch it. What bothers me is that you're getting way too anal and spouting all this crap about morality and social acceptance just to try and justify watching a little girls cartoon.

If you and others had just said 'yes, I'm sad, but I like it', that would've been fine and this thread could have died ages ago.

[Specineff]

Well, that's good. I could point something else, but dragging an argument wouldn't do much good at this moment. Peace.

(FWIW, my jumping into the thread was to present a counterpoint to the vitriolic reactions of some other members. Never to state that I like the show, though it's okay. My current signature is merely a nod to both the memes spawned by it, and Radiant Silvergun)

[Siren2011]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeJ6-gN0eB4

I lol'ed like crazy at the theme song.

I don't know what I could add to this absurd argument that hasn't been said already, but here goes nothing.

Taste is largely about identification. If some dude loves Batman, he either admires him because he is valorous like The Dark Knight himself, or because he too hopes to be valorous one day. If you love soccer, then chances are really great that you'll love the PES series. That's good. It means you are athletic and have an appreciation for teamwork and persistence. Chances are really good that the same person would be interested or naturally excel in other activities that have to do with teamwork. Someone who cooks will get a kick out of the Food Network, and people who are funny or at least are capable of appreciating good humor, will love Stephen Lynch and other politically incorrect comedians. And people who were molested at an early age could be capable of hating any kind of humor, but instead watch documentaries about people who have gone through similar ordeals, and find consolation in this. Others could go their entire lives without the need to seek out such documentaries, because it has nothing to do with their desires or experienes. A doctor could love reading the DSM IV, while a stoner in high school would be put off by it's complicated terminology, and would rather listen to Korn all day in his room to soothe his angst. A 4 year old girl will have no idea what Korn is, but her whole world revolves around Barbie dolls, because she hopes to be a beautiful woman someday. Someone who enjoys STGs will have zero use for Barbies, but would enjoy Psyvariar 2 because they love overcoming hardship and facing challenging situations head on. As you can plainly see, what we enjoy pertains to us as growing individuals, and is entirely subjective, as ryu mentioned.

The fact that some grown men in this forum enjoy the same cartoon that five year olds enjoy tells me that they are mentally stunted. Any adult male in their right mind would not even dream of admiring and enjoying the simplistic adventures of a fucking cartoon pony with a girly voice. So it's totally ok for you to keep watching it. Just don't act all surprised when people laugh their asses off at you. It's like flaunting your two inch prick to everyone in the locker room and getting defensive when they tell you "Uh, you know that there are some that are 8 inches, right? lol" Of course, instead of sucking it up and accepting this fact, they vehemently insist that they are lying and no such dicks exist, and it is totally the norm to have a two inch pecker. Whatever, guys.

Sorry if that sounded too harsh, but I really don't know what else to say about something like this. I had to read the first two pages 3 times because I thought for sure that the supposed "pro-pony" people were in on an elaborate joke or meme of some sort. As it turns out, they were actually being serious...

[drunkninja24]

The fact that some grown men in this forum enjoy the same cartoon that five year olds enjoy tells me that they are mentally stunted.

Or maybe the show itself has appeal outside it's target demographic? Because you know, that totally hasn't happened anywhere else before, and especially never with cartoons.

Not everyone is gonna like it. That's fine. I expect there's going to be backlash from people that don't. That's fine too. What isn't fine is all the ridiculous accusations thrown around, such as being called anything ranging from gay to pedophiles (an argument I don't get at all) to whatever else.

[evil_ash_xero]

You're not comfortable with others liking a show you don't, point is taken.

Like I said, I think it's sad, but it doesn't bother me that you watch it. What bothers me is that you're getting way too anal and spouting all this crap about morality and social acceptance just to try and justify watching a little girls cartoon.

If you and others had just said 'yes, I'm sad, but I like it', that would've been fine and this thread could have died ages ago.

I'm with you on this one.

I didn't even watch MLP when I was a little boy. Even THEN, I was like "this is for girls". This is just weird. You guys have fun with your show though. I'll say no more.

[Despatche]

this thread could have died ages ago

Do you really have to do this every thread? It's not working, it's just making me laugh.

[Blackbird]

The fact that some grown men in this forum enjoy the same cartoon that five year olds enjoy tells me that they are mentally stunted. Any adult male in their right mind would not even dream of admiring and enjoying the simplistic adventures of a fucking cartoon pony with a girly voice.

See, this right here is why you are annoying. I don't really care that you don't like the show, but don't go around generalizing an entire demographic of people, none of whom who you have met personally, as retarded.

In my eyes, it is you who appears retarded, because you cannot perceive the value or humor in even a simplistic adventure show. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt since we haven't met.

[Siren2011]

In my eyes, it is you who appears retarded, because you cannot perceive the value or humor in even a simplistic adventure show.

Then your eyes need examination. I see humor in plenty of things, and I place value in plenty of things. A stupid kids show doesn't even make it on the bottom of my list.

And for the record, I did see the humor in this show: I laughed because it is overwhelmingly juvenile, intro song and all.

You see how everyone is repeating what other people said? "This is a kids show, you're gay." "Nuh uh! There is nothing wrong with the fact that I am an adult who enjoys children's programs!" I'm guilty of it and so are others. There is nothing left to say, so let's get the final lolz out and lock this stupid thread once and for all.

Do you really have to do this every thread? It's not working, it's just making me laugh.

Every thread or not, that doesn't make it any less true. Eight pages, guys. Eight pages...

[renardqueenston]

there were some seriously good posts until "you are gay" and "you are retarded" came into play. i'm sure some people on here are completely flabbergasted and put off by the fact that they might know people or be associated with people that enjoy this cartoon. i'm flabbergasted and put off by how intolerant some of you can be, to be honest.

[MX7]

A lot of my friends think I'm an idiot for playing games where I dodge millions of pink dots. I think that if I started watching My Little Pony, then at least I was doing it for some ironic, Gen X type reason.

The homophobia in this thread is completely uncalled for, and just underlines that this is a poorly justified process of othering and abjection.

[stryc9]

I see the MLP debate has heated up since last night. I admit I haven't checked it out yet, but I'm not a good one to ask about many modern TV shows be they for children OR adults, since, and this is once again a subjective opinion, most are pretentious crap. You know, after 15 or so years of being subject to endless, gory formulaic cop dramas and banal, intelligence-insulting 'reality' TV, I've started to enjoy bad movies from the 1950s, or older comedy shows, JUST FOR THE FACT THAT THEY DON'T SPEND THEIR TIME TALKING DOWN TO THE VIEWING AUDIENCE. So given this recent sliding trend towards the bottom of the barrel, I'm not surprised others have sought to venture out and find alternatives.

I had a running joke at one point where every Christmas I would throw on one of those Cheap DVD comps of old (not necessarily classic) movies that one would buy from a newsagent, and fire up some freaky Santa Clause film from Mexico for my buds. I just sat there and watched while they sat there and wondered what the fuck was wrong with me. Christmases came and went, same thing. Id'e fire up Santa Clause again. It's the worst fucking movie.... or is it, cos' every time it was on I never recall it trying to pander to the lowest common denominator, or have an agenda, or be smarmy towards me or any of those things that 95% of modern entertainment is made of.

Just pointing out that individuals will go to great lengths to prove that their different or unique, maybe even to the point where liking something targeted at 5 year old girls is acceptable to them.

Of course, like I mentioned above I havn't seen MLP yet, it could be the best thing ever created and us naysayers are complete fools, but, you know, I doubt that very much... I probably won't bother wasting my time tuning in, but I have enjoyed posting in this thread - shit's been hilarious, thankyou.

P.S. Lets just gloss over the fact that this is not a new, original franchise. They just trot out (sorry) something old and give it a spit polish... or a turd bath, depending on your sexual orientation.

[greg]

stryc9, you have me confused. Are you talking about the movie Santa Clause with Tim Allen, or Santa Claus, the Mexican movie with Santa vs. Satan? If you put an e on there, a "clause" is a legal term. Thus the pun of the Tim Allen movie's title.

[renardqueenston]

stryc9, you have me confused. Are you talking about the movie Santa Clause with Tim Allen, or Santa Claus, the Mexican movie with Santa vs. Satan? If you put an e on there, a "clause" is a legal term. Thus the pun of the Tim Allen movie's title.

either works; if i were to watch the Tim Allen Santa Clause my friends would be as confused and bewildered as stryc9's friends sound

[stryc9]

whoops. Yeah I meant the more popular Mexican one with Santa Vs Satan

[Skykid]

I slept on this.

Firstly, no-one is gay or a pedophile for watching My Little Pony. At the same time, I don't think anyone ever said that was the case with any kind of seriousness. Unfortunately, 'gay' is often banded about in a humorous sense (derogatory as it is) and has been for many years. If someone says "dude, you're so gay", I hope no-one takes that as a genuine attempt at homophobia (not ignoring the fact that it is essentially homophobic because it's being used as a slur.)

This morning I came back to my senses and drew a similar conclusion as I did on the first page: people can do whatever the hell they like. If you enjoy My Little Pony, I really don't care. In-fact, I'm happy for people to find stuff that makes them happy. The questions of morality and maturity have almost nothing to do with this argument at all. I don't think watching kid's cartoons, collecting figures etc, is an instant recipe for immaturity. In-fact, watching cartoons is probably as much a rekindling of childhood joys as retro gaming.

So, putting the debate on the right track again, what I am surprised about is that none of the adult males finding enjoyment and fulfilment in children's cartoons have at least shown any humility on the subject by accepting that such activities are not considered socially normal for someone of their age.

No-one has actually done that yet, it's been all tooth and nail fighting and ground standing. It doesn't make you gay or a sexual deviant to watch MLP, but in a completely black and white sense, surely you can understand why some people consider the enjoyment you get from the show as odd? If you guys 'get' that, then we'll be a little closer to a common understanding.

[renardqueenston]

now we're talkin'! i agree totally, skykid, and that's a pretty good way to put it. i think a part of the reason nobody really finds it weird or whatever is just because the people that watch it banded together really quickly, to the point where it did seem normal to fans of the series. kind of like how everybody on here finds it perfectly
normal to be 30+ years of age and collecting multi-hundred-dollar arcade boards and figures and whatnot.

i think all fandoms and cliques band together for normalcy as an automatic instinct, to interact and be happy together. i will totally admit that first watching the show i was like "are you serious", but then it happened - kind of like i told myself "no way, i'm never going to collect PCBs, that's crazy, only obsessive antisocial guys do that"! suddenly:



and yet, after interacting with other collectors and traders i found it to be perfectly normal, and that's when it all fell apart

[KennyMan666]

So, putting the debate on the right track again, what I am surprised about is that none of the adult males finding enjoyment and fulfilment in children's cartoons have at least shown any humility on the subject by accepting that such activities are not considered socially normal for someone of their age.

No-one has actually done that yet, it's been all tooth and nail fighting and ground standing. It doesn't make you gay or a sexual deviant to watch MLP, but in a completely black and white sense, surely you can understand why some people consider the enjoyment you get from the show as odd? If you guys 'get' that, then we'll be a little closer to a common understanding.

Hey, the first thing I said was that I considered the first step to be to accept the inherent ridiculousness of that you're actually watching My Little Pony.

[Skykid]

Hey, the first thing I said was that I considered the first step to be to accept the inherent ridiculousness of that you're actually watching My Little Pony.

That's true, you did.

[nem]

So, putting the debate on the right track again, what I am surprised about is that none of the adult males finding enjoyment and fulfilment in children's cartoons have at least shown any humility on the subject by accepting that such activities are not considered socially normal for someone of their age.

Oh absolutely.

Said activities could also include, I don't know, drawing stuff like this (NSFW?), playing games that look like this, and collecting dol-- sorry, action figures like these.

I think we're all guilty of having hobbies that most of the general public wouldn't consider socially normal. It just seems some of us are more comfortable with the fact than others.

*shrug*

(edit: clarification)

[Randorama]

...Not to mention that "socially unacceptable behavior" is usually illegal as well. Or that e.g. binge-drinking, and treating women like things, is socially acceptable behavior too, in some places.

Lock, Please.

[Ghegs]

Now we're getting somewhere. Good post from Skykid.

Personally, its seems I've often been hanging outside the social norms as far as hobbies go. I played videogames before it was cool, I used to phone to local BBS' before it was...well, that never became cool. But I did hang around the Internet when Google was but a twinkle in Page's and Brin's eyes. Even after videogames became more socially acceptable pasttime I was often playing games nobody else cared about or had even heard of. I've made some decisions in life that are off the beaten path and they've worked out well for me.

So, basically, I've never been too concerned about having the social acceptance of my peers. You can consider me 'n my hobbies odd all you want, I'm quite used to it and it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Also, I think the suspected level of fanboyness and "pony worship" has gone way over the mark. I don't consider it a "hobby". I've watched the first season of the show and...that's it. That's the extent of my interest in the show, I don't see myself as a part of the larger community. I don't have pony dolls/figures/whatchamacallits, never read a fanfic of it and this thread is actually the first time I've talked about the show on the Internet. To me, it's just one show among the many I've watched over the years, though it is the most "controversial" in this way.

[Skykid]

So, putting the debate on the right track again, what I am surprised about is that none of the adult males finding enjoyment and fulfilment in children's cartoons have at least shown any humility on the subject by accepting that such activities are not considered socially normal for someone of their age.

Oh absolutely.

Said activities could also include, I don't know, drawing stuff like this (NSFW?), playing games that look like this, and collecting dol-- sorry, action figures like these.

I think we're all guilty of having hobbies that most of the general public would consider socially unacceptable. It just seems some of us are more comfortable with the fact than others.

*shrug*

It's kind of lame, very old (and very empty) but you may as well link the whole gallery.

Oh, when I used to draw.
I miss those days. I got angry with myself because I could never finish anything. I did 28 pages of that stupid comic, cleaned it in PS and everything, and still didn't finish it.

Anyway, tangent there, sorry.

I understand your argument: someone who draws (drew) manga, sketches hentai, plays games w/little girls in it and collects figures is on the same level as getting some raw enjoyment from My Little Pony.

I would go as far as to say, if you enjoy MLP, that's fine. Just sit there, watch it, debate whether to let your respective partner know you're watching it, and then walk away. Everyone has their secrets.

But as Ghegs pointed out, fanboyism on the subject of MLP, 'Bronies' as such, is patently ridiculous. Crowing about your favourite Pony, buying duvet covers, holding hands, singing the show's songs (and... dressing like ponies?) - that's an entirely new step up from simply watching and taking some closet enjoyment from the show.

Agreed?

[nem]

But as Ghegs pointed out, fanboyism on the subject of MLP, 'Bronies' as such, is patently ridiculous. Crowing about your favourite Pony, buying duvet covers, holding hands, singing the show's songs (and... dressing like ponies?) - that's an entirely new step up from simply watching and taking some closet enjoyment from the show.

Agreed?

Agreed on all fanboyism full stop.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Since when cosplaying and singing theme songs at conventions is fanboyism? If they were doing it in the middle of a shopping mall out of the blue, that would be another story.

[KennyMan666]

I agree to some extent. As previously mentioned, I love karaoke, so I can't consider the singing to be over the top at all. Well, I would have said the same before I got into karaoke as well, I have for as long as I can remember loved to sing, so naturally I'd sing songs I liked...

I've bought some ponies, I fully plan on getting more. But it's not like that's something unique for this show, I like having some figures from shows I enjoy, and MLP has the advantage of being small and easy to get ahold of - I can just go into any toy store over here - and doesn't cost that much. As opposed to, say, ordering a 24cm tall statue of Franky from One Piece from hlj and paying 6000 yen in total for it. (it was worth it, though.) Hell, I have a little Gundam standing on my wireless router, and I've never even watched Gundam.

I like talking about shows and games I stuff I enjoy with other people who also does it. But for MLP I don't go out of my way to do it, there's some people I know on IRC and forums I talk about it with, but I don't go to any MLP-dedicated forum or IRC channel. As opposed to... well, talking about shmups with people here and in #shmups.

Essentially - I consider myself a fan of the show, but I'm not a fanboy, and I don't really like rampant fanboyism for anything. I'm not even part of the MLP community, but I partake in some isolated instances of fandom nonsense.

I can very much compare it to my experiences with the Touhou fanbase, except I am part of that community and partake in more fandom nonsense there. There's a reason I tell people that they don't really want to become part of that community, but it's too late for me.

And I have never, ever used the term "brony" (hell, I utterly, utterly refuse to say "mane cast" too, it's too stupid). Though after that promo video they did, it's half official now...

[maxlords]

Since when cosplaying and singing theme songs at conventions is fanboyism? If they were doing it in the middle of a shopping mall out of the blue, that would be another story.

Since always? cosplay is practically synonymous with fanboyism. There's no question there. None at all.

there were some seriously good posts until "you are gay" and "you are retarded" came into play. i'm sure some people on here are completely flabbergasted and put off by the fact that they might know people or be associated with people that enjoy this cartoon. i'm flabbergasted and put off by how intolerant some of you can be, to be honest.

I do have to agree with renard here. Outside the social norms yes, but Paradigm is cruising for a banning in this thread.

As for shmups collecting (and until recently, video game collecting and playing) being outside the social norms, that's true too as Ghegs said, but definitely in a different way. I'd say this is further outside the norms simply due to the content being targeted at a much different audience. Collecting say, comics or video games has always been (until recently) geeky but the product was targeted at a certain demographic which tended to collect it. I think the issue we have is that the primary target demographic of MLP is VASTLY different from the secondary audience it has attracted.