What the heck is with ponies?!

swiftblade

People are probably wondering, right about now, what the heck is the appeal of this kids show, that is obviously one big advertisement for Hasbro.


The Short answer? It's good.


Coming from someone who studies media in college, it's one of the few children’s television shows currently airing that is not only good in regards to story, but has decent morals attached. While the morals can be sappy and clichéd at times, there are also some that, in my opinion are quite profound for a young kids show. To paraphrase Applejack (Best Pony), “It's not what you do with the time you have. It's who you spend it with.”
The fact that they are ponies, and not say, animated people is great! Not only from a visual standpoint, but from how young children engage with the show. To use Disney as an example. Instead of young kids maybe really engaging with the story, there is a tendency that all they engage with is the visuals. eg. “I want to be a princess!” The same could happen here, but obviously to a lesser extent. “I want to be a pony!” Not sure that happens just as often...
Most episodes tend to revolve around a “slice of life” sort of story. Usually everyday problems. Again, teaching valuable lessons to young kids.


How I discovered the show?


Well, I needed to write and essay on fandoms. I think I ended up Googling fandoms and Bronies was some of the first results. I then watched a few episodes, going in with the impression that this might possibly be the weirdest stuff I'm ever going to watch, then realising, “Hey, ya know what? This ain't half bad.”

I then had to work with flash animation at college, so my interest only grew in the show more. (It's animated using Flash)


Looking at it from the mise-en-scene (“Really, you're using a fancy French word with pony?”), it's not shot like most kids shows. Instead of the action coming into the frame, the “camera” generally finds the action, if that makes sense.


Am I a Brony?


That's a tough one. What is a Brony? Is it someone who just watches the show or do they need to participate in the production of fan content too? I watch the show and that's about it.


Why did I make this post?


I have no idea.

cyberwolf77

I call myself a brony and I plan to prove it at the end of August. I will be attending a rather large fan convention where I plan to cosplay as Big Macintosh.

swiftblade

cyberwolf77 wrote: »

I call myself a brony and I plan to prove it at the end of August. I will be attending a rather large fan convention where I plan to cosplay as Big Macintosh.

Ohhh. What convention is that?

cyberwolf77

DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia

swiftblade

cyberwolf77 wrote: »

DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia

Doh! Only just checked where you are based now.

cyberwolf77

Not many check it

silja

cyberwolf77 wrote: »

I call myself a brony and I plan to prove it at the end of August. I will be attending a rather large fan convention where I plan to cosplay as Big Macintosh.

Looking forward to photos!

El Nick

I'm 40. I watch MLP:FiM with my son, who is 12. I think it's hard to tell who gets more out of it.

I started watching it because of the cultural impact - I kept seeing references to the show and wanted to know what it was all about. And sort of fell in love with the characters.

I like the way the show is sort of neither male nor female - it's not all about collecting stuff, or fighting stuff, or trading things. It's not about discussing feelings or who's crushing on who (for the most part.) I like the way that the show embraces diversity (of lots of kinds - every consider the parallels between Friendship is Magic and Glee?) And I kinda have to admit that there's an awful lot of catchy tunes.

Actually, I think it's one of those animated shows aimed at kids that *doesn't* try to hawk a line of toys so much. In comparison to, say, Bakugan or Transformers or the Simpsons or Ninjago or whatever.

Unsure about "Equestria Girls." It was good for a one-off but I'm worried that it'll turn into a fully-fledged spin-off. Can't wait for season 4. And... I really *really* wish they'd make more "Friendship Is Witchcraft" (because Sweetie-Bot is best pony.)

Edited to add: Am I a brony? Nah... don't think so. I just really enjoy the show.

lynski

My six yr old boy and 4 yr old girl watch it, she loves it but he does too. I think it is easily the best kids show we have watched. As above story, morals, characters all work for me, but for the children too. they love the mix, i think it needs a good male lead character, but that is a quibble.
I have found that it has had a positive influence on my sons behavior.
No interest in equestria girls, same 'ol high school trials bs afaik, and mine are too young to be watching it. I have some issues around the whole, big eyed, long limbed female body stereotyping too, but as their appearance is not the utmost priority to any of them i let it pass.

Cant wait for season 4 as we kind of know the others ones by heart now, catch them acting bits out sometimes.

Grimebox

I watched an episode recently to see what the fuss was all about. I really, really don't get this show. Fair enough if you're watching it with your children, its probably not the worst thing to have to sit through, but as an adult?All the positives you have mentioned so far directly relate to its impact on children alone. Decent morals attached? Is that really its strongest asset? Please try and change my mind

Lady Chuckles

I'm not going to try to change your mind, as it seems pretty set already. I will however say that MLP is cute and refreshing. It makes me ever so happy

I'm sick of the same old intrigues in other tv shows and the same old humour. I'm tired of watching fashionable men and women and their love-issues and misunderstandings. Vampires, werewolves, reality shows, police solving crimes, criminals, how someone met someone else's ma..... I escape all that crap when I'm watching MLP

It's great stories, witty dialogues and sweet little ponies. How could it be any better?