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Video: Bronies (grown men) invade little girls' section of Toys R Us

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Not really exclusive to Brony culture, as it could apply to any subculture, but the struggle for identity lying in direct relation with wanting to belong is just a sociology aspect I've always thought to be a negative thing. People in general just being unhappy with being themselves.

Why do you have to be a Brony? Why do people need to be goth or raver or any label whatsoever?

Forge your own identity and be yourself.

This kind of reasoning is something I often see. The thing is, I've always felt it's a little misled. It is predicated on a false dilemma... either you are a wonderfully self realized individual free of attachments, or you are an unhappy follower, seeking outside validation for your identity.

In my experience, it does not work this way. Generally, I have observed that people adopt prefabricated identities as part of the growing process. You have an interest in something, you go where others share that interest or support it, or allow you to explore it further. You spend time there, and then naturally, without telling yourself you must "grow out of this", you grow until you're more than just what people stereotypically associate with a particular label. Interests and identities are fluid.

It's like trying to find a hat you actually like. At first you try on various popular hats, and you'll wear one or two for a while. Eventually, as you understand your own particular tastes, you'll likely select a hat that isn't quite like what anyone else wears in combination with a generic fashion image. You're not longer just one of "those people who all wear this kind of hat". But you'll retain elements of it, and a connection to them - there's no shame in denying it.

And the problem with telling people to just forge their own identity is that other people will continually attempt to put everyone around them into boxes. Wear an overcoat that's too dark? Oh, you must be a goth, what a loser. Watch one too many episodes of MLP? Oh, you're one of those creepy bronies. We live in a world were a cynical, "sophisticated" perspective derides all labels and groups as bad, yet puts people into categories out of the same cynicism.

It's like every time someone posts the infamous quote by Lauren Faust. Someone will, like clockwork, cynically deride this because, of course the show's creator will say anything, it's just marketing awareness, etc. Refusing to take something at face value because that would not service perpetrating a negative image. Even if someone in a position of authority (such a creator) calls bullshit on it.

There is nothing wrong with being part of a group, a scene, movement, club, whatever, because this is how people find themselves and find others. Note that the basic fact nothing is wrong with it is separate from the topic of how to be part of something in a smart way. Every group contains members who use the attributes of the group, and their association with it, to do stupid and negative things.

And there are plenty of outrage farming assholes whose mission in life is find every negative result of someone's participation in a group and use that data point to "prove" that the group or even the fundamental concept is, itself intrinsically negative.
 
Man, everyone told me this thread was going to be funny but all it did was make me feel a little depressed.

So much hate.
 
These beings truly have no shame

Hopefully when they grow older they'll look back and feel nothing but regret
 
This kind of reasoning is something I often see. The thing is, I've always felt it's a little misled. It is predicated on a false dilemma... either you are a wonderfully self realized individual free of attachments, or you are an unhappy follower, seeking outside validation for your identity.

In my experience, it does not work this way. Generally, I have observed that people adopt prefabricated identities as part of the growing process. You have an interest in something, you go where others share that interest or support it, or allow you to explore it further. You spend time there, and then naturally, without telling yourself you must "grow out of this", you grow until you're more than just what people stereotypically associate with a particular label. Interests and identities are fluid.

It's like trying to find a hat you actually like. At first you try on various popular hats, and you'll wear one or two for a while. Eventually, as you understand your own particular tastes, you'll likely select a hat that isn't quite like what anyone else wears in combination with a generic fashion image. You're not longer just one of "those people who all wear this kind of hat". But you'll retain elements of it, and a connection to them - there's no shame in denying it.

And the problem with telling people to just forge their own identity is that other people will continually attempt to put everyone around them into boxes. Wear an overcoat that's too dark? Oh, you must be a goth, what a loser. Watch one too many episodes of MLP? Oh, you're one of those creepy bronies. We live in a world were a cynical, "sophisticated" perspective derides all labels and groups as bad, yet puts people into categories out of the same cynicism.

It's like every time someone posts the infamous quote by Lauren Faust. Someone will, like clockwork, cynically deride this because, of course the show's creator will say anything, it's just marketing awareness, etc. Refusing to take something at face value because that would not service perpetrating a negative image. Even if someone in a position of authority (such a creator) calls bullshit on it.

There is nothing wrong with being part of a group, a scene, movement, club, whatever, because this is how people find themselves and find others. Note that the basic fact nothing is wrong with it is separate from the topic of how to be part of something in a smart way. Every group contains members who use the attributes of the group, and their association with it, to do stupid and negative things.

And there are plenty of outrage farming assholes whose mission in life is find every negative result of someone's participation in a group and use that data point to "prove" that the group or even the fundamental concept is, itself intrinsically negative.

Nobody's saying that being a part of a club, group or community is a bad thing. Hell, I post on forums that are dedicated to specific subjects and we're on one right now. And for the most part your example focuses more on physical image than an actual label. I'm talking about the actual label itself. The need to umbrella your whole identity under that label, and then wearing that label with absolute pride. Such as to the extent as bronyhood is, with it's near obsession of pointing it out to nearly everybody who they come into contact with. Do I feel need to wear a t-shirt that has my name on it? No. So why feel the need to wear a shirt that specifically says "BRONY" and bring up at any available opportunity that you are one?

The world is full of terrible people, so I'm not going to get into the whole 'whos trying to provoke who' and 'whos more morally righteous than who' because that's a never-ending losing argument where the absolute answer is: We're all cunts, so generally try your best to not be one. I'm a liar, and a cunt, but I know this so I work with what I got and nowadays avoid being a negative impact on anyone as much as I can. If your personality is a label that carries the same cloak of identity that a subculture has, then everyone needs to realise what they can be perceived as and either accept it, or work with it, or do their best to not be a part of any negative association with it (which is a losing battle anyway because you will always be judged for whatever label you stick on yourself).

Now look what's happened as a result, you've gotten the label "Brony" and a bunch of bad eggs have fucked it all up for you guys. You will never be able to escape the association of looking at animated ponies as sexual things.

It's a personal lack of understanding on my behalf that will never allow me to look at any subculture that willingly labels themselves and conforms to a hivemind as a positive thing. And this is just one example of why not.
 
These beings truly have no shame

Hopefully when they grow older they'll look back and feel nothing but regret
if they move beyond it, that will mean they've finally overcome whatever demons had been plaguing their lives. they will probably regret the time wasted obsessing over a children's show but recognize the show, comraderie, and mutual acceptance within the fandom was helpful in getting them to the point where they could mature.

as tomat said, there's a lot of hate in this thread, which is unecessary. think about the type of life someone must have had to fixate on a children's cartoon as an adult. when you look at bronies or someone like michael jackson (e: or adult babies), you shouldn't hate them (until it becomes known that they are molesting children or harming others in some way).
 
Wooow at the Howard Stern Brony piece. These people have serious problems. What a coincidence they all live in their parents' basements at 28. And they're fucking their pony plushies, jerking off to animated pony porn, no jobs, all suffering from clinical depression. These folks need help.
 
its what the people want Riggs, you cant deny the audience.

Then I will kill all of the people. Seriously though some ppl don't get it, I get some of it but its not my thing. Ppl shouldnt be persecuted though I was fucking around with my first comments on last page. I just found the Howard stern shit funny because he's old and so out of touch this is so foreign to him.

None the less anyone wanting ppl to die because they like a tv show can go fuck themselves I got your back son!
 
He's not the first person who had that idea in this thread.

Ya I wish I didn't bring up the Howard stern video lol, I find it hilarious because I like Stern. But these are people .... treat everyone with respect its not like bronies are hurting anyone. Fuckers can be harsh but that's people for ya, not everyone realizes you can be hurting folks feelings and that it can really effect that person in a bad way. Wish ppl were nicer but most don't give a fuck. Just try not to let it get to you.
 
"The rest of this is crap and meant for little girls while your fanbase is men"

Is this actually true. What percentage of viewers or fans are actually sit on reddit all day?
This must be the American equivalent to PreCure fandom. The vast majority of the audience is little girls, but a bunch of vocal adult men also watch it and get annoyed when there's no pandering.
 
Then I will kill all of the people. Seriously though some ppl don't get it, I get some of it but its not my thing. Ppl shouldnt be persecuted though I was fucking around with my first comments on last page. I just found the Howard stern shit funny because he's old and so out of touch this is so foreign to him.

None the less anyone wanting ppl to die because they like a tv show can go fuck themselves I got your back son!

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i feel so safe!

protect me you handsome bastard.
 
There must be something socially wrong with these people. It's not because they aren't meeting gender roles, but you don't even see women or girls for that matter, flock to MLP like they do.
 
There must be something socially wrong with these people. It's not because they aren't meeting gender roles, but you don't even see women or girls for that matter, flock to MLP like they do.

i wish i was normal, i guess something is wrong with me.

someone should do a legit psyche study on Bronies and Otaku culture.

when they find the cure let me know ok guys.
 
i wish i was normal, i guess something is wrong with me.

someone should do a legit psyche study on Bronies and Otaku culture.

when they find the cure let me know ok guys.

It's a form of obsession. The thing is, obsessions of fictional characters are usually there to fulfill holes in a relationship. Maybe MLP crew creates a "platonic" relationship within the person? I don't know. I'm not a psychiatrist and I won't pretend to be one.

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who´s him?

Some random guy from this thread.
 
It's a form of obsession. The thing is, obsessions of fictional characters are usually there to fulfill holes in a relationship. Maybe MLP crew creates a "platonic" relationship within the person? I don't know. I'm not a psychiatrist and I won't pretend to be one.

i would watch a real documentary focusing on the culture of this show, or just geekdom in general. run the gambit from the casual fans to the hardcore collectors. i think it is interesting.

as for myself, i know i got mental problems. but the question is, if i fixed all of them, would i instantly hate this show? i dunno.

all i know is, is that ive met some cool dudes because of the show and i like watching it.

haters gone hate, till the end of time.
 
missing out on all the orgies bro.

shit gets cray at Bronycon.

Lol I wonder if there will be any orgies at gamestop tonight for new CoD release. Filthy fucking dude bros.

Bronies do seem really like they are generally nice .... even in that howard stern clip they sounded like nice people.
 
It's a form of obsession. The thing is, obsessions of fictional characters are usually there to fulfill holes in a relationship. Maybe MLP crew creates a "platonic" relationship within the person? I don't know. I'm not a psychiatrist and I won't pretend to be one.
Hm. Well, they are for sure attracted to the female voices and personalities.

No one really thinks much about the anime porn industry because they are humanoid.

The artistic representation as ponies and still having sexual interest while not being a furry or into bestiality is interesting and something for psychologists to look at.
 
Hm. Well, they are for sure attracted to the female voices and personalities.

No one really thinks much about the anime porn industry because they are humanoid.

The artistic representation as ponies and still having sexual interest is interesting and something for psychologists to look at.

Who says it has to be sexual? I've read what seem to me like disturbing accounts of completely "platonic" obsessions with fictional characters (from many properties, not just MLP, and I know I'm talking about a sliver of most fanbases here)
 
i would watch a real documentary focusing on the culture of this show, or just geekdom in general. run the gambit from the casual fans to the hardcore collectors. i think it is interesting.

as for myself, i know i got mental problems. but the question is, if i fixed all of them, would i instantly hate this show? i dunno.

all i know is, is that ive met some cool dudes because of the show and i like watching it.

haters gone hate, till the end of time.

It's got it's legitimate reasons to like it, but the obsession is what's harmful. Usually "fixing" obsessions require cutting them out until you can manage.
 
Lol I wonder if there will be any orgies at gamestop tonight for new CoD release. Filthy fucking dude bros.

Bronies do seem really like they are generally nice .... even in that howard stern clip they sounded like nice people.

im more a fan of halibut myself, but i wont bash them for their inferior taste in sea food.

well the thing is, theres asshole bronies, nice ones, mean ones, crazy ones, normal ones, smart ones, dumb ones and ect.

just like every fandom.

just like every group of people in the world.
 
Hey fuck you we CoD gamers are sensitive individuals! Oscar Mike let's go kill some random brown people.

cod and halo are the reason mtn dew game fuel keeps being made so, their existence is justified.

i do think their 'buy soda to earn experience points' ad campaign is bs though.

its basically like, the person that pays the most wins. takes away from the skill of the game.
 
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