The Equine Phenomenon: My Analysis of the Popularity of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

[DoPo]

yay another stupid fad people who like constantly bring up and shove in everyone's face while claiming it's just who they are and that they aren't really seeking attention...

I didn't get that vibe from the OP (and just the OP, I've seen the shoving part in other places). It's popular, some people like it and the thread suggests why.

 

[SacremPyrobolum]

yay another stupid fad people who like constantly bring up and shove in everyone's face while claiming it's just who they are and that they aren't really seeking attention...

god in a year your pony crap will be in your closet next to your hot topic vampire makeup set and your skinny jeans

Single topic on whole site = shoving in face.

Seems legit.

 

[yundex]

My daughter likes it, and it's not as "gay" as I thought it was a month ago. Still, it's just a TV show and the memes aren't funny. It's not as good for children as the magic school bus or wishbone or reading rainbow, but it's not as FUCKING PISS SHIT HORRIBLE AS ICARLY/SPONGEBOB/DORA/DIEGO! It's just filler.

 

[SacremPyrobolum]

yay another stupid fad people who like constantly bring up and shove in everyone's face while claiming it's just who they are and that they aren't really seeking attention...

god in a year your pony crap will be in your closet next to your hot topic vampire makeup set and your skinny jeans

Single topic on whole site = shoving in face.

Seems legit.

if you think this is the only single post about this on this entire site I suggest you make an appointment with your optometrist

I have only seen one or two posts trending at a time, ironically because of the comments by flamers.

Additionally, even if their were more posts, why would it matter?

Many people like Ponies, many of those same people are gamers, many gamers go to the Escapists and post threads about things that interests them, ponies are one of those things.

If there is a period of time where their seems to be an influx of pony related threads, then so be it, look at some of the other amazing content on this site.

Anyways, that is not even the case here, as I see dozens of other posts that seem very interesting.

Here are some links:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.351456-Woman-burned-at-stake-for-being-a-witch

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.351488-Gabe-Newell-Acknowledges-Frustrations-With-Half-Life-3

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.351453-Deadliest-instrument-in-the-orchestra

If you do not like the current posts, then start your own on things you want to talk about and stop spitting unnecessary poison on other peoples'.

Contribute

 

[Lunar Templar]

good read i though, and the 'we are not amused' pic of RD was great XD



see? i can generalis

The only thing here that needs any analysis is why you (the OP) brought up a topic that nobody cares about and would rather see die?

uh huh, your probably only saying that because its MLP related -.- and not, say, Skyrim

 

[TimeLord]

I've moved this to User Reviews as I feel the content of the OP is more appropriate there

Nice read though

 

[SacremPyrobolum]

yay another stupid fad people who like constantly bring up and shove in everyone's face while claiming it's just who they are and that they aren't really seeking attention...

god in a year your pony crap will be in your closet next to your hot topic vampire makeup set and your skinny jeans

Single topic on whole site = shoving in face.

Seems legit.

if you think this is the only single post about this on this entire site I suggest you make an appointment with your optometrist

I have only seen one or two posts trending at a time, ironically because of the comments by flamers.

Additionally, even if their were more posts, why would it matter?

Many people like Ponies, many of those same people are gamers, many gamers go to the Escapists and post threads about things that interests them, ponies are one of those things.

If there is a period of time where their seems to be an influx of pony related threads, then so be it, look at some of the other amazing content on this site.

Anyways, that is not even the case here, as I see dozens of other posts that seem very interesting.

Here are some links:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.351456-Woman-burned-at-stake-for-being-a-witch

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/7.351488-Gabe-Newell-Acknowledges-Frustrations-With-Half-Life-3

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.351453-Deadliest-instrument-in-the-orchestra

If you do not like the current posts, then start your own on things you want to talk about and stop spitting unnecessary poison on other peoples'.

Contribute

your reading comprehension isn't up to snuff huh? this thread was about the "fad" of people enjoying MLPO which is what my post was about.. which guess what? makes my post 100 percent relevant.. while your's well isn't

I was simply pointing out some misinformation you might have had on the subject.

I would still like to see an example of content on a non-Pony related site blatantly "shoving" pony related content in your face.

Then I would like to see proof that the people who like the show (that means everyone who likes it) does this.

 

[FireAza]

As a big fan of the show, and as one who studies sociology and psychology, my own personal theory on the show's widespread popularity is how outside the norm something like this is.

it manages to combine the things demonized by other males (on the basis that we're, as expected by general society, supposed to be masculine and avoid things feminine) with attractive qualities that aren't usually accompanied by shows of the same nature, as in ones that are feminine and somewhat childish.

MLP:FiM manages to be straight up cute, positive, and fun while still offering developed, relatable characters, appealing animation, professional voice work, decent writing, clever humor, and mature/sensible dialogue. as well, the characters avoid perpetuating norms stereotypes that are usually associated with "girls" entertainment, they have realistic flaws and desires, making them more relatable. These are qualities that are unexpected to be found in a show with such feminine overtones (as is the case where "girly" is often associated with "lame" or low quality). but because they were present, appealing to us and entertaining us, it allowed us to ease into the feminine aspect, allowing us to accept and even adhere to it.

It's that aspect, that I feel, is what compels so many of us males to fall in love with it, because it's so outside the norm and different, as if it's satiating a craving we've been deprived of, due to the expectation of us to be masculine.

To test this, I'v tried multiple programs with the same girly, sugary, feminine overtones, such as strawberry shortcake, to see if I enjoy those just as much. Instead, I found them to be rather revolting, mainly because they're just so poorly made and of low quality, in almost every respect of the word.

I would also like to note that the difference in cultures may also factor into the phenomenon as well. people from certain countries and regions, where gender stereotyping and gender roles aren't a norm, seem to be more easily dissatisfied with the cartoon, while people from other places, such as general american society, where gender roles and stereotypes are more dominate, are more prone to embrace it.

that's just an observation of mine however, I haven't enough research or evidence to fully support that notion.

Great theory! It sounds right on the money if you ask me.

That was an enjoyable read, thanks for posting. It's nice to see a somewhat neutral opinion, especially in a Pony related thread, as you've seen above, you make a thread about ponies, and some people just can't wait to jump down your throat for liking something they don't. SOmeone should really study -that- behaviour. Oh wait [http://penny-arcade.com/comic/2004/03/19]

Yeah, I was kinda hoping that people who hate ponies would find this article really interesting since the reason they don't like this show is probably because they don't get why people would like a show about magic friendship ponies. But, it seems like some people just see a pony-related thread and immediately assume it's a pro-pony thread about how ponies are 20% cooler than anything else out there.

yay another stupid fad people who like constantly bring up and shove in everyone's face while claiming it's just who they are and that they aren't really seeking attention...

god in a year your pony crap will be in your closet next to your hot topic vampire makeup set and your skinny jeans

I think it's going to be more than a "fad", at least, while new episodes are being produced anyway.

Also, I have warewolf makeup in my closet, and I wear stretch jeans, not skinny, and I still wear them! And also:

I didn't get that vibe from the OP (and just the OP, I've seen the shoving part in other places). It's popular, some people like it and the thread suggests why.

That. I wasn't saying "ZOMG U SHOULD WATCH PONIES" I was trying to figure out what makes this show so popular among older males.

I've moved this to User Reviews as I feel the content of the OP is more appropriate there

Nice read though

Huh. I guess it's technically a review...?

your reading comprehension isn't up to snuff huh? this thread was about the "fad" of people enjoying MLPO which is what my post was about.. which guess what? makes my post 100 percent relevant.. while your's well isn't

Well, you're kinda right and kinda wrong. It is about the "trend" or "meme" about people who watch MLP. But I wouldn't use the world "fad", that implies something which is only liked because it's popular and tends to only stay popular for a brief period of time. I don't feel either of these things applies to MLP.

 

[Marter]

I've moved this to User Reviews as I feel the content of the OP is more appropriate there

Nice read though

Huh. I guess it's technically a review...?

User Reviews is also the place for Analysis/Articles, as is said in the <url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.284840-User-Reviews-Forum-Rules>User Review Rules.

 

[Aidinthel]

Sorry. I didn't mean to steal your thunder.

I don't mind. I'm not quite so self-centered that I've forgotten the actual purpose of the thing.

I will never comprehend why people (who believe this particular topic is being shoved in their face all the time) click on threads about it.

People like being angry. I sometimes intentionally seek out hateful Christian articles about atheists when I want to feel victimized, while some people prefer to crusade against an oppressively popular cartoon show.

 

[him over there]

You know it's funny, it's been said before but it's interesting to see how much the fans have taken the love and tolerate message to heart. It isn't really about the show blah blah blah speech goes here but t really seems that way. Having a quality show about being nice and stuff creates a label for nice people to come together under.

It's like a support group, only instead of being for minorities or alternative lifestyles like vegetarianism it's about being a nice person who isn't a dick. A common ground to congregate and unite good and nice people where they're immune to the stigma of douchebag internet assholes like me. Honestly if people catch you being nice on the internet and it has absolutely nothing to do with My little problems: the friendzone is tragic then fuck what's coming up next, at least in my experience. The only other place I've witnessed the nice bubble phenomenon is on Nintendocaprisun videos.

Do I like the show? No, I think it sucks and even if it isn't just for little girls it still sucks in general to me but I see what it means to people.

 

[Dtox333]

You know it's funny, it's been said before but it's interesting to see how much the fans have taken the love and tolerate message to heart. It isn't really about the show blah blah blah speech goes here but t really seems that way. Having a quality show about being nice and stuff creates a label for nice people to come together under.

It's like a support group, only instead of being for minorities or alternative lifestyles like vegetarianism it's about being a nice person who isn't a dick. A common ground to congregate and unite good and nice people where they're immune to the stigma of douchebag internet assholes like me. Honestly if people catch you being nice on the internet and it has absolutely nothing to do with My little problems: the friendzone is tragic then fuck what's coming up next, at least in my experience. The only other place I've witnessed the nice bubble phenomenon is on Nintendocaprisun videos.

Do I like the show? No, I think it sucks and even if it isn't just for little girls it still sucks in general to me but I see what it means to people.

It doesn't matter whether you loved, disliked, or even despised the show, your observation and input is much appreciated.

I feel the same way, I feel the show has acted as a nexus for decent enough people to congregate together and express feelings and emotions that they've been wanting too.

honestly, throughout my life, I'v always been apprehensive to the cute, cuddly, feminine things that I'v wanted to "daaawww" at, there was just always something keeping me from doing that. only once in a while would I get a dosage of cuteness from short videos on youtube with puppies or something.

ever since getting into MLP, I'v tossed that mentality out the window. I enjoy and openly appreciate things of all kinds of colors and themes, whether it's red and black or pink and blue, action oriented or emotionally tear jerking.

I'll watch MLP, or perhaps enjoy some relatively feminine artwork/media one day, and then watch the entirety of the spawn series the next.

I guess it seems sad that it took a cartoon to make me realize these things, but I'm happy it happened this way and I'm certainly glad to have come in contact with a community of like minded individuals.

 

[him over there]

You know it's funny, it's been said before but it's interesting to see how much the fans have taken the love and tolerate message to heart. It isn't really about the show blah blah blah speech goes here but t really seems that way. Having a quality show about being nice and stuff creates a label for nice people to come together under.

It's like a support group, only instead of being for minorities or alternative lifestyles like vegetarianism it's about being a nice person who isn't a dick. A common ground to congregate and unite good and nice people where they're immune to the stigma of douchebag internet assholes like me. Honestly if people catch you being nice on the internet and it has absolutely nothing to do with My little problems: the friendzone is tragic then fuck what's coming up next, at least in my experience. The only other place I've witnessed the nice bubble phenomenon is on Nintendocaprisun videos.

Do I like the show? No, I think it sucks and even if it isn't just for little girls it still sucks in general to me but I see what it means to people.

It doesn't matter whether you loved, disliked, or even despised the show, your observation and input is much appreciated.

I feel the same way, I feel the show has acted as a nexus for decent enough people to congregate together and express feelings and emotions that they've been wanting too.

honestly, throughout my life, I'v always been apprehensive to the cute, cuddly, feminine things that I'v wanted to "daaawww" at, there was just always something keeping me from doing that. only once in a while would I get a dosage of cuteness from short videos on youtube with puppies or something.

ever since getting into MLP, I'v tossed that mentality out the window. I enjoy and openly appreciate things of all kinds of colors and themes, whether it's red and black or pink and blue, action oriented or emotionally tear jerking.

I'll watch MLP, or perhaps enjoy some relatively feminine artwork/media one day, and then watch the entirety of the spawn series the next.

I guess it seems sad that it took a cartoon to make me realize these things, but I'm happy it happened this way and I'm certainly glad to have come in contact with a community of like minded individuals.

I mostly feel the same way but what I was getting at wasn't a release from cute things or media gender roles or whatever, I meant just being a decent person. Since you know:

It isn't just about being able to like girly and cute things. It's about being able to go "I love you guys, you're awesome." or be an optimist or sensitive but having a label to create a place where you're shielded from the type of people that are often stereotyped as xbox live or youtube users. If that makes any sense.

Plus I've been D'awwing all my life at stuff, mybe because having younger sibings made me give it a chance. I still watch downright subpar children's shows like max and ruby. Love me some max and ruby.

 

[Dtox333]

You know it's funny, it's been said before but it's interesting to see how much the fans have taken the love and tolerate message to heart. It isn't really about the show blah blah blah speech goes here but t really seems that way. Having a quality show about being nice and stuff creates a label for nice people to come together under.

It's like a support group, only instead of being for minorities or alternative lifestyles like vegetarianism it's about being a nice person who isn't a dick. A common ground to congregate and unite good and nice people where they're immune to the stigma of douchebag internet assholes like me. Honestly if people catch you being nice on the internet and it has absolutely nothing to do with My little problems: the friendzone is tragic then fuck what's coming up next, at least in my experience. The only other place I've witnessed the nice bubble phenomenon is on Nintendocaprisun videos.

Do I like the show? No, I think it sucks and even if it isn't just for little girls it still sucks in general to me but I see what it means to people.

It doesn't matter whether you loved, disliked, or even despised the show, your observation and input is much appreciated.

I feel the same way, I feel the show has acted as a nexus for decent enough people to congregate together and express feelings and emotions that they've been wanting too.

honestly, throughout my life, I'v always been apprehensive to the cute, cuddly, feminine things that I'v wanted to "daaawww" at, there was just always something keeping me from doing that. only once in a while would I get a dosage of cuteness from short videos on youtube with puppies or something.

ever since getting into MLP, I'v tossed that mentality out the window. I enjoy and openly appreciate things of all kinds of colors and themes, whether it's red and black or pink and blue, action oriented or emotionally tear jerking.

I'll watch MLP, or perhaps enjoy some relatively feminine artwork/media one day, and then watch the entirety of the spawn series the next.

I guess it seems sad that it took a cartoon to make me realize these things, but I'm happy it happened this way and I'm certainly glad to have come in contact with a community of like minded individuals.

I mostly feel the same way but what I was getting at wasn't a release from cute things or media gender roles or whatever, I meant just being a decent person. Since you know:

It isn't just about being able to like girly and cute things. It's about being able to go "I love you guys, you're awesome." or be an optimist or sensitive but having a label to create a place where you're shielded from the type of people that are often stereotyped as xbox live or youtube users. If that makes any sense.

Plus I've been D'awwing all my life at stuff, mybe because having younger sibings made me give it a chance. I still watch downright subpar children's shows like max and ruby. Love me some max and ruby.

no, I knew that's what you meant, I just went off on my own little tangent, and mentioned how my feelings are supported by a community of like minded people.

 

[Dtox333]

As a big fan of the show, and as one who studies sociology and psychology, my own personal theory on the show's widespread popularity is how outside the norm something like this is.

it manages to combine the things demonized by other males (on the basis that we're, as expected by general society, supposed to be masculine and avoid things feminine) with attractive qualities that aren't usually accompanied by shows of the same nature, as in ones that are feminine and somewhat childish.

MLP:FiM manages to be straight up cute, positive, and fun while still offering developed, relatable characters, appealing animation, professional voice work, decent writing, clever humor, and mature/sensible dialogue. as well, the characters avoid perpetuating norms stereotypes that are usually associated with "girls" entertainment, they have realistic flaws and desires, making them more relatable. These are qualities that are unexpected to be found in a show with such feminine overtones (as is the case where "girly" is often associated with "lame" or low quality). but because they were present, appealing to us and entertaining us, it allowed us to ease into the feminine aspect, allowing us to accept and even adhere to it.

It's that aspect, that I feel, is what compels so many of us males to fall in love with it, because it's so outside the norm and different, as if it's satiating a craving we've been deprived of, due to the expectation of us to be masculine.

To test this, I'v tried multiple programs with the same girly, sugary, feminine overtones, such as strawberry shortcake, to see if I enjoy those just as much. Instead, I found them to be rather revolting, mainly because they're just so poorly made and of low quality, in almost every respect of the word.

I would also like to note that the difference in cultures may also factor into the phenomenon as well. people from certain countries and regions, where gender stereotyping and gender roles aren't a norm, seem to be more easily dissatisfied with the cartoon, while people from other places, such as general american society, where gender roles and stereotypes are more dominate, are more prone to embrace it.

that's just an observation of mine however, I haven't enough research or evidence to fully support that notion.

I'd attest to this. I've gone through all the phases - mainstream, hipster, nerd culture - and I've just stopped caring about what I watch, play or do, so long as I'm enjoying it. And while I enjoyed My Little Pony, I didn't find it anywhere near as good as, say, Lucky Star, a show which is as girly as they come. So it's good, but the popularity seems to be mostly to do with dipping outside cultural norms. Which is fine, to be honest.

Anyway, this was a good 'review' Hit on all the major points of the fandom, and was both informative and accessible. Well done!

Although "good" is subjective and based on opinion, I do admit that there are many things with much greater productional value than MLP, such as the walking dead and dexter (which are programs I also enjoy), yet I still get far more enjoyment out of MLP than I do any of those other programs.

 

[Chromatic Aberration]

As a big fan of the show, and as one who studies sociology and psychology, my own personal theory on the show's widespread popularity is how outside the norm something like this is.

it manages to combine the things demonized by other males (on the basis that we're, as expected by general society, supposed to be masculine and avoid things feminine) with attractive qualities that aren't usually accompanied by shows of the same nature, as in ones that are feminine and somewhat childish.

MLP:FiM manages to be straight up cute, positive, and fun while still offering developed, relatable characters, appealing animation, professional voice work, decent writing, clever humor, and mature/sensible dialogue. as well, the characters avoid perpetuating norms stereotypes that are usually associated with "girls" entertainment, they have realistic flaws and desires, making them more relatable. These are qualities that are unexpected to be found in a show with such feminine overtones (as is the case where "girly" is often associated with "lame" or low quality). but because they were present, appealing to us and entertaining us, it allowed us to ease into the feminine aspect, allowing us to accept and even adhere to it.

It's that aspect, that I feel, is what compels so many of us males to fall in love with it, because it's so outside the norm and different, as if it's satiating a craving we've been deprived of, due to the expectation of us to be masculine.

(...)

I would also like to note that the difference in cultures may also factor into the phenomenon as well. people from certain countries and regions, where gender stereotyping and gender roles aren't a norm, seem to be more easily dissatisfied with the cartoon, while people from other places, such as general american society, where gender roles and stereotypes are more dominate, are more prone to embrace it.

that's just an observation of mine however, I haven't enough research or evidence to fully support that notion.

Exactly what I was thinking while reading the review. MLP as a way to express rebellion against traditional gender roles and societal stereotypes thus its unusual fanbase. Now that part about the cultural aspect sounds really interesting and would make for an interesting study, though I'd imagine that, like you implied, not only gender roles but also ideas of maturity enter here. Case in point: The western animation ago ghetto [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnimationAgeGhetto]

Also, since you study it: do you perchance know some interesting unversity grade introductory books in both Psychology and Sociology? I have been looking to broaden my horizon in both subjects for a while now yet haven't found the time to look for some good books....


Now as for the OP:

A very nice read, though nothing that I didn't know already. And to be honest, I think thats a problem. Your review didn't really add something new to the whole MLP discussion. The only points it offers are the traditional selling points of the series: cute, comedic animation, humour thats not only aimed at kids and likeable characters. Though, to be fair, you said you didn't read the other threads about it so I guess its not your fault.

Your writing style seemed to be rather fluent and offering examples like the one about Derpy definitely helps to get your points across. While skimming through it at this point, though, I can't help but get the feeling that maybe you could have organized the review a bit better: twice you broach subjects (the bronies and the animation to be precise) but quickly get to something else only return to those later on - maybe grouping them to their respective arguments would have been better. But thats a small critique compared to an otherwise well done read.

Ohh one other thing: make your pictures a bit smaller or use less - maybe put them on the side and let the text flow around them. As it is now, the pictures almost seem to outweigh the text, thus diminishing its effect.