Why are some fads exceptable and others aren't?

[Chairman Miaow]

Justin Beiber's hated because he's attractive and can sing (some would argue the latter).

"Emo's" are whiny faggots who deserve to die because it's immoral to have depression.

Most gamers on this site seem to hate FFXIII/JRPGs simply because their characters are feminine and show emotion.

Yet it's all of a sudden cool to be a middle aged man/teenage male and live/breath a cartoon aimed at 6 year old girls.

This kinda just came to mind because of a post in the gaming forum about why everyone hates 'Hope' from Final Fantasy XIII.

Anyway, judging by his appearance and the fact that he's in a Final Fantasy game, I'm going to go ahead and assume he's a whiny kid emo character. If that's the case (and I could be wrong), then what's not to hate?

Yet he/she had an avatar of a pony from the show. So my question is why is being a "Bronie" completely okay, yet all these other fads are somehow wrong? Btw - other than this little fact, I don't care what someone watches/what fad you're into.

EDIT: Hmm. I could probably change the name to "Why are some fads exceptable and others aren't!"

I hate Justin Bieber because he CAN'T sing, and was just selected for fame by somebody. The fact that untalented people like him are making albums and films and books, while some amazing bands suffer in obscurity disgusts me.

Emos are unnacceptable because they make a mockery of depression, a serious condition.

This applies to both Emos and JRPG characters.
They aren't feminine and show emotion, they are overly emotional and such to the point of melodrama, I hate them for the same reason I hate Marcus Fenix and the like on the opposite end of the spectrum.

I know good bands are suffering because things like Justin bieber are popular. I have known people with depression and when somebody acts like that it is completely offensive to people with real depression and makes it even harder for them to deal with. I play JRPG's. I want my characters to be real characters, not "quirky girl cutout", "feminine guy cutout", "antihero cutout".

I think My Little Pony is ridiculous. Why should I hate it though? I'm not watching the show.

EDIT: I haven't actually played FF13 so I'm talking about all characters like that.

 

[Sangweyth]

Its "acceptable" not "exceptable".

 

[A Weary Exile]

Reported for making a stupid thread.

It's not a stupid thread, he's just voicing his opinion and asking a genuine question.

Broad generalizations, strawman argument, use of slurs such as 'Faggots', singling out members of the community, and insulting an entire fanbase based off of what one poster said. It certainly has all the characteristics of a stupid thread, not to mention that similar threads have been done many, many times before and more eloquently and politely at that.

To any non-bronies out there: Everyone at the Escapist is sick to death of these threads, Bronies especially. Please, for the love of everything pony, stop making them.

Really I shouldn't have posted here at all, but I'm getting really annoyed with the Brony witch-hunt. Seems that people will take any opportunity to characterize us a bad/weird people and it's incredibly frustrating.

 

[Ham_authority95]

Justin Beiber's hated because he's attractive and can sing (some would argue the latter).

"Emo's" are whiny faggots who deserve to die because it's immoral to have depression.

Most gamers on this site seem to hate FFXIII/JRPGs simply because their characters are feminine and show emotion.

Yet it's all of a sudden cool to be a middle aged man/teenage male and live/breath a cartoon aimed at 6 year old girls.

This kinda just came to mind because of a post in the gaming forum about why everyone hates 'Hope' from Final Fantasy XIII.

Anyway, judging by his appearance and the fact that he's in a Final Fantasy game, I'm going to go ahead and assume he's a whiny kid emo character. If that's the case (and I could be wrong), then what's not to hate?

Yet he/she had an avatar of a pony from the show. So my question is why is being a "Bronie" completely okay, yet all these other fads are somehow wrong? Btw - other than this little fact, I don't care what someone watches/what fad you're into.

EDIT: Hmm. I could probably change the name to "Why are some fads exceptable and others aren't!"

Whether a particular fad is acceptable or not depends on the type of sheep-like social group you're in, usually something that goes against what that group believes.. Every social group is sheep-like in ways, so choose wisely for maximum enjoyment.

 

[Iconsting]

One person's words do not speak for everyone in a particular group. Seriously, that sort of logic could be used to portray everyone in the gaming community as a group of neo-nazis.

OT: I don't see what the problem is here. even if we all thought exactly the same way, your argument here would be that we like one fad because we enjoy the content it comes with, yet we don't like other fads for the content they provide. Only problem is that makes perfect sense. Not everyone likes everything. I still tolerate the JB fanbase, Twilight fans, Harry Potter fans, goths and emos, (Which are considered lifestyles, not fads by the way.) but that doesn't mean I enjoy any of the following activities or content associated with said fads.

 

[F4LL3N]

Reported for making a stupid thread.

It's not a stupid thread, he's just voicing his opinion and asking a genuine question.

Broad generalizations, strawman argument, use of slurs such as 'Faggots', singling out members of the community, and insulting an entire fanbase based off of what one poster said. It certainly has all the characteristics of a stupid thread, not to mention that similar threads have been done many, many times before and more eloquently and politely at that.

To any non-bronies out there: Everyone at the Escapist is sick to death of these threads, Bronies especially. Please, for the love of everything pony, stop making them.

Really I shouldn't have posted here at all, but I'm getting really annoyed with the Brony witch-hunt. Seems that people will take any opportunity to characterize us a bad/weird people and it's incredibly frustrating.

1. It's not a generalization. What I was trying to get at, as someone above mentioned, is why are some girly things hated to death while others are actually 'cool'. I didn't say it applies to everyone.
2. It's a valid argument with facts. I didn't say it applies to everyone.
3. I didn't use 'f****t' as an insult. It was more of a quote.
4. I singled out one person as it was a part of my argument. I didn't insult him, although my poorly worded title may have suggested that.
5. See number 5. Although I clarified I had nothing else against them.
6. I haven't seen any Bronie threads concerning this particular topic.

 

[DEAD34345]

The sad thing is that I was proven correct immediately after posting that, as multiple Final Fantasy fans said the same thing...

Anyway, I never said I had anything against Final Fantasy. I don't enjoy the entire genre of JRPGs myself, but that has more to do with the extremely linear and (in my opinion) boring gameplay. I admit I hate whiny emo characters too, or at least I've never found one that I've liked.. I think disliking characters for their personality is a perfectly valid thing to do, and don't get what it has to do with MLP at all.

I also don't get why you think I have anything against other fads, people can like whatever they want as far as I'm concerned, but that doesn't mean I have to like the same stuff too. I also have nothing against those who don't like MLP, so I've pretty much got no idea how my comment has anything to do with your argument at all.

Edit: Oh and don't worry, I'm not offended or insulted by being singled out on this thread. If anything it makes me feel important. Never had someone make a whole thread about my comment before...

 

[maddness666]

-Justin is disliked for getting something for nothing. Or rather a lot for very little. It's understandable that some people would dislike him for this. Especially when actual good music exists somewhere in the universe.

-Emos. So that I don't end up going into a rant I'll sumarise with the following statement. "Let's all non-conform together"

-JRPGs gone down hill. In terms of Final Fantasy Thirteen. The gameplay has been reduced to tapping X and running down corridors and the writing is deteriorating. Not to mention the characters... I'm not going to go there, if you've played it, you know, if you haven't, you're lucky.

-Friendship is Magic is well written, well animated, and it's made of pure joy (never fails to cheer me up if I'm sad). It's also not very girly. Despite it's target audience.

To summarise. Some fads are acceptable due to merit. Some fads are not because if they weren't fads they still wouldn't be acceptable.

If something good is popular, it's still good(until it realises and goes bad of course.) if something bad is popular, it's still bad.

 

[PsychedelicDiamond]

You know, there are some things people like and some things people dislike. Most people agree, that Biebers music is bad. Most people agree, that "being emotional" isn't a very good concept to build a subculture around. Most people agree, that Final Fantasy 13 was an overwritten, cliche'd game with mediocre gameplay. An most people agree, that My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is a pretty good show. It not about "acceptable" or "not acceptable", it's just about what people like and what they don't like.

 

[Keepeas]

Okay after countless months of lurking I have finally decided to register. (Perhaps it's sad THIS thread forced me over the edge.

Okay lets start at the top

OT:
Justin Beiber CANNOT sing. That is the source of hate. It's pretty simple.

Emos- absolutly no opinion on this what so ever. Are they whiny? Perhaps. But then again I don't care.

Do most gamers hate here FFXII? you tell me. I've never tried it, so I have no opinion. But if I had to take a guess, maybe it's because the trailers were mind-blowing and yet the game was not(again I haven't played it so I'm unsure about the actually quality).
I DO NOT think it's because of feminine characters or emotions. Quality actually means something.
JRPGs- Yeah I know Yahtzee doesn't like them but my favorite RPG's are JRPG's.

-Tales of Symphonia
-Chrono Trigger
-Paper Mario 2
-etc.

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Ponies and Bronies:

Simply put - The show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is FANTASTIC.

First episode you watch : "hmmm thats wierd, I didn't hate it.."

2nd: "that was probably the girl-iest thing I've ever seen...but it was good I guess"

And then maybe you put the show aside. Probably because you feel you've had more than enough of your daily dose of sugar...or because you realize you're up a 4 in the morning again. (the 4 in the morning thing happens to me A LOT)

But then the next day you have this weird urge. The urge to watch just another episode.
And then BOOM your addicted to ponies.
You love the characters, animation, plot, songs, and more.
And then you ask yourself "why, just why do I like this?"
The answer is simple and staring you in the face, but you just now see it.
Answer : Because it is GOOD. That's it.
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Pretty simple huh?
People like/love things because they are GOOD.


(At least good in the eye/mind of the beholder. I mean Beiber can't sing...but that dosen't stop the fans. Do you suppose they wear earplugs when watching him?)

Other thoughts: I need a Pony avatar....anything else you guys can think of?

Also: How is this for a fist post?

I would also like to thank THIS community for introducing me to ponies. If it wasn't for that episode(ep4: applebuck season) embedded in a post I don't think I would have watched it at all.

 

[F4LL3N]

It's not so much about watching the show as it is throwing it out there as if it's super cool to do. It pretty much is a fad whether you genuinely like it or not. Probably more subconscious than not. But the problem is:

Justin Bieber can sing, or is atleast talented. Or he wouldn't have earned $100 million or what ever it is he's worth, in what... a couple of years. Basically it's a fad to hate on him because his girly. Mostly from homophobes.

A good percentage of hate directed at JRPG is for the character design. Although I'm sure that doesn't bother everyone.

Or what about the furrie sub culture. Or most things.

Sure, MLP sends good messages and all. But most of these fads/cultures don't harm anyone. MLP's being good doesn't really explain the religion behind it, people defending it as if it's a sin to say anything bad about it. E.g. People reporting me/signing up after months of lurking specifically to address it. "Bronies" don't just like the shw, they seem to instantly live and breath ponies.

As for Friendship is Magic, being a brony or being a pony hater are both fads based on love or hate for the show. It's popular, therefore it's going to get a lot of people riled up.

So you either like the show or hate ponies altogether. Lol.

 

[F4LL3N]

....so stop acting like it.

Forums are for discussion, I naturally assumed.

 

[Keepeas]

It's not so much about watching the show as it is throwing it out there as if it's super cool to do. It pretty much is a fad whether you genuinely like it or not. Probably more subconscious than not.

Oh...no, I never felt watching my little pony as a cool thing to do. I'm sure some think it is and others might push for it to be cool, but I still don't think it's cool.
I think more people are happy to be part of the fandom, the sharing of joy and love for a show.
Like any other show, movie or game, I am happy that I watched/played it and I wish to share that happy feeling.

[quote/]
Justin Bieber can sing, or is atleast talented. Or he wouldn't have earned $100 million or what ever it is he's worth, in what... a couple of years. Basically it's a fad to hate on him because his girly. Mostly from homophobes.[/quote]

Ok maybe I was a bit harsh with Beiber's music. People will like what they like...weather I agree or not.
But I must disagree with your argument that millions = quality. While it's true that generally money made can be an indicator of how good something is, but that is not always the case.
Ex: Transformers 3 - its topping the charts right now in terms of box office sales (over 45 Million) However, it has a ratting of <40%, according to rotten tomatoes. The money is there, but the quality is not.

[quote/]
A good percentage of hate directed at JRPG is for the character design. Although I'm sure that doesn't bother everyone.

Or what about the furrie sub culture. Or most things.
[/quote]

I completely agree that JRPG's can have pretty crazy character design and that it can bother the western group...but really it's a minor inconvenience compared to say, a crap game.

As for furries. Sure fetishes can be weird, but I can tell you that the fetish to humanized animals isn't the weirdest nor the least accepted fetish.

[quote/]
Sure, MLP sends good messages and all. But most of these fads/cultures don't harm anyone. MLP's being good doesn't really explain the religion behind it, people defending it as if it's a sin to say anything bad about it. E.g. People reporting me/signing up after months of lurking specifically to address it. "Bronies" don't just like the shw, they seem to instantly live and breath ponies.
[/quote]

I have been wander the threads here for a while now and there have been plenty of times where I wanted to voice my opinion on plenty of subjects (pony related and not) , but then I just..didn't do anything. I'm just happy I finally forced myself to register...I mean this site is awesome.

I think I can explain the "religion" behind MLP. It is so good it's addicting. I'm getting kind of tired so is you want more of an explanation just ask.

I mean you can try the show see just how addicting it is...give it an open mind...and a bit of time to set it.

 

[F4LL3N]

I watched the first episode and it came off as an average cartoon. Although I've read the first two episodes don't do the show justice. So I will try again. But as it stands, it seems no different to any other show aimed a young girls.

I watch cartoons too. Some aimed at toddlers. But I never joined a culture around any. Not that it's wrong to. I was just pointing out the difference in how they are accepted.

Now you're here, you most well stay around.

 

[Keepeas]

Well I thank you for approaching it with an open mind and trying, many people simply won't.
It is true that the first episode doesn't resemble the rest of the show, it serves the purpose of laying things out(setting, characters, how things started, etc.)
I felt the same way when I watched it the fist time, I felt it was just an average cartoon. I didn't see why there was such a following, but after about 4 episodes something changes(don't ask me what changes, I don't really know) and the show goes from average to wonderful.

As for the cult-like following, I think a lot of people like the feeling of going against the crowd and being their (for lack of a better word)abnormal/true(?) self. I mean what is normal really? Pretty much everybody is a bit odd in someway or another. I think for guys, or older girls, the ponies are one of the most abnormal things to embrace. I think the acceptance by the pony community makes fans feel good about themselves.
This is just speculation really, but that is what I think is going on.

(abnormal, strange, unexpected)- some combination of those is the right word

Anyway...thanks for the thoughts and discussion, I guess I'll be around