Why is MLP so popular?

[DossarLX ODI]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

The original My Little Pony was awesome. Now it's just... too much about being "cute".

1980s

Now

I personally feel like the current MLP made the show worse. I don't want to get into details, but I can watch the old version no problem -- the new My Little Pony I can't watch even 5 minutes of it.

Yes, these guys do have talent and I'm not ignoring that. That is why I just keep away from watching the show. There is no need to be disrespectful, but in my opinion, the original is better.

I just don't understand the concept of being called a brony if you really like MLP. I really liked powerpuff girls, another show intended for girls and that didn't require me to have a special show liking name. Why can't someone just enjoy something they find entertaining?

Powerpuff Girls was a show I used to watch along with Dexter's Lab and Ed Edd n' Eddy. Those were amazing times on Cartoon Network.

[Nullifidian]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

It probably took off because of the reactions people had when people said they were watching it. If it's widely talked about (even in negative ways) it'll attract more people and bandwagoning occurs. The flames get more and more aggressive on both sides resulting in very opposite and extreme responses (IE "MLP is the best show ever!" vs "MLP is the worst show ever!") when in actuality it's just a regular show.

I've seen a few episodes after staying up for too long (lol) and nickelodeon popped up on my tv and I can honestly say that I don't understand what is so exceptionally great about it that people would become obsessed with it on a massive scale.
People give arguments such as "The storylines are great" and the "The art/animations are great", but to me that sounds as childish reasoning. They say it's great but never give a reasoning why it's great. It's the same as a kid saying "I like the color orange BECAUSE".

If you break down these arguments and compare it side by side with other tv shows you'll see that the storylines use the same standard formulas as many other tv shows, the animations are ok but not exceptional and the art, while good-looking for its target audience, is made up of mass-production standardized assets (as is normal for a tv show) that cater to a young audience with happy colors and big round shapes that are easily recognizable for kids, which is why I'm inclined to believe it's the controversy that's got people hooked despite them saying it's because of previously mentioned arguments.

My Little Pony is a good show for the originally intended age range, with good graphics and storylines that appeal to children. People who do not fall in the intended age range are welcome to like it too for whatever reasons they can think of, but getting weird looks from other people is an inevitable consequence which you will have to deal with (in any subject, some more extreme than others) if you choose to be open about it. Personally I don't see the appeal in a show that is banal in terms of complexity (social interaction between characters, cliché storylines, overly-exaggerated child-like emotional responses and childish humor) and I don't see why anyone who didn't grow up with the show in his younger years would like this as an adult either (nostalgia, rose-tinted glasses etc.) but I'm more than fine with people liking MLP as an individual. It is the fandom that takes things too far and corrupts a show that is great for kids.

The original My Little Pony was awesome. Now it's just... too much about being "cute".

I would say that this is a case of rose-tinted glasses because you have fond memories of it from the past (I assume). Objectively speaking though, there's not much difference storywise (although there is a big difference in moral values since early shows were more naïve in social interaction for example). Artwise there is a difference too but that's due to the original show being almost 30 years old and difference in technology back then and now.

[Spenner]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I think there's no comparison to a show in the 80s and the current one; what with different standards with the whole demographic and technology to produce the show. You have to also understand that today's competition really influences the style of the show and the production value. Those other shows aimed at girls watching family channel, cartoon network or w/e, are all trying very hard to get the girly and playful image out there.

The thing about MLP is, other than the characters and the way they act, a lot of the show is pretty gender neutral. It's not STOPPING boys from liking the show too, just like Powerpuff girls did. Which is definitely a smart move... a barbie show or that bratz shit is obviously on the very female end of the demographic.

[Xiz]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I've only seen a small portion of the show but this is what I could dig out of it. If a brony wants to clarify him/herself then that would be also cool. I don't want to know how much you love the pony but I'm interested to know WHY you do. Clearly the show's fanbase is fuelled by the characters and the viewer's emotional ties with them. The story and setting is merely something that allows more expression, in different areas, so that someone isn't left just watching the same set of episodes over and over again. If that were the case, and there were fewer episodes to associate your character's actions with, you might feel a bit less of a real bond.

Ill do what I can to answer this... And I might be completely wrong but I'm taking a guess here being a brony myself.

I guess for starters the fact that its a pony is irrelevant. As stated before its a mix between the cleanness in animation mixed with the fluidity of the characters. But there are two really strong factors that I think are ignored. One being the characteristics of the characters and how relatable they are. The Tom-boy racing adict of Rainbow Dash, or the cuteness factor of fluttershy. Not because they are ponies. Also, perhaps that 95% of characters are female. That opposite gender bond is strong DUE to how relatable the characters are.
I mean within the mane 6 characters you have most positive traits you would find relatable, weather it be randomness, shyness, studious, sports fiend, etc etc. most people can relate in one way or another. I'm not sure. And no im not saying 'omg i wanna date these characters' look beyond that. im talking about how relatable they are. Thoughts?

Btw typing this shit on an iPhone sucks.

[UserNameGoesHere]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

Time to answer some questions, as promised.

I was curious of why it took off in the first place.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it all started when someone posted about the show as an example of what's wrong with cartoons today on a certain popular image board, and it backfired when people watched it to see how bad it was but found it wasn't actually that bad.

The one thing that somewhat disgraces the MLP community is the fact that there are a lot of people that take the show/fandom/etc too seriously. I legitimately felt terrible when I saw that dA private message about Twilight being said person's fiance...

Yeah that's true. To be fair, most fans think such people are just as weird as non-fans do. It's like the Star Wars or Star Trek or Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fans who get a bit too much into it, etc... You're always going to have a few that go too far.

I just don't understand the concept of being called a brony if you really like MLP. I really liked powerpuff girls, another show intended for girls and that didn't require me to have a special show liking name. Why can't someone just enjoy something they find entertaining?

I don't think it's something that matters that much. Some fan communities have names and some don't. For example you have the Trekkies who are Star Trek fans. I think part of it is tongue-in-cheek as well.

I think to certain people who feel somewhat open to cherishing a relationship with, say, a stuffed animal as a kid, or having a certain affinity for things which have uplifting character, would more than be open to clinging to something like the ponies in MLP.

I think there's a bit of the "who can love the ponies more" going on here-- by knowing other people around the globe "love" the same character you do it kind of fights to strengthen your emotional ties with the character. If I was going steady with a girl, who I knew others also liked, I'd feel like I'd need to up my game and be even more loving and secure than I already am. Obviously not the same because we are dealing with fictional characters, but we already see the same things happen with anime waifus and the like to some extent.

I think another thing that goes on is listening to the characters in the show as if they are communicating right in front of you, or to you. To suspend one's belief this far is kind of a second step-- once you already develop a consistent relationship with the character on the show, you might start watching the show differently. Finding that the character's physical actions portray more emotion, more character, and that they are being performed FOR you, which will again strengthen your emotional bond with it.

I've only seen a small portion of the show but this is what I could dig out of it. If a brony wants to clarify him/herself then that would be also cool. I don't want to know how much you love the pony but I'm interested to know WHY you do. Clearly the show's fanbase is fuelled by the characters and the viewer's emotional ties with them. The story and setting is merely something that allows more expression, in different areas, so that someone isn't left just watching the same set of episodes over and over again. If that were the case, and there were fewer episodes to associate your character's actions with, you might feel a bit less of a real bond.

This is really back to what TC_Halogen was saying about, for example, that one guy who got a bit too attached to one of the characters and thought of that character as his fiancee in a not-joking-yes-this-is-sad sort of way. 99.99% of fans I would say are not like this at all but yes there's always the outliers. I guarantee you most of the fans think such people are just as weird as you think they are.

[iironiic]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

Disagree. I don't care what other people watch or like. If I like a show, I'm going to watch it, regardless of what other people think of it.

I never said the fandom was the reason why an individual likes the show. I only said that the fandom was a major reason for MLP's popularity...

[Spenner]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I mean within the mane 6 characters you have most positive traits you would find relatable, weather it be randomness, shyness, studious, sports fiend, etc etc. most people can relate in one way or another. I'm not sure. And no im not saying 'omg i wanna date these characters' look beyond that. im talking about how relatable they are. Thoughts?

So I guess what you're saying is, that in the same way someone might be attracted to tomboy features, tsundre traits, and all of those sort of spectrums of personality fetishes. Like being able to watch a bunch of the "shy quiet girls" that you always had a crush on that never talked to, all hanging out.

I think that's just a good decision on the director's part to construct characters people can actually connect with. I don't think that's at all unique to MLP though. I think that it's VERY similar in the way that someone who has an anime waifu might pull out the qualities of that main character they feel so strongly for.

I guess I think of it like this: someone could act a part to you their whole life. A lady could be acting shy, nervous, studious, just to please some of the people that have a draw to that sort of thing. But this could be all an act, and in an instant, she is no longer that person. I think that watching the show illustrates a real sense of believability that, for the time the show is playing, really pulls in the viewer and makes them believe in the chemistry of the characters. Of course, these are not real characters, and it is all an act. I think it's important to moderate TOO much of those emotional ties, the ones that get out of hand.

Then again, if you don't, this is exactly what they would want. The more people buying merchandise, DVDs, participating in events, publicizing, etc, the better for them :P I'm sure the producers of the show only have a problem with whatever sexual or overly romantic interpretations have unfolded. Because that's a bit weird. At least in animes a waifu character is generally in partially or fully intimate situations, so the believability to be in love with one of them is that much stronger/more realistic. Anyhow, just my 2 cents.

[FissionMailed1]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I've seen a few episodes after staying up for too long (lol) and nickelodeon popped up on my tv and I can honestly say that I don't understand what is so exceptionally great about it that people would become obsessed with it on a massive scale.

You answered your own question in the first part of your post.

People give arguments such as "The storylines are great" and the "The art/animations are great", but to me that sounds as childish reasoning. They say it's great but never give a reasoning why it's great. It's the same as a kid saying "I like the color orange BECAUSE".

What are you expecting, exactly? You were given reasons, albeit subjective. Giving fine-grained reasoning for subjective reasoning is pointless.

If you break down these arguments and compare it side by side with other tv shows you'll see that the storylines use the same standard formulas as many other tv shows, the animations are ok but not exceptional and the art, while good-looking for its target audience, is made up of mass-production standardized assets (as is normal for a tv show)

It isn't any different from any other TV shows in this regard, like you said yourself. Why is Pokemon so popular? Why is Adventure time so popular?

that cater to a young audience with happy colors and big round shapes that are easily recognizable for kids, which is why I'm inclined to belief it's the controversy that's got people hooked despite them saying it's because of previously mentioned arguments.

See my previous post.

I never said the fandom was the reason why an individual likes the show. I only said that the fandom was a major reason for MLP's popularity...

It was the way you worded your post that lead me to believe otherwise.

[UserNameGoesHere]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

Spenner, I don't think most of the fans actually have these kinds of bonds you are describing.

Sure, maybe some characters are a bit relatable or such, but I think most people realize it's just for fun. That it's an entertaining show and a fandom that thrives on creativity.

Even if you ask a fan who their favorite pony is or who their favorite ponies are, most likely they don't feel anything remotely like the bonds you've described. For example, I like Derpy Hooves and Vinyl Scratch best because Derpy has endless hilarious possibilities, and I just think Vinyl Scratch looks cool. It really is as simple as that.

[Nullifidian]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

You answered your own question in the first part of your post.

It wasn't a question I posed, and what I said there was a personal viewpoint.

What are you expecting, exactly? You were given reasons, albeit subjective. Giving fine-grained reasoning for subjective reasoning is pointless.

The reasons given are "I like it cause I like it", which is a circular childish way of reasoning. You have to be able to support your opinions and reasoning for a subjective opinion is not pointless at all. Just because something is subjective does not mean you can't give reasons to why you think the way you think.

It isn't any different from any other TV shows in this regard, like you said yourself. Why is Pokemon so popular? Why is Adventure time so popular?

Pokemon also makes good use of shapes that appeal to children, light-hearted storylines that appeal to children and clever merchandising for children. Keyword is children. It deliberately targets children's psychology.
Have you watched any Pokémon lately? It's rehashing of rehashing of cliché storylines and simplified social interaction, something you would dismiss instantly nowadays if you had never seen pokémon before.

Adventure Time is targeted towards multiple age ranges. Basically there are the jokes adults understand but children ignore, and the jokes children understand and adults think are childish. I've watched Spongebob for example with my little stepsister before and I noticed that I laughed (or chuckled rather) at entirely different jokes than she did. I knew what she was laughing at and if I was her age I probably would've laughed too but I outgrew that kind of humor. It's like comparing fart jokes to stand up comedy, and shows like Adventure Time and Spongebob cleverly combine the equivalents of fart jokes and stand up comedy providing entertainment for different age groups. There's a lot of psychology involved in creating tv shows.

[Xiz]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

People who do not fall in the intended age range are welcome to like it too for whatever reasons they can think of, but getting weird looks from other people is an inevitable consequence which you will have to deal with (in any subject, some more extreme than others) if you choose to be open about it. Personally I don't see the appeal in a show that is banal in terms of complexity (social interaction between characters, cliché storylines, overly-exaggerated child-like emotional responses and childish humor) and I don't see why anyone who didn't grow up with the show in his younger years would like this as an adult either (nostalgia, rose-tinted glasses etc.) but I'm more than fine with people liking MLP as an individual. It is the fandom that takes things too far and corrupts a show that is great for kids.

There is a lot of truth here, but let me also share another view:

Granted, you are absolutely correct on how its breaking a social norm, however for the first time this show is breaking the boundaries of that social norm where Men can be soft, and can be passionate and dont have to live up to the stereotypical "Macho Tough Man" ideal. And you are absolutely correct on how there are certain individuals who take the fandom WAY out of hand, like those who attempt to wed the characters, or those who create porn of the show. But regardless, I wouldn't judge the entire community based on only a fraction. Also, never knew you sat down to watch a few episodes. Props to you for at least opening yourself up to see'n what it's all about, instead of hating it without knowing anything about it :P

So I guess what you're saying is, that in the same way someone might be attracted to tomboy features, tsundre traits, and all of those sort of spectrums of personality fetishes. Like being able to watch a bunch of the "shy quiet girls" that you always had a crush on that never talked to, all hanging out.........
........Then again, if you don't, this is exactly what they would want. The more people buying merchandise, DVDs, participating in events, publicizing, etc, the better for them :P I'm sure the producers of the show only have a problem with whatever sexual or overly romantic interpretations have unfolded. Because that's a bit weird. At least in animes a waifu character is generally in partially or fully intimate situations, so the believability to be in love with one of them is that much stronger/more realistic. Anyhow, just my 2 cents.

Correct. I mean at-least that is how I see it. Then again I am only one opinion. I mean, lets not look at MLP a second. One of the reasons why I love Adventure Time is just for how similar I am with Finn. We both share some similar characteristics. Due to it, I am in love with the show. Granted, he is not female, nor do I share any romantic interest with him, but he's someone who I guess I can relate with.

On a side note, im pretty sure everyone has had a cartoon crush one time or another. Not like a super sexual ' I'mma wreck your butt' thing, but you know like a cute small thing. Nothing really more. (I'd love to argue with someone about that haha)

EDIT: Perhaps I didn't phrase this correctly. I'm not saying these bonds are like super strong or whatever, but more of something that can get me into a character, and something that wants me to follow them and see how they progress through the seasons, I guess. Am I wording myself correctly? Sorry if I am not.

You answered your own question in the first part of your post.What are you expecting, exactly? You were given reasons, albeit subjective. Giving fine-grained reasoning for subjective reasoning is pointless. It isn't any different from any other TV shows in this regard, like you said yourself. Why is Pokemon so popular? Why is Adventure time so popular?
It was the way you worded your post that lead me to believe otherwise.

Fission, careful. Your statements are coming off a little harsh, even though I know your intentions. Try wording your statements differently, I don't want this to create any drama.

[FissionMailed1]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

It wasn't a question I posed, and what I said there was also a personal viewpoint.

I was just giving my two cents since you gave yours as well.

The reasons given are "I like it cause I like it", which is a circular childish way of reasoning. You have to be able to support your opinions and reasoning for a subjective opinion is not pointless at all. Just because something is subjective does not mean you can't give reasons to why you think the way you think.

I said it's pointless because the net result is the same. People are going to like what they like, and vice versa.

light-hearted storylines

Adventure Time is targeted towards multiple age ranges. Basically there are the jokes adults understand but children ignore, and the jokes children understand and adults think are childish. I've watched Spongebob for example with my little stepsister before and I noticed that I laughed (or chuckled rather) at entirely different jokes than she did. I knew what she was laughing at and if I was her age I probably would've laughed too but I outgrew that kind of humor. It's like comparing fart jokes to stand up comedy, and shows like Adventure Time and Spongebob cleverly combine the equivalents of fart jokes and stand up comedy providing entertainment for different age groups. There's a lot of psychology involved in creating tv shows.

I personally dislike both Adventure Time and Pokemon. I realize all of the reasons you gave me, and I posed this question to show exactly where the appeal of MLP comes from. These reasons that you gave are partly why MLP is as popular as it is.

[Herogashix]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

There's a lot of psychology involved in creating tv shows.

Psychology. Somehow talking ponies isn't psychologically harmful to children.

[Xiz]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

Psychology. Somehow talking ponies isn't psychologically harmful to children.

i lol'd

[Nullifidian]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

There is a lot of truth here, but let me also share another view:

Granted, you are absolutely correct on how its breaking a social norm, however for the first time this show is breaking the boundaries of that social norm where Men can be soft, and can be passionate and dont have to live up to the stereotypical "Macho Tough Man" ideal. And you are absolutely correct on how there are certain individuals who take the fandom WAY out of hand, like those who attempt to wed the characters, or those who create porn of the show. But regardless, I wouldn't judge the entire community based on only a fraction. Also, never knew you sat down to watch a few episodes. Props to you for at least opening yourself up to see'n what it's all about, instead of hating it without knowing anything about it :P

Absolutely true about the macho tough man stereotype and that is commendable (although not exclusive to MLP), but that was not the social issue I was addressing. My point wasn't gender related, but age related. MLP's life lessons confronts children with basic life problems tailored specifically for children's psychological needs.