Explaining myself · 3:16am Aug 31st, 2014
Over on Quora, someone wanted to know "how come bronies exist?" The site's magical algorithm sent me an invitation to answer, and I did so thusly:
We exist -- I say "we" because I embrace the community despite being way outside its primary demographic -- because we find something deeply satisfying in the ponyverse. It's far more extensive than most people think: in four seasons we've only scratched the surface, only begun to get a handle on its history and its ways. While there are occasional villains to deal with, most of the episodes are about conflicts among friends -- just like Real Life as we know it. And while Lauren Faust drew upon fairly standard tropes to develop her characters, she made a point of giving them major personality flaws -- again, just like Real Life as we know it, none of us being anywhere near perfect.
Yes, it's a show for young girls: at least, that's what it says in the Hasbro annual report. But just as I wouldn't discourage a girl from engaging in allegedly male pursuits -- my daughter used to drive a forklift -- I have no problems with watching this series, and no patience for those whose self-professed masculinity is offended thereby.
I figure that there, just like here, I can wait for the downvotes to accumulate, and then ignore them.
*upvote*
2415524
I'll see your upvote, and raise you 20 more.