Hello Everypony, I would just first like to say that I am new to writing forums and such but I need help from the brony community. I am writing a paper for my sociology class about bronies and I would like to hear about some of the experiences you have had with being a brony. Please it would be very helpful. We could just start off with how being identified as a brony has had an effect on your life. From there it's possible to go into more detail if you are willing to. This will all be anonymous as well. I will only identify you as your username. Please everypony I need your generous help.
I used to watch and enjoy the show. I still enjoy it, though I haven't watched it in a while. When I first became a fan of the show, I responded like most of us seem to respond; happiness and mild obsession. I even wore brony shirts for a while, and went to a meetup once. Over the last couple of years, I think about half of my online time was spent on this site. The community was a nice discovery. It made me feel like there were many like-minded people out there who wanted to change the world. Back in the days the brony community had more of an 'alternative movement' feel to it. Nowadays it's more of a regular fandom, which is by no means a bad thing. I haven't really been judged for being a brony, at least not by people who are important to me. That's all I got.
This. Except the wearing shirt and going to meetups. Never done that. Family thinks I'm weird but they don't hate me. Friends got over it after a few days. There's only a few people who even care enough to "bully" me, otherwise they're just like "Are those ponies on your iPad?" and I'm like, "Yup." And then they're just like "What the heck?" and walk away and don't bother me again, lol.
So would you say that you do try to avoid being stigmatized by people who are not on the internet at all. As in do you actively avoid putting up pony things in your room or is it something that just doesn't appeal to you? - - Auto Merge - - Now I have a much more general question. How did you become a brony? Or know that you were a brony? Is it similar to if you watch the show once and your a brony? Or do you identify as a brony once you become more involved with the community? Thank you guys so much! You are all so useful! - - Auto Merge - - I know that you said that you don't feel judged as a brony but do you feel that the brony fandom is judged as a whole? If yes, why do you think that it is?
Yes, of course. Adults watching a cartoon about talking horses is something that draws attention. There will always be people who are looking for something that stands out, in order to make fun of it. Especially so on the internet (and in the media). Thing is, you can't judge any group as a whole. I'm not going to feel bad about myself just because I like a cartoon. Nor am I going to feel embarressed because about what other people do, just because they enjoy the same cartoon that I enjoy.
I haven't told anyone that im a brony, i dont really care what people will say but just what my parents or friends will think, they wont hate me or any other drastic action, but trying to explain is the most hardest for me. i wish i could but its hard to try and get across as a teenager why i watch a show with ponies in it ect.
Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me! I can't wait to write this paper! You were all so helpful and useful. Thanks again!!! ^_^
