A Sincere, Honest Opinion

very touching,even thoughg its hard to read wall of texts,and thats why ive not defined what my choice is yet,just really dont care till i find someone

 

Well, like I said in the general chat, I agree on all points. I was going to say more, but since there's this thread I'll just say it here.

I'm glad there's something like the It Gets Better campaign. At the very least, they're making the general public aware of what's going on. Bullying in general is an issue I think needs more attention. It seems no-one seems to care about this problem, and those that do seem powerless to do anything about it (or, at least, they think they're powerless).

I'm not sure how to put a stop to bullying, though. In some cases, all it takes is simply admitting it to a teacher. But a lot of times, it seems the teachers are outright ignoring what's obviously happening. I know they don't have that much authority, but there must be something they can do.

I think one thing that can be done is maybe find a way to prevent people from becoming bullies in the first place. But how would anyone do that? Some kids are going to be too stubborn to accept that bullying others isn't right, and once they're older and they know the difference between right and wrong, they're not even going to care at that point.

Then again I'm going off personal experience here with bullies I've encountered in the past. I've never had to deal with a physical bully, only ones that attack you verbally. I consider bullies that break you emotionally just as, if not worse, than those that just beat someone up. (I find it's easier to heal physical wounds than mental or emotional ones.) It got to the point where I was driven to physical violence. In retrospect, it was only fair I was punished for attacking the guy (and honestly, it made me no better than him), but at the time it felt so unfair.

Sorry if I'm rambling, just wanted to get my thoughts on this out there...

 

You just struck right about home there.
Every single such individual like such I have met, I pity deeply. People don't do these things without reason(usually).

For the most they have their own problems - be them in their family life, or some other personal affairs - that drives
them to vent their anger on those around, and the smallest of disagreements tend to spark that need to vent those problems.

Most people aren't bad, even less so the victims of the misfortune of others, but never lower yourself to such
a point where you would seek retribution against those who anger or hurt you. It gets no one, no where.

We are the fastest growing sub culture on the internet for good reason, beyond the fact the show and community are simply amazing.
We (at least in ideal) don't attack those with whom we disagree. Our motto is love and tolerance.

Those two things get you very far in life. It doesn't matter what the issue is.
On either side.

The community - in that sense - is simply awesome.
I'm glad to be a part of it.

 

I have to say that I agree with everything you've said, Saikyo.

Society tries too hard to force you into being someone that your not, and because of that, a lot of people are constantly unhappy with themselves because they struggle to fit that 'ideal' image. Girls who aren't skinny think they are fat, and unattractive, while boys who aren't tall enough or masculine enough get teased for being wimpy. A part of me thinks that we would all be better off without the media, seeing how much garbage it tries to shove down our throats every day of our lives.

As for same sex relationships, I'm not afraid to say that I am in one myself. Love is all about the bond between two hearts, not between two bodies, like the media so often tries to tell people. It's because of that long running misconception, and the sexualization of love by the media that causes so many people to be hostile toward the idea of two men or two women having a close relationship together. I would much rather be with another man that legitimately loves me for who I am, than to be in a relationship with a women that's only skin deep, just because society tells me that's my only option.

I was bullied pretty bad in middle school, simply because I didn't fit into any category. I wasn't into sports, but I wasn't the nerdy type either, instead I was more of an artistic person, and that was never really acceptable for boys in my school until high school. You can try to ignore bullies, but that certainly never worked for me, and heaven forbid you get into a fist fight with them, or you'll get in trouble with the school. Problem is, there aren't any other legitimate solutions for a situation like that, and its a topic that certainly needs to be discussed, and resolved by schools everywhere. It's very hard to succeed in your studies when you dread just going into the building every day because someone won't leave you alone, and there isn't much you can do about it.

I'd like to add that I believe bullies are sometimes the ones that need the most help, because they are taking pleasure from someone else's pain, and that isn't on the bright side of the human moon if you know what I mean. I think people who bully others need to be reached out to in some way, and be allowed to express their feelings in a different way, something that's acceptable for everyone. Just because someone is miserable doesn't give them the right to take those feelings out on others, and make them feel just as bad, because then you end up with a vicious cycle of negative thoughts that feed off of each other.

 

funny fact, just 2 days ago, pixel, foxy and I have had this same conversation on skype.

anywho I agree with first post points. everyone should just be yourself. people shouldn't label each other by one fact about them. one person is mixture of hundreds different facts, you can't pick out one fact and then generalize everything else by it.
Yes, community here is kind and friendly enough so people aren't afraid to get out of the closet about their sexuality, which I'm happy that this community has such effect on people.
simply, we (as in people in general) should look at people more than just one fact about them that you know.

 

I agree completely, I may not be gay but I am a strong suporter of LGBT rights and strongly opposed to bigotry of any kind.

Thankfully, this is not much of an issue in Sweden anymore as the church allows gay marriage, we even have openly gay priests. Though bullying because of it still occurs, homosexuals are not discriminated against by the goverment such as I have seen in the United States. The United States who by the way are the least tolerant in the western world, many states according to my sources have really horrid legislation. I may not be personally affected, but based on principle, no democratic country should be allowed to discriminate against a group of people to that level.

Love and tolerate, why is such a simple rule so hard to understand for some people? Did not Jesus himself preach that very message?

Hear me all bronies, be proud of what you are, for you have demonstrated we are among the best people this world has to offer.

 

I fully agree with everything that has been said here. I just had to keep +repping until I wasn't allowed to give any more >.>

Short-sighted people...
Why is it so hard to look past these dumb lables we've made up in our minds, to see a real person instead of an imaginary stereotype?
We are all different. We are all wonderfull people that deserve to be loved and valued. And there isn't a single good reason why we shouldn't value each other for who we are...
The only reason is fear.

Bullying...
Maybe the most destructive force humankind has to offer. And the most idiotic, that's for sure.
It tears society apart, and drags everyone into a downwards circle where everyone is afraid of everyone, and showing kindness is a sign of weakness.
I often feel powerless and vulnerable against bullying. I really don't know how to deal with it, exept to ignore it...
It just seems every single darn person around me bullies someone else in one way or another. It makes me feel so incredibly powerless...


Just... Be proud of who you are. Never give up.

 

I read the entire post (not all the replies though, sorry) and I have to say that I agree with you 100%.


...eeyup.

 

Long posts are long!

So I'll make this quick.
I can only agree to all of your points. Thanks for using Foxy and Me as an example here^^

I also have to agree with Scoot's post. Society tries hard to just sort you into a drawer and make you seem just like everyone else in that specific drawer. It's best not to listen to society's complaints/demands too closely.

That's it from me^^

 

Read every word Saikyo.

I used to be a bit of a homophobe, before discovering this great brony community. I would never bully or tease gay people, I would just avert my eyes or leave a room if two guys started making out in front of me or etc. But recently I have witnessed in the new local brony chat room I am in everyday (which is why I am posting here less) A truly touching love story develop between two bi-sexual guys and it was really heart warming to witness. I honestly think that if I met them IRL and they start showing their affection for each other I would just d'awwwwww. This show has really changed my views on so many things. Well both the show and the people I have met within the fandom.

I have decided to start proudly displaying my feminism but wearing colours that would be considered gay and being a lot more sappy and enjoying it. I have always been a bit of a feminist, mainly because most guys I meet are terrible people, whereas women are in my opinion morally superior. This is mainly because I hate the stereotypical idea that guys have to love cars and never shed a tear. Whereas women get to enjoy all the wonderful emotions and are encouraged to be creative and emotional.

I tried to give you rep for that awesome post Saikyo, but must spread it around some more, sigh. Remind me later.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b7qaSxuZUg

I find it rare that such things are discussed in a forum. I guess thats one unique charateristic that separates us from other sites on the internet.
Saikyo, you're words are something that very few people could fully understand. Everyone here...Its truly wonderful that you all share the same ideology.

I really do want to express my own opinions on this but I don't know where to start.

I'll just say this.- As long as one feels happy, then thats all that matters. The most important thing in this life, is to be yourself. No matter what others say.

Y que te la pelan todos!
Ahem, I also wanted to express it in spanish if thats ok.

 

I agree, but thinking that television shows are the source of these problems is a bit like thinking that junk food is the source of obesity... As in, you're getting angry at something that is a casual byproduct of the problem.

Why? This is biologically unsound. In fact, the idea that you're trying to be more genuine by the "ignoring looks" approach is a bit ironic considering there are many more sensory reactions that have a lot to do with attraction that are not visual but also have nothing to do with "that stuff on the inside". Another funny part about this is that the first thing you say about loving someone is that you should ignore looks, which gives an implication that looks are, in fact, extremely important, otherwise you wouldn't have started this whole thing by saying you shouldn't care about looks. Looks provide us an incredibly vast range of information about another person that it is downright silly and foolish to ignore this information when considering people we would like to have children with (I assume casual relationships are aside here, no? Otherwise pure sexual attraction and/or wit and/or intellect would be more important).

Like what? What is this stuff that is "on the inside" that you speak of? Because usually this stuff that is "on the inside" that people whine about are stuff they wear on the outside that makes them unattractive. I know the type of guy who complains that "hot girls only go out with jerks" usually turns out to be a boring and uninteresting person who fancies himself a "hopeless romantic" who is more aptly described as "hopeless".

Fame? Not by itself, no. Money? Absolutely. Not for literally their money, but how someone made their money is an extremely important indicator about other aspects to that person's character. Even so, having a lot of money is an amazing benefit for a family. Only middle class teenagers and trust fund babies seem to think that money isn't important.

Or find someone who you are even more in love with, no?

Well said.

That thing I said about being angry about television shows... insert that here.

You made it seem earlier that you shouldn't love someone just because they're famous, but presumably, the reason someone would want to be famous is to be recognized/loved/successful/rich which they want because it will place them in higher esteem with the opposite sex... so... yeah... can't have it both ways.

Sort of unusual how pleas about suicide prevention are often intertwined with a desire for love. Not unusual, like, not understandable, but unusual in the sense that those involved in these situations don't understand what they want [love] and why they can't have it (they're really good at distracting themselves about this stuff though) so they get frustrated and try to ruin it for others. I am of the opinion that suicide is more of a statement (a protest, really) of those around you than anything about yourself or your own suffering. That's what those monks who immolated themselves understood. I don't think most suicidal teenagers these days understand that at its core, so they're just sort of confused and impulsive, and it turns out that most of them who failed at killing themselves realized at the last second that they didn't want to die, because if they were honest with themselves, it's a pretty pointless statement to make with their life and the gag isn't worth it.


EDIT: None of the above is meant to be disrespectful, so I thought I would say this because in the past you have taken my words to be disrespectful, but on the first page you say that you value honesty, and I like to think that I respect people by being incredibly honest with my words. I don't insult people's intelligence or capacity for thought by buttering them up with empty words.

 

This is actually the kind of thread that I wish wasn't here, as it could turn contentious if people spoke their true feelings, and that by itself runs contrary to the very spirit of MLP:FiM.

I find it necessary to remind you all that the six Elements of Harmony are Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic.

I shall not bring DISCORD into the equation by making any statements which could disturb our harmony, and I would ask, very kindly, that
all others who participate in this topic should make a very serious effort to do the same.

I am an old school traditionalist, with strong moral values based in the American Midwest mindset of five decades ago, and you may take that as you wish. But I will respect your views, and not attack them, even if they are sharply in contrast with my own. (Which, in some instances, may possibly be the case.)


I think the most important thing is not to agree with others, but to respect them and their points of view even when they do not agree. I will certainly do that.

In fact, I think it is probably a greater act to show respect for beliefs you do not hold, than to show respect for beliefs that you share.


I am active on a few other forums on the internet. On others, my online personality is a bit more blunt and direct than the way I choose to post here. This forum, for me, is all about expression of the kindest, gentlest, and most fun-loving aspects of my personality. This is my playground. It exemplifies the principle that you are never too old to have a happy childhood. I do not want to see it invaded by more "mature" themes. If that happens, then I'd have no real reason to stay. I have other forums where I can discuss more mature and possibly contentious subject matters.

 

Me too, really, but not for anything specific about this particular thread, more that it is just really out of place... which is a dead horse I have beaten for a while. blah blah sub-forum blah blah

Which is a sad statement because it implies that the spirit of MLP:FiM is for phony ponies. I don't happen to think it is, I just think that this forum has a civility/identity crisis that lends itself to read like a manic depressive teen's middle school myspace page half the time and the only polite way people know how to respond to this is to be phony (if they're not crazy themselves).

Maybe I'm the wrong person to say this, but I would encourage you to share your opinions if you have reason and logic to support your views so that we can all actually learn something from one another. I wish more people did that, honestly. Again, this requires this crazy subforum thing that the admins are a bit shy about for some reason. (as an aside, I wonder what "strong moral value American Midwest mindset of five decades ago" would think about guys liking cartoon ponies.)

I strongly disagree with this, as it falls apart at any stretch of reasonable dissonance of morality. (I shouldn't respect pedophiles more than non-pedophiles just because I'm not a pedophile, and as such, you see that even more mild comparisons are silly).

Well said, which is why I wish more people would make an honest stand against the un-pony-like encroachments in the general discussion area.

 

Your point is well taken. I should clarify that I find it to be a greater act to show respect for beliefs that you do not hold, but which are not harmful to others. In no way should pedophiles, for example, be given the slightest shred of respect, but to attempt to clarify my meaning, I show respect to others who engage in lifestyles that I personally find to be objectionable, yet those others engage in it with informed consent and free will of all concerned, who have also reached the age of reason. (Essentially, what two adults choose to do with or to each other of their own free will, behind closed doors, is simply none of my business nor do I desire to make it my business.)


My somewhat old-fashioned sense of morality does permit me to peacefully coexist with those who subscribe to different moral standards than my own, but there is a line that must be drawn. To hurt others, to repress them, and to exploit those who are not yet mature enough to understand what is happening, those things are across the line. Beyond that point, I will not be silent.

I will take a stand, as you say, against un-pony-like encroachments in the general discussion areas. Including references to subject matter covered under Internet Rule 34. There are other places for that.

I would wish for this forum to easily maintain a G rating without anyone having to work at it.

 

Thank you for clarifying; this makes a lot more sense.

 

You shouldn't be afraid to be yourself. I know lots of people are. At times, so am I. It makes me sick to watch kids put down other kids, often for reasons they themselves cannot identify. We should all own our actions. If you walk away from someone being bullied, the bully wins. If you're vbeing bullied, and you give up, the bully wins. Sometimes there isn't a right answer (though you should tell an adult).

Nobody reading this should ever forget that, while this community exists, you have a home here.

Saikyo, I heartily agree with what you said. I don't think this should be debated; all humans should have the right to love whomever they please. Regardless of how the world defines us, it is important for us to know that the most important definition is the one we give ourselves.