Brony discussion split

[AppleQueso]

As mentioned, anyone can enjoy the show. But to deny that it is targeted at young girls is overlooking a very important fact.

To be fair, you see that in other communities. Heck I used to know a toy collector who insisted that children really don't play with toys anymore and that collectors are the *real* target market now.

[TSTR]

You're right, and I think that these large companies, Hasbro included, are acutely aware of their target markets for various lines of product. That said, Hasbro's target market for MLP is young girls. Period.

[jinx]

Ruby Gloom is a show with a somewhat similar vibe to it (at least I think so) but it never managed to spring up much of a fandom.

I freaking love that show.

I also think gender policing takes a pretty big role in this MLP crap, although I don't think it's limited to that. The sheer amount of bronies that are also trolls doesn't help the community.

While we're on the subject: I also think it's shitty that women working on cars, loving sports or playing video games is sexy, but a guy into girl fashion, likes wearing make-up and nail polish or wanting to watch a "girl show" is socially wrong. Woman can wear pants, why can't men wear skirts?

[jp1]

As mentioned, anyone can enjoy the show. But to deny that it is targeted at young girls is overlooking a very important fact.

Ok, but why is it an important fact? Check out the responses from members for whom gender struggles is an issue my dude.

[TSTR]

As mentioned, anyone can enjoy the show. But to deny that it is targeted at young girls is overlooking a very important fact.

Ok, but why is it an important fact? Check out the responses from members for whom gender struggles is an issue my dude.

It's an important fact for a couple of reasons.

One, there cannot be gender policing, which I do not deny is happening here, without acknowledging that the thing being policed is "for" one gender over another.

Two, the section of the fandom that are adult cis males who delve into obsession with the show, even and especially to the point of sexualizing the characters, are often the ones most thought of when the term "Brony" is mentioned. Most of the people who think their fandom is weird are often brought to that opinion due to the fact that the show is targeted at little girls.

It's just a good thing to keep in mind on all sides of the issue.

And for the record, some guys can pull off makeup better than some girls can. You haven't seen me in eyeliner and nail polish.

[AppleQueso]

And for the record, some guys can pull off makeup better than some girls can. You haven't seen me in eyeliner and nail polish.

I wish I were better at it, but good makeup is expensive!!

[jp1]

As mentioned, anyone can enjoy the show. But to deny that it is targeted at young girls is overlooking a very important fact.

Ok, but why is it an important fact? Check out the responses from members for whom gender struggles is an issue my dude.

It's an important fact for a couple of reasons.

One, there cannot be gender policing, which I do not deny is happening here, without acknowledging that the thing being policed is "for" one gender over another.

Two, the section of the fandom that are adult cis males who delve into obsession with the show, even and especially to the point of sexualizing the characters, are often the ones most thought of when the term "Brony" is mentioned. Most of the people who think their fandom is weird are often brought to that opinion due to the fact that the show is targeted at little girls.

It's just a good thing to keep in mind on all sides of the issue.

And for the record, some guys can pull off makeup better than some girls can. You haven't seen me in eyeliner and nail polish.

Makes sense, I wasn't accusing you of anything. I think it is important to make that distinction when posting your thoughts. To be fair, you have been clear about your feelings on the matter already...so maybe a psa with every post is overkill. The discussion in general can easily lead to people who are already dealing with insecurities even more uncomfortable, so I'm only trying to make sure they have a voice in the matter too.

[MrPopo]

While we're on the subject: I also think it's shitty that women working on cars, loving sports or playing video games is sexy, but a guy into girl fashion, likes wearing make-up and nail polish or wanting to watch a "girl show" is socially wrong. Woman can wear pants, why can't men wear skirts?

See, this is actually a very interesting point to bring up and you shouldn't have banished it to tiny font.

I think it stems to what we look for in a potential mate, at least in the traditional sense. The "standard" guy wants a girl he has fun with and can have sex with. The various "girl things" she brings along with are considered the cost of getting those benefits. So a girl who's into the same things you are is awesome; it's like a guy you're sexually attracted to (which, btw, is proof that gay isn't a choice; otherwise guys wouldn't bother finding the "cool girls" and the human race would die out).

On the other hand, you have the "standard" female perspective, where traditionally the male is the provider, so a guy acting stereotypically female isn't appealing to that "standard" female. That's where the double standard comes in.

[TSTR]

@jp - all good bb. Just gotta make sure things are stated clearly on sensitive issues like this.

[AppleQueso]

While we're on the subject: I also think it's shitty that women working on cars, loving sports or playing video games is sexy, but a guy into girl fashion, likes wearing make-up and nail polish or wanting to watch a "girl show" is socially wrong. Woman can wear pants, why can't men wear skirts?

See, this is actually a very interesting point to bring up and you shouldn't have banished it to tiny font.

I think it stems to what we look for in a potential mate, at least in the traditional sense. The "standard" guy wants a girl he has fun with and can have sex with. The various "girl things" she brings along with are considered the cost of getting those benefits. So a girl who's into the same things you are is awesome; it's like a guy you're sexually attracted to (which, btw, is proof that gay isn't a choice; otherwise guys wouldn't bother finding the "cool girls" and the human race would die out).

On the other hand, you have the "standard" female perspective, where traditionally the male is the provider, so a guy acting stereotyipically female isn't appealing to that "standard" female. That's where the double standard comes in.

I'd say it's simpler than that, it's society coding masculine expression as natural and superior and feminine expression as artificial and inferior, so while a woman choosing to adopt more masculine expressions is considered logical and understandable, a man choosing to adopt more feminine expressions is considered strange, irrational, and even outright disturbing.

Of course, it ignores things such as the fact that masculine expression isn't actually any more 'natural' than femininity, as anyone witnessing common attempts from men to 'overcompensate' for a perceived lack of 'manliness' can attest to.

(and of course, this greatly affects trans people, as we're often seen by society as our assigned gender, not our declared one)