I'm sure a bunch of people out there are scratching their heads at our odd little community and FiM in general. Luckily, ponies have gained the backing of SCIENCE in an attempt to wipe out the confusion! Dr. Patrick Edwards (Seen above) is embracing the brony culture with surveys and convention visits, observing with a scientific eye. His goal is to explain why we like this show, and how the hell we built an internet culture around it.
Check out his interview here for some neat information on how he is analyzing us for his scientific journals, and eventual book.
161 comments:
It was bound to happen.
ReplyDeleteSCIENCE! is best pony
ReplyDelete"How he is analyzing us"
ReplyDeleteI feel so used!
Wasn't this guy already at Bronycon?
ReplyDeleteWell Doctor it is very simple ponies are awesome.
ReplyDeleteI don't see what there is to analyze about the culture.
ReplyDeleteDo we get to be in history books now?
ReplyDeleteIt is rather fascinating when ya think about it.
ReplyDeleteIt almost sounds like a real life "Feeling Pinkie Keen."
ReplyDeletebecoming legitimate subculture is always fun.
ReplyDeleteCan't you just like something for the sake of liking it, because it's good? Why all the big hoo-hah? I'm failing to understand.
ReplyDeleteI hope that this study actually helps to get bronies more well-known as the nice community we are, because..Yeah. :P
ReplyDeleteSCIENCE! Muhahahah!
ReplyDeleteWait, I'm not Doctor Insano
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't take fucking science to understand why people like a television show
ReplyDelete“I think bronies are a reaction to the U.S. having been engrossed in terrorism for past ten years, living on the edge the same way my generation lived through the Cold War. They’re tired of being afraid, tired of angst and animosity. They want to go somewhere a lot more pleasant.”
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with the "want to go somewhere a lot more pleasant", remember that there are a lot of non-US bronies as well. I don't think it has much to do with terrorism and living on the edge, that's just a small part of it.
Most of us have other problems which we'd rather flee from, like homework, being a bad at socializing in real life or simply feeling like they have nothing to live for. Ponies are a way to escape from everything, please don't involve it with something as "simple" as terrorism or war.
@Axel Zinfandel
ReplyDeleteI can see it now:
We will have advertisements on TV saying things like "the brony community has been proven by medical professionals to improve mental well-being and happiness". Then the FDA will eventually approve our community as a prescription-free method of dealing with depression!
Let's make it happen everypony!
And of course, it also has to do with the show being pure awesome ;)
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI checked the article and I already love the guy doing the research. He considers himself a "Brony Booster", which I take means he is not a brony, but he supports us. If I was able to help (I live in Spain) I'd go to his lab and answer an many tests and questions as I could.
I really hope they release a survey, a very long, very detailed survey, because I will happily take it. Awesome stuff right here, rock on!
@Nyah
ReplyDeleteYou're thinking from a different view than they are trying to convey.
“Rarely have scientists had the opportunity to study a fan phenomenon from its inception. We’re using this survey to study [the brony community] from the beginning and see how it’s evolving."
They're investigating our mannerisms, and the fandom. Not the show and why we like it. Though I imagine that is a small part of their study.
Yeah, it's a good show, and there's nothing wrong with liking a good show. But the point is that it's unexpected and sort of inexplicable. I'M not even sure why I like this show. I know I shouldn't; it doesn't make sense. And if I could go back five years, and show myself a picture of myself now, past me would kick present me's ass. But bid sense adieu, I really like these magic talkin' ponies, so there.
ReplyDeletePonies and science... RAINBOWS!
ReplyDeleteDamn right it's fascinating, and it's encouraging to see that it's getting the attention of people better qualified to start to understand it. The point is made in the article: the media tend to seek out the extreme freaks and pervs, and yeah, they'll find them, just out of statistical inevitability, but a decent scientific study will seek out the commonalities, and what's representative. And it may be less of a zingy story for a tv spot, but... something fascinating is going on here, and it's worth the study.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting that he would mention the age of terrorism and compare it to cold way. Only thing is that what about those who embrace the show but are not living on the edge, or have a desire to escape? I do think that what we are seeing is a backlash against internet culture and the stereotypes found within. I'd like to think that the behaviour we see has a lot to do with that nagging feeling that anything we say or do, is somehow going to be seen by parent or young girl, and that we are almost obsessed, at least publically, with not trying to scare the "normal" people off. We are even apologetic to the voice actresses and crew of the show, and try hard not to make ourselves look extremely creepy to them.
ReplyDeleteThat might not be true, but that's what goes on in my head.
Hey doc, let me save you the months of research and just give you the answer:
ReplyDeleteBecause we like the show.
There.
I think my favorite quote on this is actually from HotDiggedyDemon:
ReplyDelete"As a friend of mine suggested, perhaps by coincidence the combination of colors used in the show triggers something in the adult male brain."
It's A Trap!
@Zirro
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with the "want to go somewhere a lot more pleasant", remember that there are a lot of non-US bronies as well. I don't think it has much to do with terrorism and living on the edge, that's just a small part of it.
Most of us have other problems which we'd rather flee from, like homework, being a bad at socializing in real life or simply feeling like they have nothing to live for. Ponies are a way to escape from everything, please don't involve it with something as "simple" as terrorism or war.
I'd generally agree; terrorism isn't it. Economics might be, though; with the current situation, among many other things, making it even harder than before for young people to get jobs.
In the '30s depression, Hollywood produced a large number of jolly, feelgood musicals, and they were incredibly popular as escapist entertainment. I think *one* reason to consider for the MLP:FIM popularity is something similar to this: Just... escapism. A vision of a better place. But we're probably more sophisticated viewers than moviegoers in the '30s, so any old escapism won't cut it, it still has to be good. But equestria is such a hopeful place...
@beta-carotine
ReplyDeletei'm not an adult male, i'm twelve! quite possibly the youngest brony. but yeah, lauren faust probably put in some form of mind control.
They seem like pretty straight shooters and nice people. I think it also really helps his son is apart of the community and takes part in it I don't believe I remember seeing them at BronyCon. But then again, that whole weekend is somewhat a blur to me now. lol Though I don't think the adoration of the show is quite as complicated, scientific, or emotionally-entangling as some make it seem. Sometimes people simply like things for simple reasons. But if they want to try and delve deeper into it to try and get a better understanding of the community and it's members, then I hope they enjoy their journey in that discovery. Like I've said before, this isn't the first online community/fandom like this I've been apart of, so I've seen all this before. But it's always kinda interesting to sit back and watch things progress and develop.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, there's much more to it than "it's a good show".
ReplyDeleteHonestly, when I first watched it, I said "meh" and moved on. But then the next day all I could think about was ponies. It just seemed to consume my mind and I was utterly baffled by it. I have no idea why, at all, but I just felt happier that day for some reason.
I've seen some very good shows before, some of them better than MLP. However, there's something about MLP that just inspires sheer joy in me.
I've actually been waiting for someone legit to do this. This show has some fascinating psychological effects on people.
Actually I remember seeing a forum post a while back in response to someone considering watching the show. One of the responders (with a trixie avatar no less), said:
"It's definitely a good show. But beware, it can consume you... as I have found out"
@Nyah
ReplyDeleteBecause, believe it or not, some people find it a little strange that grown men are obsessed with My Little Pony.
I say his work is a great idea. Sociology is a fascinating subject. And for many being a brony is more than just watching the show because "its good". So its not always that simple.
ReplyDeleteIf this guy met Pinkie Pie he would resign trying to explain her with science...
ReplyDeleteSeriously come on now people wonder about the brony community but never have watched the show or will never even try. It's not rocket science its just a good show, the real study should come from the minds of the people that are haters and refuse to watch it due to peer pressure why would someone refuse such quality entertainment due to what others think about them. that would be the pulitzure prize journal.
@ adasdad
ReplyDeleteAw man, you're one of the few who can literally say "I'm 12 and what is this?"
Hurry! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity!
As Jayson Thiessen said this weekend, nobody would be making a big deal about this if it were women becoming interested in a "traditionally male" show/toy line. This shouldn't be a big deal either.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this is not simply an escapist fantasy, and I hope no researcher reaches a conclusion like that. Many of us, like me, are fully-functional citizens who are well-employed, with meaningful lives and relationships. We just like pastel ponies, clever jokes, fun songs, great animation, and incredible fan art productions.
I love mlp:fim, and i have nothing bad in my life. I just love awesome things. Proud to be brony.
ReplyDelete@naahdudeThese people are idiots
So I'm incredibly supportive of this. I don't much care for the "coming-out" analogy but I admittedly can't think of one that is more blunt.
ReplyDeleteBut today marked the day that I got my fluttershy "fus ro dah" shirt and wore it to high school. While it was not unanimously accepted, I got more confused looks than disgusted. I explained the show about ten times over the course of today and I was met with so many open minds. I referred many of them here so they could see what it is the fandom does and I'm glad this is something they can use.
So if you're from Florence and you're reading this, thanks for being awesome.
quite frankly i find this amazing. to see someone putting some effort into showing the world what kind of people are out here is fantastic. i mean, every subculture has been studied in the past, although maybe not always during their prime or beginning, but hey, what should make us any different? i think its great that these people did this and were willing to spend their time finding out who we as a community really are. i for one welcome this man into the heard, or as a supporter of it as he says, and hope he conitinues on with his studies. thanks doc! haha
ReplyDeleteI think this is amazing. I'm looking forward to taking the Survey that is due to be released this week.
ReplyDeletePhrase: "Thinking with science" now has a use.
ReplyDeleteWonder what crops their research will grow.
@Beta-Carotene
ReplyDeleteThe Male brain does recognize child like qualities. Such as a large forehead found in most baby creatures, the brain tells us (males) that it is not to be harmed and/or treated carefully. Can look that up in any psychology book. lol
@darkconsoles
ReplyDeleteNo, they're not. I was one of them once. So were you.
@naahdudeWrong. I never prejudice anything.
ReplyDelete@href="#c6515002081477031509">ponydoraprancypants
ReplyDeleteI agree, and I am much like you in that regard.
However, they're not making a big deal about "why men like a little girls show". I think they're more going into the brony culture itself.
That's the key word: culture.
It's rare for anything, period, to start a subculture. If it was just a bunch of us watching a good show, the psychologists wouldn't bat an eye. But we have meet-ups, and our own music genres, news feeds. We have our own terminology that sometimes borders on a language.
If this were something seen as "mainstream" creating a subculture, then I'm sure none of this would be of interest. But this is something that has never happened before on any scale like this.
Think about it for a second...
A petition about a background character's name in a show called My Little Pony gathered over 25,000 signatures in a little over 3 days.
Even the most hardcore of bronies (and I'm getting there, trust me), have to step back and see that there is definitely something very unusual about that.
"After several months of studying bronies, she [Redden] doesn’t think, based on scientific evidence, that the group is as weird as they’re made out to be by some." This is what I like to hear!
ReplyDeleteAlthough, some of the things I object to, as I will always do. MLP might be a nice break from something angering or frustrating, but I watch it because it's... Well, it's got a little bit of everything: Fantastic animation, humor, amazing music. It's entertainment; That's why I watch it. It just so happens that I/we have millions of other people that enjoy what we enjoy, and the same people are able to convince others, and the fandom (which is something that I still can't comprehend) grows.
As to the Rule 34 stuff... It's inevitable that someone will find someone else that has an odd fetish. When so many people are bronies, I guess it only takes one person. I'm frustrated though that someone will label us all in such a way, whether it's for shits and giggles or to knock us down a few pegs or to make our community look bad.
For the record, I don't want another 'community' argument. I understand that what SHOULD happen is that said person looks past those bronies and realizes what we are, but it rarely happens; thus, it makes us look bad.
He's going to diagnose us all with a severe case of ponyitis.
ReplyDeleteto quote Professor Membrane: REAL SCIENCE!!! Try it!!!
ReplyDeleteevrytime everyting is about the U.S.
ReplyDelete:D im from germany and there are many other Bronies who does not live in the U.S.A.
otherwise its nice to see that there are people which want to understand and accept us!
Friendship 4 ever :D
I am also intrigued about our culture, COMMENCE WITH ZE SCIENCE!
ReplyDeleteIs anyone else having issues seeing all the comments? It's only showing the first 8 (unless I try to make a reply to someone's post). It's also not showing the post comment box.
ReplyDeleteOn topic: It was a good read. One thing throws me off about the whole thing though, and it was one of his last comments. He wants to write a book about it?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBronies: peculiar, but awesome.
ReplyDelete@comickid not everyone is surrounded by people that will except that they are a Brony. I for one am one of those people. If it were ever found out that I was one, I would be shuned and alienated from my family...and that's not an exaggeration.
ReplyDeleteSome people are lucky enough where they can be as open as they want to be with what interests they pursue, others such as my self are constantly walking on eggshells carefully navigating the internet/life being careful what we allow others to see.
@Jay6
ReplyDeleteYes, It's been going on for the past few days. I've had to sorta work my way around it. What browser are you using?
From a cultural perspective I do think it is quite facinating, what you have here is a large group of males who have cast off the typical social expectations and embraced something that society says they shouldn't. There are probably numerous factors that all contribute to this, but they all managed to come together at just the right time to produce something you rarely see.
ReplyDeleteI met this guy at the last Bronycon! Didn't talk to him for very long since I'd been waiting to get in all day and was starving. But before I ran off to get food, He pointed me to linear regression analysis. Cool stuff. I just wish I had more time to spend learning about it.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he might test some hypotheses I've developed, if they are relevant to his/his colleague's area of research.
GLaDos is now testing us!!!!
ReplyDelete@Beta-Carotene
ReplyDeleteI'm using Firefox. On other posts, I can see all the comments just fine, and the normal post comment box. Just not this EqD post for whatever reason.
@Jay6
ReplyDeleteUsing Chrome, but it seems to happen in IE too. Glad to know its not just my computer.
It's been happening to most of the posts for me, and it's really difficult to respond to people.
Honestly, while the article IS interesting, it's also kind of sad that our culture has to rely on something like this to accept a culture like us Bronies. It's disheartening to say the least.
ReplyDelete@Beta-Carotene
ReplyDelete>Implying there are better shows than MLP
@Masquerade I agree about what you said on why we like the show.
ReplyDelete@Luna
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I'm ashamed ._.
@adasdad
ReplyDeleteWow, you've somehow snatched the title of youngest brony from my younger brother. Impressive.
Also, definately consider what this guy has to say:
@Beta-Carotene
I claim that it all boils down to the community itself.
ReplyDeleteI've been really excited about a lot of things in my life: tv shows, books, video games, musicians...all the way to calling myself a die-hard fan. But eventually the interest withers out because there's really not that big of a channel to convey it. Or even if there is a fanbase, a lot of the time it's something that's difficult to relate to.
Ponies, however... it's all personal, of course, and everyone has their own reasons why they got into the fandom. But for me the biggest defining aspect was just how amazingly positive the brony community is. I don't know if it has anything to do with the economy, or terrorism, or whatnot, but I just completely and thoroughly love having something so fundamentally positive in my life.
And I'm willing to bet it's affecting a lot of the bronies themselves. Positivity creates more positivity. I'm not even talking about those stories about how ponies save people from depression or suicide (even though those stories are actually surprisingly common). It all shows in the little things best of all: how artists draw so much inspiration from the show and, most of all, each other; how so many are so willing to join all the charities without even batting an eye; and how so many men openly speak about shedding "manly tears" over an episode, a piece of fanart, or a fanfic story.
That's kind of special in the world where guys are expected to never show any kind of emotion or claim they care about anything that's simply kind, positive and beautiful.
@wloff
ReplyDeleteHey wloff, sorry to derail but I've been trying to contact you. Can you follow my profile to my blog? I think we may be able to help each other out.
Ok, back to pony psychology 101 :)
It's like the part in Skrillex's Rock and Roll "Good People, good times."
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty much as close as you'll get to a utopian society on the internet. The vast majority of the time, everyone gets along with everyone else.
Sorry for my rocking English in advance
ReplyDeleteIt is pleasant to see that someone is interested in bronies and the community.Some facts are true and some are not it is unavoidable to get a lot of disinformation.In my opinion this "analyze" is veig because at the end of the survey the information gathered by ONE scientist will by invalid no mater what outcome it takes .We are living in a follower community that has "The instinct of pack" the Left community the right community and the neutrals.The left ones will always enhance the negative things about the topic and the right ones will enhance the positive ones .Bat in the end positive ones will not outweigh the negative ones because humans oftenly notice only the negative ones.Bat there is always hope So lets hope that a miracle will happen and majority of the individuals will approve this .
@ wloff
ReplyDeletePlease respond if you get this so I'll know not to bother you anymore if you decline.
This is actually pretty cool, and he seemed like a really nice guy as well. That talk about our aversion to answering questions related to porn was good for a laugh :P.
ReplyDeleteWhen/If that book comes out, I really hope it'll be available outside the US. I fear it may be a bit americanocentric, though, what with his comments about terrorism and such, which are nowhere near as important outside the US.
damn this "bronyologist" seems to be a really good guy. science is magic x]
ReplyDeleteawesome!
ReplyDeleteI saw you wrote " odd little community" I don't think you know hoe many of us are out there.
ReplyDeleteA book about "Brony" awesomeness!!!!
ReplyDeleteLol fail post "how"
ReplyDelete@Graveheart Welcome to the human race :D
ReplyDelete@Beta-Carotene
ReplyDeleteSorry, I suck at this Blogger thing and don't really notice any messages. Sure thing, I'll get in touch!
@ wloff
ReplyDeletemany thanks :)
Wow, we've grown big huh? We are going to have a book about us? I mean that's pretty big. I'm intrigued to see what they learn about our community and hopefully make more people realize we aren't all a bunch of weirdos
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by the Brony/Ron Paul support crossover in the side link :S
ReplyDeleteScience is a brony's best friend, it would seem. :3
ReplyDeleteNo complaints here, I'm glad we are getting the scientific world on our side, and finally, FINALLY, start proving to the media and the society that follows it that we are not as "weird" as they make us seem.
Science has always and will always be my friend. :)
I retract my earlier statement after rereading the article properly and have to say this is pretty amazing to be honest. I will full support the Doc on his studies when he needs it.
ReplyDeleteThese guys are amazing! They truly value and try to understand Bronies, a fact I am really thankful for.
ReplyDeleteI find this study intriguing - i'm certainly pleased that it's being headed by an optimistic sort. So many hate without trying to understand, tsk.
ReplyDeleteThis will allow an insight, albeit generalized, into our world. A world I only barely understand, yet adore nonetheless. Can't wait until it's completed!
good article with the exception of the U.S.-centerd argument. There are far enough bronies outside the U.S. to call this a world-wide phenomena.
ReplyDeleteMan a book about bronies. This all happened so fast! I mean its only been two years since we've started and now look at us! Our fandom is truly amazing! XD
ReplyDeleteBook about us? So awesome.
ReplyDeleteEntire phenomenon is pretty amazing. I mean, i know a show much better than ponies, but there's something in them that make me happy. Maybe it's rainbow dash :) Or lack of violence.
hey if the awesome professor posts up any more of these surveys... PUT THEM UP! I would gladly contribute to them. :)
ReplyDeleteBronyology will they be teaching tis is science class now aw sweet i would so ace something like that :D
ReplyDeleteWe are science now!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness yes. I can't believe I didn't hear about this before now. I must help this man with his studies. Psychological studies of pony fans can only be beneficial for our community.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the calls that the Brony movement isn't just US based. But when you're just two people doing their best, without any major funding, you have to go with what you have on hand. Heck, I'd imagine they'd love for the chance to hire more help, or go overseas themselves, but (from what I gathered from the article), they aren't getting paid to do this study; that's why they're still teaching, and I would also imagine is a small part for the book, so they can get back some of the investment of the time and money they have put into this.
ReplyDeleteThat aside, I'd certainly would love to see their book and whatever else they come up with. Being able to see how subcultures like ours are formed, and how the internet and social media tools available to us help us get and stay in touch, I think would be an interesting read. Not to mention it would be nice to read something positive for a change, instead of how messed up the world has come in all of its myriad ways.
Word to the Doc, "Psych Ology"
ReplyDeleteYour a brony. Even if you don't admit it openly.
Your book will be the first nonfiction book I will gladly buy. Also, this phenomenon surrounding ponies has no explaination, unless the answer is the show uses mind control. That I could believe!
This is pretty exciting! As a psychology student, this really gets me pumped and proud to be a Brony. Of course, this takes away any objectivity I'd have if I were to attempt to contribute to the study... xD
ReplyDeleteThis is such a refreshing change of pace from all of the haters. :3
ReplyDeleteIt's official, we have our own scientist, and our own science. This pleases me.
ReplyDeleteI remember that survey, didn't know it was this serious. Glad to have contributed to it, also can't wait for the next one. A few things in the article that kind of turn me away though, but I'm sure they've already been mentioned. Doubt I'll read the book, but would be helpful to quote an objective source when trying to explain that the show is more than just what society thinks.
ReplyDeleteScience... Yesssss...
ReplyDeleteAnd soon. Equestrian Innovations IRL!!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest I absolutely adore the show. But what's keeping me hooked is the community around it. If it was anything less than what it is right now, I wouldn't be so hyped about waking up on saturdays to watch the livestream and chat about it.
ReplyDeleteI love ponies, but you people are just plain awesome.
@Nyah
ReplyDeleteWhen one's fandom becomes large enough and develops its own rules and identity that separates it from other fandoms that may follow other shows or literary works it tends to catch the attention of people. And when that group is curious enough, it'll be deemed a sub-culture, such as bronydom now.
And really, I'd much rather we are examined by Science than Faux news. They at least look at us objectively, as opposed to "finding a character", as the article read. And I find Edward's explanation for out existence far better than some of the others I read (which makes us all out to be a gang of man-babies).
@Taunt
ReplyDeleteAdditionally I've been wondering why the fuck I like this fandom and identify with it and stick to it.
When we stop enjoying things, we start researching them.
ReplyDeleteScientists are a sad lot.
@Mister Twister
ReplyDelete......
Speechless am I
@Mister Twister
ReplyDeleteHey now, I'm a neuroscientist and I can tell you from personal experience that scientists (especially some physicists I know) really know how to have a good time!
Not only that, we research things because we enjoy knowing more about the subjects we're researching. After all, if we didn't enjoy what we researched why even bother?
I find this exceptionally funny XD
ReplyDelete"While sexual fanfiction and fanart are a large part of the brony community"
ReplyDelete... Have I missed soomething here? LARGE part? No it isn't, it's a small part, fortunately.
Define "scientific". I'm sorry, but I'm skeptical as to what the "results" are going to be.
ReplyDeleteWait, he's going to write a book on us? Sweet!
Terrorism is a fear problem in USA! I had no idea. Does the state do something for those affected? Do they get psychological help.
ReplyDeleteThis is a serious issue which I where completely unaware of.
I honestly feel left out. I post in all sorts of brony related sites and I haven't even heard of this until now. I would've loved to participate! If the doctor or any of his team are reading this, please note that I plan on contacting you soon!
ReplyDelete@Mister Twister
ReplyDeleteYes, heaven forbid we ever learn anything about anything.
@comickid
ReplyDeleteI am of course not an expert, but this makes me wonder. What does Rocket Science have to do with Psychology?
SCIENCE! Twilight, bring me my lab coat.
ReplyDelete@90986af2-5e79-11e1-ba81-000bcdca4d7a
ReplyDeleteHe has a point that some of the bronies go a little overboard, but the rest of it sounds like he doesn't get the philosophical substance behind the show that allows us to connect so well to the show and inspires us to treat it with so much love.
there gonna strap up down and test on us
ReplyDeletethey will promise cake but we know they wont give any in the end
You sir are now a bronyologist
ReplyDeletethe study of bronies in their natural habitat
Dammit he beat me
ReplyDeleteI started a survey a long while back but was having much trouble interpreting the results
@CageTheElement
ReplyDeleteIn that case, KYM has a very similar survey going on right now that's still accepting participants.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFBZQjJYdjNiVUI3akxaSGR6YTN4MEE6MQ
I wouldn't say sex is a LARGE part of the fandom, but it is there.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that no matter what this survey comes out like, the media won't EVER show the "average brony". It will be like media coverage of Sci-Fi fans (IE.. the crazy ones who live in their parent's basement and dresses up 24-7 like a Klingon). The only bronies that the average joe public is going to get exposed to are the really nutball ones who are generally not a representative of the whole community. Heck. FOX News (and I use the term "News" VERY VERY loosely) pretty much implied (read almost came out and said) that we were this horrifying mix of homosexual, and pedophile, and furry who are sexually attracted to stuffed animals and animated ponies. It's a shame really that they only show the CRAZY FRINGE, WAY OUT THERE, representatives of the community. It's a shame, really.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so I read the article (my first comment was posted before reading it).
ReplyDeleteWow. Just, wow. I was almost if not completely touched by the open-mindedness these guys are showing. These guys discovered and reacted to us just like everyone did at first, but then, being men of science, they decided to look for its meaning, instead of picking an opinion and sticking with it. They want to know the truth, and they KNOW that truth is unbiased.
So, how best to learn about a group of people? Well, they came to us, and began examining us, reporting only what they find. Of course, in order to get a close enough look at us, they started by earning our trust. What really got through to me was that they realized the trouble we've been put through, and assured us that they didn't mean any "harm", which makes me think of a metaphor.
It's like a brony is an animal that is intimidating, but not primarily peaceful. They are prominent, and they are defensive. The people who see them as abominations are primitive warriors, attacking them and driving them away to protect themselves, and even though the creatures are harmless to begin with, the attacks enrage them and make them dangerous. Then, along come these scientists, who want to study this fascinating species that they've suddenly stumbled upon. At first, these creatures are defensive towards the scientists, expecting that they will treat them as harshly as the others. Realizing the situation, the scientists approach slowly, and manage to tame the creatures and earn their trust. Then, they begin their research.
What happens next is perhaps up to how the world responds to the scientists' research. Will they continue attacking the creatures, forcing them to become hostile towards all? Will they come to accept their true nature, and leave them be? Will they embrace them, and bring them into their civilization? Only time will tell.
The only thing we can do is show these men all there is to see, and hope that the truth will be revealed and seen properly.
As interesting as this sounds, I am skeptical. Bronies as a reaction to the War on Terror? That's...a bit of a stretch. I don't feel as if Americans have truly been feeling tense for the past decade. Go to Afghanistan or North Korea if you want to see people living in turmoil. Things have been positively cheery over here by comparison. Also, the stuff they said about Fox News was nonsense. Fox has only mentioned bronies a handful of times, the most notorious of which was a tongue-in-cheek sketch on a late-night comedy show which everyone took too seriously.
ReplyDeleteCan I be his assissant for the days ahead
ReplyDeleteDid somebody call m-oh never mind.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know aperture science is here to help out. Love ya Cave
ReplyDeleteYay! I knew something like this would one day happen!
ReplyDeleteI was asking myself this question not to long ago. At first glance the fandom seems to fly in the face of everything that guys are taught to like. But then as i thought about it I started picking up on things beyond just 'ponies are awesome'. For me at least, MLP is like a throwback to the glory days of cartoons. The show is well written, it has an entertaining story, the characters have actual personalities and grow as the show goes on, and its genuinely funny and cute. It also throws in nod to older show for its adult audience and tries to teach a lesson to the viewer through entertainment to make those who watch and care better for it. Most kid's shows today are completely unoriginal and rehash the same lowball humor, have characters with one-dimensional peronalites, or are completely asinine. Our fandom also has one of the most dicerse, creative, and accepting communities driving it. Since i got into ponies in september last year i haven't regretted anything. I've been the most genuinely happy that I've been in years and have rediscovered so many things that I used to love but gave up on. If these scientists are honestly interested in learning about the real brony culture and showing it to the world, I fully support them.
ReplyDeleteI was asking myself this question not to long ago. At first glance the fandom seems to fly in the face of everything that guys are taught to like. But then as i thought about it I started picking up on things beyond just 'ponies are awesome'. For me at least, MLP is like a throwback to the glory days of cartoons. The show is well written, it has an entertaining story, the characters have actual personalities and grow as the show goes on, and its genuinely funny and cute. It also throws in nod to older show for its adult audience and tries to teach a lesson to the viewer through entertainment to make those who watch and care better for it. Most kid's shows today are completely unoriginal and rehash the same lowball humor, have characters with one-dimensional peronalites, or are completely asinine. Our fandom also has one of the most dicerse, creative, and accepting communities driving it. Since i got into ponies in september last year i haven't regretted anything. I've been the most genuinely happy that I've been in years and have rediscovered so many things that I used to love but gave up on. If these scientists are honestly interested in learning about the real brony culture and showing it to the world, I fully support them.
ReplyDeleteBah. Fox should stick to politics. Not whatever trend the general public is into at the moment.
ReplyDeleteScientific name: Ponius Bronius
ReplyDeleteFinds habitats in nearly every niche of the internet.
Highly invasive. Spreads quickly.
@evenfall
ReplyDeleteThey're bad at both, though...
I love psychology. Can't wait for the book to come out.
ReplyDeleteTo the best of my knowledge, the Fox News Channel has only brought up bronies once, and it wasn't in a negative contest. Also a single commentator on a local Fox affiliate spoke ill of bronies, but that is completely divorced from the Fox News cable channel. It just annoys me when folks act like Fox hates bronies. It just ain't so.
ReplyDeleteIt's legit, well at least he is. Second result...Patrick W. Edwards..
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wofford.edu/search/searchDepartmentResults.aspx?department=Psychology
"Because the show is awesome."
ReplyDeleteThere, I wrote your paper for you.
A book about the Brony phenomenon, eh? That I would definitely read.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if these psychologists are actually exploring the gender role issues that the popularity of my little pony dredges up. Sexism against men is rarely addressed. The quotes about war and coping could be lazily extrapolated from almost anything Americans are a fan of currently (and the international fandom makes it irrelevant). It doesn't seem to be founded on anything in particular. I wonder if the author of this article purposely put that quote a couple paragraphs after the statements about unbiased research. :P
ReplyDelete@Zombie
ReplyDeleteRealize that this article only touched on the basic idea. There's little in the way of time or space to go on and explain the co-relation between the War on Terror and Bronies. They said they'd do some follow-ups, get some articles published in professional scientific journals, and maybe get a book out that'll go more in detail on why we're a reaction to the War on Terror.
Even then though, it's not the only reason. Considering there may be other contributing factors, normal day-to-day lives are considerably more stressful than they were back in the maybe the 60's or the 50's. So I'd consider the "escapist" explanation as being a/one of the rather legitimate explanation(s) on the fandom's existence and identity.
But as said before, we'll need to wait for the professional article to be released. For now we just got the public teaser.
PSYCHOLOGY!?!?!??! GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe we can all drive him insane like that psychologist in Animaniacs.
ReplyDelete“I think bronies are a reaction to the U.S. having been engrossed in terrorism for past ten years, living on the edge the same way my generation lived through the Cold War. They’re tired of being afraid, tired of angst and animosity. They want to go somewhere a lot more pleasant.”- redden
ReplyDeleteI APPROVE
Before MLP I Never would've believed that others would take time to try and understand another without first harshly judging them. Now I am happy to be proven wrong time and time again by this community and others associated with it.
ReplyDeleteA prime example is this researcher and his associate trying to understand the community rather than condemning it from the stump like so many other mainstream media outlets, and even society in general, does.
I've just recently finished the first survey, despite the fact that it was over so long ago, and I'm actually quite excited to take part in the new one apparently coming up on the 26th to try and lend an understanding of the brony mind. Let's science this together.
@D. Shadows
ReplyDeleteIf you took the survey you would understand. There is a TON of material to analyze. It's absolutely massive and quite interesting.
@Nulono
ReplyDeleteIt's sad how many people like this guy are completely clueless as to how and why research is conducted. From an objectively neutral standpoint the Pony community is both fascinating and perplexing. There are many questions that can only be answered by careful observation and prodding, which is exactly what this team is attempting to do.
I can't wait to see the finished product of all of their work. It's bound to be enthralling!
Dr Psychology!
ReplyDeleteWell, this is certainly an unexpected turn of events, but perhaps it was only a matter of time. The mention of the war on terrorism and media references jumped out at me in particular, given the visibility of both factors in my support for this show, as indicated in my (three-part) response in the "Discussion: How has Friendship is Magic affected you?" thread a short time ago. For now, I will simply be fascinated by what Drs. Edwards and Redden end up learning from their study.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is certainly an unexpected turn of events, but perhaps it was only a matter of time. The mention of the war on terrorism and media references jumped out at me in particular, given the visibility of both factors in my support for this show, as indicated in my (three-part) response in the "Discussion: How has Friendship is Magic affected you?" thread a short time ago. For now, I will simply be fascinated by what Drs. Edwards and Redden end up learning from their study.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI quite enjoy taking surveys like this, makes me think about myself and why I truly do enjoy This.
ReplyDeleteGuy's Ponified, and actively promoting his ponification within the brony comunity, and his son is a brony... Yeah, he's totally objective LOL.
ReplyDeleteIts really weird doing this servey though because i'm a completely different person to when i started watching MLP... And it may be because of MLP. The comunity has been up for so long (As far as modern media is concerned) can any of us say we haven't been transformed by the show, spiritually and psychologically? wouldn't that mean that any sort of servey that attempts to find out what atracts people to the heard futile if the heard changes people? (For the better mind you).
I sense some futility in this endevor, especialy considering media's opinion of a subculture is based on generating fear in the 30-80 year old upper middle class demographic. what generates more fear than a group the EXCLUSIVELY consists of peophile furry lovers, and could be anyone?
Actually i have one thing that they might find even more terrifiying. A group of people which loves everyone and becomes more and more powerful with each day. something that threatends to undermind the empire built on money and fear. cause lets face it, the church of celestia would totally work and we would all totally join and those facts scare the shit out of US, imagine how the general population will react when bronies come to the door asking "Have you found eternal salvation through our saviour Twilight Sparkle? The one who gathered the elements of harmony, banished eternal darkness, perpetual caos and brought redemption to the Mare in the Moon? No? well heres season one of My Little Pony, join the herd"
"I think bronies are a reaction to the U.S. having been engrossed in terrorism for past ten years, living on the edge the same way my generation lived through the Cold War." I call bullshit.
ReplyDeleteWe had a professor attempt to make a paper on Youtube Poop he never really got what we were about. And he believed that internet phenomenon was a US one.
This is someone getting in over their head whilst trying to publish a paper for money.
Can't wait to hear what he has to say about his findings when he's finnished and published.
ReplyDeleteApsalotluetly love learning about anything and everything.
I hope his second survey has some question for us non-USA bronies.
New Zealand has over 200 known and from what I'v seen were at the low end of things.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSo basically, this scientist is a brony in denial, for he claims that he isn't a brony, yet he watched the first season of MLP, he fed it to his colleague, and he studies "Bronyology". Sure we may have taken over science, which is what I consider fantastic news, but when it comes to being used for testing such as this, I say why not.
ReplyDeleteI'm game for the study. I'd love to help others get a better understanding. I especially think the 2nd study this guy is planning will be quite interesting. I hope to be able to participate!
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I like the show because it's funny and the artwork is so over the top. The thing that really attracted me to Bronydom was the hilarious videos and comics our more creative members make. I just wish the community could get along without all the shipping and the occasional rule 34. Neither of those exist in my view of the Pony world. Pony world should be platonic and unspoiled.
ReplyDeleteSlightly disappointed that the story didn't have much new info, though it's good to hear that the second-round survey is nearing.
ReplyDelete...And then I revisit their site only to see that they've completely reskined it, AND the ETA of the next survey is Feb 26! Woo!
I talked with Dr. Edwards in person at BronyCon, and Dr. Redden via email. They're good people, and I hope that everyone helps out their next survey. They're remaining as unbiased as possible, and letting the facts do the talking, just like you should. This is a huge favor to us, because now we have science backing up the claims we've been asserting for over a year.
Whats the point of this? We all already know the scientific explanation for bronies is autism.
ReplyDelete*runs and ducks for cover*
@Titan-Slayer Lemme fix that for you:
ReplyDelete"Whats the point of this? We all already know the scientific explanation for every internet subculture is autism.
*runs and ducks behind a shitstorm shield*"
:D
@Mister Twister
ReplyDeleteWell, without Scientist's, you wouldn't have half the things you use on a daily basis. Hell, you wouldn't have a computer to type your comment. And, forget about a calculator, without scientist's, you would still be using a Abacus or Slide Rule to do calculus. So think before you speck.
Anything for Science!
ReplyDelete