Kali Robinson
Assistant Managing Editor
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Carlson, sporting a “My Little Pony” backpack is just one of many “bronies,” an unexpected fan base for the show “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” originally targeted to young girls. At first glance, this may seem weird or even creepy, but this accepting group is far from it.
According to whatisabrony.com, “A brony is a fan of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic that is outside the target demographic of little girls. First impressions might be that bronies are creepy or gay, however that’s a typical misconception. Most bronies are friendly teenagers and young adults that simply aren’t afraid to admit that they enjoy a show that is innocent, colorful, and funny.”
Carlson is not the only one who feels this way. Other celebrities who support what many are calling “The Brony Movement” include Chuck Norris (That is not a Chuck Norris joke), Daniel Tosh, Johnny Depp, Daniel Ingram (Valve), Michael Bay and Shigeriu Miyamoto – the creator of Mario.
According to Common Sense Media, “Parents need to know that this series celebrates friendship’s development from first impressions to true connections, and it benefits kids to see how the characters accept each other’s differences and work through the small troubles that arise.”
This movement of the brony or fan base for this show outside of the intended target audience, began with memes and turned into a movement – challenging traditional views of masculinity. Bronies want to celebrate the show’s themes, characters and ideas through a community. This includes everything from fan fiction to BronyCon – a convention, to music, costumes, radio shows and fan art for people of all genders and ages to celebrate their love of ponies and the magic of friendship.
There is even a website with information on a research project called the Brony Study that includes research on this fan group from the Fall of 2011 to present day and has included surveys by over 40,000 self-proclaimed bronies.
According to the site, the ongoing longitudinal study, consists of an initial long survey and than a shorter set of questions which will arrive via e-mail every 3-4 months. This study will allow them to answer questions about how the fandom is changing over time, and how the fan’s relationship with the show might change over time.
To participate in this study, email fandomchangedmylife@gmail.com. My Little Pony is available to watch on the Hasbro’s website, on Netflix and from a local TV provider.