Many a wayward traveler on the Internet super-highway may have noticed various catchphrases and pictures of adorable horses popping up on some of the popular cultural hubs. Hundreds of male viewers ranging from the average age of 13 to 32 became ensnared by the story of 6 pastel ponies, and with energy drinks in hand, took their newfound love to the Internet while still maintaining a respect lost on most forums.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (MLP: FIM for short) is a show on HASBRO Inc. cable network The Hub. This show intended for girls has several memorable flukes of nature and original lines that the male fans, dubbing themselves bronies, began to repeat all over Internet forums.
Through the use of kindness, the bronies defeated what many call “the foulest site on the web” (4chan). As the recurring jokes sparked interest in more and more trolls (jerks on the internet), this cavalcade of respectful enjoyment spilled over to every branch of the Internet, until the bronies’ numbers swelled to well over 6,000.
What is this innocent show about that causes the burliest of men to sit down in delight? To get these answers, I interviewed self-proclaimed brony, Daniel Iredale(11). My first question was what attracted him to the show, to which he replied, “My friends showed me.”
I figured I should get the story straight from the horse’s mouth, so I asked Iredale what the show is about. Iredale took a deep breath and at high velocity explained, “It’s about a purple unicorn, named Twilight Sparkle who is a student to the Princess of the Sun, who asks her to study the magic of friendship, so with her friends, they go and have hi-jinks filled adventures.”
As many people would ponder, does the show make him or any other male feel like any less of a man? Iredale says “Not anymore. It’s not like I can change that I like this show, just like how I can’t change my sexuality. Furthermore, I’m not the oldest or the youngest person to like MLP.”
As I concluded my quick interview I had one bigger question: would you suggest other “guys” watch this show? Iredale looked me straight in the eyes and said,” Absolutely, but on one condition (a smile spreading across his face), they must agree to love and tolerate everyone.”
Truly this show is magical if it is capable of making a 16-year-old gamer begin to preach about love and tolerance. This shred of innocence is a respite in this harsh school environment. Feel free to check out My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic on The Hub: www. hubworld.com/my-little-pony/ shows/friendship-is-magic and don’t be afraid to love and tolerate someone!