It is bizarre to understand why certain trends catch fire. There is no real formula to why people embrace certain things no matter how many economists or trendsetters try to get a grip on this cultural shifting. So what makes My Little Pony a potential pool of incredible influence and study? this children’s cartoon geared for young girls is a television show as well as a successful run of toys. On the surface, it maps out a pretty generic story replicated by Transformers, My Little Kitty, Pokemon, Star Wars, etc. Whether they came before or after is irrelevant. My Little Pony is a generally harmless series that crosses into a number of mediums and captivates young kids.
Except this is not always the case. For a bizarre series of reasons that have become a bit inexplicable, young and middle aged men have embraced My Little Pony. They are not necessarily the traditional fan. They even call themselves something- Bronies.
Now Star Trek has Trekkies, so this is not necessarily a new reinvention. But Star Trek appeals to science fiction fans, which are, well, generally young and middle aged men. But the question of the Bronies is peculiar because it is taking two extremes and merging them into one culture. A television show about magical ponies, princesses, bright neon colors, and useful lessons for children about sharing and unconditional love has become an idiom for grown men to channel, um, something.
Is the Brony thing an ironic hipster fad? Basically, do these guys really enjoy the show or do they do it because they think it is funny to like something so clearly not marketed for them? It is likely a bit of both, and the validity of the Brony movement is questionable. But there are people tat take this thing very seriously, and one can almost see the passion dripping just like a Star Wars fan at opening night of Episode I.
Bronies represents a world that could only exist in the 21st century. A culture that lets like-minded people of any niche gather together and share their passions. It seems so silly, but they are fans. Fans have every right to love something, no matter if it seems ironic.