Mehmani Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 The gist I get is that liking it makes you ironic and nonconformist, and in our age, the age where the prominent message that permeates all media is "be yourself/be different" (although, "be what you want others to think you are like/be self-consciously cool and out-there" is probably a far more realistic summary). In fact, the irony and nonconformism that MLP allegedly offers is moot, because (ironically so, and this time proper irony) MLP has now reached the point where liking it is such a widely held preference that liking it becomes conformist. It's similar to the entirely fictitious and useless fluff that the media, and the music industry beams into our heads every day - messages of "be yourself, it's okay to be different" being sung by rich and beautiful people who don't give a toss about you. It's now fashionable to be an "outcast", although "outcasts" in the media are suspiciously beautiful (the "terribly bullied" Jessie J and the cast of Glee, for example). # So tell me, why is MLP so popular? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Rai Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 Is Jessie J considered an outcast? I've always had the feeling in the UK that she's treated somewhat like a mini national treasure. I'd consider the success of MLP solely based on internet culture. I'm sure it started out with a couple of people watching it because they liked it, it eventually becomes a 'meme' of sorts on a small scale, and others immediately feel both liberated and shameless on watching a show marketed to another audience. Then, after that, lots of people became defensive about the show, and defended it with a certain irony, I guess. I can't put my finger on it. I'd consider it a one-off phenomenon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toffee. Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [quote name='.Rai' timestamp='1349115718' post='6035711'] I'd consider the success of MLP solely based on internet culture.[/quote] More or less, yes. Plus, the show has a [i]VERY[/i] older-Cartoon Network feel to it(At least, the way I see it), mostly, because it was made by those same people, that it generally became very amusing and quite witty in a lot of parts, throughout the various episodes. [quote name='.Rai' timestamp='1349115718' post='6035711']I'd consider it a one-off phenomenon.[/quote] Funny thing is, the internet is full of one-off phenomenons that, gradually, became internet giants(No, I'm not counting memes. Also, MLP has become more then just meme-tier). Or something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Rai Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [quote name='Armadilloz' timestamp='1349116100' post='6035716'] More or less, yes. Plus, the show has a [i]VERY[/i] older-Cartoon Network feel to it(At least, the way I see it), mostly, because it was made by those same people, that it generally became very amusing and quite witty in a lot of parts, throughout the various episodes. Funny thing is, the internet is full of one-off phenomenons that, gradually, became internet giants(No, I'm not counting memes. Also, MLP has become more then just meme-tier). Or something like that. [/quote] I've always felt there was some sort of nostalgia involved in the show's success. As you say, that Cartoon Network feel. And you are so right about the internet being full of one-off phenomenons I guess it revokes them of that status. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Revan of the Sith Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 The only thing I can relatively say is. I like it because I appreciate the story lines of some episodes and the good old animation of Lauren Faust that harkens back to Power Puff Girls. The voice acting is spectacular and thats about it. Idk why so many other people like it but that is why I like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Spock Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 Because it went viral over the internet. Now there are 30-year-old men who are claiming to be MLP fans. It's a bit sad really, if you want something individual and intellectually compelling find it yourself. Chess isn't played by that many people these days considering, and it's intellectually compelling. There you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Crouton Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [spoiler=Video] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnM1ak06CIM[/media] [/spoiler] I tried watching it once, but, you know, ponies. I'm more of a Justice League person. [quote name='Mihails Tāls' timestamp='1349115323' post='6035706'] The gist I get is that liking it makes you ironic and nonconformist [/quote] And, like all things nonconformist, when everyone becomes nonconformist, they end up being conformists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darth Revan of the Sith Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [quote name='Enlightened Buddha' timestamp='1349117950' post='6035738'] Because it went viral over the internet. Now there are 30-year-old men who are claiming to be MLP fans. It's a bit sad really, if you want something individual and intellectually compelling find it yourself. Chess isn't played by that many people these days considering, and it's intellectually compelling. There you go. [/quote] People can follow whatever they want. Judging them by the age group the show was originally intended is bigoted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine Jesse Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 I tried watching MLP once and honestly just found it an amalgamation of everything I found mediocre about 90's and early 2000's cartoons, sans the animation I can see why people would like it but I just didn't like any of the few episodes I watched Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toffee. Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [quote name='.Rai' timestamp='1349116296' post='6035718'] And you are so right about the internet being full of one-off phenomenons [/quote] Funny thing is, is the internet has always had a trollish obsessed with unicorns and rainbows. [quote name='Izaya Orihara' timestamp='1349118462' post='6035744'] People can follow whatever they want. Judging them by the age group the show was originally intended is bigoted.[/quote] [url=http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/OneOfUs]You know, MLP;FiM's actual intended age group is literally 'the whole family'[/url] Plus, the show [i]has[/i] made a [i]few[/i] small references to things that would go over the heads of younger viewers. Some of which, are related to Applejack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tentacruel Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 Although you could accurately attribute its popularity to internet culture, the show is a legitimately brilliant television program. I'd even say it's under-appreciated by a large portion of the fanbase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpectralMaliceX Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 I guess it's because of NIGHTMARE FREAKING MOON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toffee. Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [quote name='SpectralMaliceX' timestamp='1349125503' post='6035860'] I guess it's because of NIGHTMARE FREAKING MOON. [/quote] Which episode? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lonk Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 I like MLP because it reminds me of those old-style cartoons while being modern. The fanfics also have really helped me get into mlp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fusion X. Denver Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 I had to watch around 10 episodes or so because of a few bribes and bets I made with DL. I'm personally not a big fan of it and I haven't watched any of it voluntarily since, but I can see why people follow it. It did seem like a high quality cartoon on all aspects; it just didn't click with me personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpectralMaliceX Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 [quote name='Armadilloz' timestamp='1349125840' post='6035867'] Which episode? [/quote] Episode 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehmani Posted October 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 The whole premise certainly didn't thrill me, and I can say that I have at least watched a couple of episodes in an attempt to get some insight into its popularity. But even the supposed "cleverness" of the show failed to impress - having jokes that go over kids heads is normal in television now. I haven't watched Spongebob for four years, but it's better written than MLP and probably a fair bit more funny. The idea of someone liking MLP just doesn't make any logical sense. As cartoons go, it's as "high quality" as anything out there. It's inane and clearly intended for very young children, particularly girls. Scooby Doo is more mature than it. I'm still struggling to understand it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrooge Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 As I see it, its popularity was initially caused by a minority who linked said show to memes and/or captioned images which were considered succesful. The success of these images made people curious, eventually making the show known to a wider audience. From there, one can easily see what happens next. Does anyone agree or disagree? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shradow Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 I couldn't care less about irony or nonconformism, I just watch it because it's a good show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STVB Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 i first got into the show by watching youtube poops of it, at first i thought, "my little pony? what the hell is this s***? ive never seen it like this before" so i looked it up and saw the hype, and started watching. i thought the show would be very comedic, it has some funny stuff (mainly why pinkie pie is my favorite, shes so crazy and hyper its so hilarious) it really has changed and since lauren faust made it, i knew it had to be good. i mostly watch it because the show makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, all the friendship and stuff, and the cute characters. although ill admit some things get too girly at some points, good thing the show has spike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpectralMaliceX Posted October 1, 2012 Report Share Posted October 1, 2012 Can I point out Nightmare Moon is the best pony since sliced bread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shradow Posted October 2, 2012 Report Share Posted October 2, 2012 [quote name='SpectralMaliceX' timestamp='1349135451' post='6035981'] Can I point out Nightmare Moon is the best pony since sliced bread. [/quote] [url=http://dash.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/133167340597.png]Don't think so.[/url] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpectralMaliceX Posted October 2, 2012 Report Share Posted October 2, 2012 [quote name='Shradow' timestamp='1349152629' post='6036206'] [url=http://dash.ponychan.net/chan/files/src/133167340597.png]Don't think so.[/url] [/quote] You're wrong but that's your oppinion and I'll love and tolerate the stuffing out of it for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sleepy Posted October 2, 2012 Report Share Posted October 2, 2012 The show is not about being hipster, super-individualistic, or non-main stream. I think it's just a pretty decent show in it's own right. One of the first appeals to me, is being a cartoon. At least in my region, Nick only has Spongebob on regular times, and Nick@nite 90's cartoons on the weekends. Disney Channel has nothing, and generally anime have become non-existent on the TV (Pokemon being the only exception, but it's just..... bad). That leaves me with Cartoon Network to work with. To be honest, that "nostalgia" feel is a reason. and well, I guess, the jokes and parodies are good enough for me. I'm not sure what's "appealing/engaging enough" for others, but this one works for me. I can't say it's a "plot driven" show with a really clever story. It's more of a "slice of life" everyday stuff in a magical scenario. I must say, I don't get into MLP fics or memes much, mainly just fanart images. [spoiler=My thoughts when I started watching it] Back when I started watching it, I actually had no idea it had that big of a fanbase. The only thing I saw was 1 person's profile avatar. Which I thought looked sort of parody of the old show, "Rem & Stimpy"-Style. It was months later at DeviantArt that I saw a single piece of fanart, and the image's description said the name of the show. The pilot episodes I must say, were not "amazing". Nightmare Moon is too genericly evil, and does not present a real threat; being able to pretty much teleport, change forms, levitate things, and punish others, she decides to, uhh... try to make the main characters feel bad, and the obstacles were all easy. Twilight's realization was a bit embarrassing to watch, too. Though Twilight's annoyance throughout the rest of those episodes was enough for me to try a little more episodes and see what happened. There most likely wouldn't be more "evil villain" episodes, and I was curious to see what they were going to make with it. Also, it was certainly a step up from any previous MLP generation. [/spoiler] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shradow Posted October 2, 2012 Report Share Posted October 2, 2012 Also, what other cartoon is going to have Q as a big bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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