Why is MLP so popular?

[iironiic]

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

Disagree. I don't care what other people watch or like. If I like a show, I'm going to watch it, regardless of what other people think of it.

I never said the fandom was the reason why an individual likes the show. I only said that the fandom was a major reason for MLP's popularity...

[Spenner]

Originally Posted by Xiz

I mean within the mane 6 characters you have most positive traits you would find relatable, weather it be randomness, shyness, studious, sports fiend, etc etc. most people can relate in one way or another. I'm not sure. And no im not saying 'omg i wanna date these characters' look beyond that. im talking about how relatable they are. Thoughts?

So I guess what you're saying is, that in the same way someone might be attracted to tomboy features, tsundre traits, and all of those sort of spectrums of personality fetishes. Like being able to watch a bunch of the "shy quiet girls" that you always had a crush on that never talked to, all hanging out.

I think that's just a good decision on the director's part to construct characters people can actually connect with. I don't think that's at all unique to MLP though. I think that it's VERY similar in the way that someone who has an anime waifu might pull out the qualities of that main character they feel so strongly for.

I guess I think of it like this: someone could act a part to you their whole life. A lady could be acting shy, nervous, studious, just to please some of the people that have a draw to that sort of thing. But this could be all an act, and in an instant, she is no longer that person. I think that watching the show illustrates a real sense of believability that, for the time the show is playing, really pulls in the viewer and makes them believe in the chemistry of the characters. Of course, these are not real characters, and it is all an act. I think it's important to moderate TOO much of those emotional ties, the ones that get out of hand.

Then again, if you don't, this is exactly what they would want. The more people buying merchandise, DVDs, participating in events, publicizing, etc, the better for them :P I'm sure the producers of the show only have a problem with whatever sexual or overly romantic interpretations have unfolded. Because that's a bit weird. At least in animes a waifu character is generally in partially or fully intimate situations, so the believability to be in love with one of them is that much stronger/more realistic. Anyhow, just my 2 cents.

[FissionMailed1]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

I've seen a few episodes after staying up for too long (lol) and nickelodeon popped up on my tv and I can honestly say that I don't understand what is so exceptionally great about it that people would become obsessed with it on a massive scale.

You answered your own question in the first part of your post.

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

People give arguments such as "The storylines are great" and the "The art/animations are great", but to me that sounds as childish reasoning. They say it's great but never give a reasoning why it's great. It's the same as a kid saying "I like the color orange BECAUSE".

What are you expecting, exactly? You were given reasons, albeit subjective. Giving fine-grained reasoning for subjective reasoning is pointless.

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

If you break down these arguments and compare it side by side with other tv shows you'll see that the storylines use the same standard formulas as many other tv shows, the animations are ok but not exceptional and the art, while good-looking for its target audience, is made up of mass-production standardized assets (as is normal for a tv show)

It isn't any different from any other TV shows in this regard, like you said yourself. Why is Pokemon so popular? Why is Adventure time so popular?

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

that cater to a young audience with happy colors and big round shapes that are easily recognizable for kids, which is why I'm inclined to belief it's the controversy that's got people hooked despite them saying it's because of previously mentioned arguments.

See my previous post.

Originally Posted by iironiic

I never said the fandom was the reason why an individual likes the show. I only said that the fandom was a major reason for MLP's popularity...

It was the way you worded your post that lead me to believe otherwise.

[UserNameGoesHere]

Spenner, I don't think most of the fans actually have these kinds of bonds you are describing.

Sure, maybe some characters are a bit relatable or such, but I think most people realize it's just for fun. That it's an entertaining show and a fandom that thrives on creativity.

Even if you ask a fan who their favorite pony is or who their favorite ponies are, most likely they don't feel anything remotely like the bonds you've described. For example, I like Derpy Hooves and Vinyl Scratch best because Derpy has endless hilarious possibilities, and I just think Vinyl Scratch looks cool. It really is as simple as that.

[Nullifidian]

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

You answered your own question in the first part of your post.

It wasn't a question I posed, and what I said there was a personal viewpoint.

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

What are you expecting, exactly? You were given reasons, albeit subjective. Giving fine-grained reasoning for subjective reasoning is pointless.

The reasons given are "I like it cause I like it", which is a circular childish way of reasoning. You have to be able to support your opinions and reasoning for a subjective opinion is not pointless at all. Just because something is subjective does not mean you can't give reasons to why you think the way you think.

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

It isn't any different from any other TV shows in this regard, like you said yourself. Why is Pokemon so popular? Why is Adventure time so popular?

Pokemon also makes good use of shapes that appeal to children, light-hearted storylines that appeal to children and clever merchandising for children. Keyword is children. It deliberately targets children's psychology.
Have you watched any Pokémon lately? It's rehashing of rehashing of cliché storylines and simplified social interaction, something you would dismiss instantly nowadays if you had never seen pokémon before.

Adventure Time is targeted towards multiple age ranges. Basically there are the jokes adults understand but children ignore, and the jokes children understand and adults think are childish. I've watched Spongebob for example with my little stepsister before and I noticed that I laughed (or chuckled rather) at entirely different jokes than she did. I knew what she was laughing at and if I was her age I probably would've laughed too but I outgrew that kind of humor. It's like comparing fart jokes to stand up comedy, and shows like Adventure Time and Spongebob cleverly combine the equivalents of fart jokes and stand up comedy providing entertainment for different age groups. There's a lot of psychology involved in creating tv shows.

[Xiz]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

People who do not fall in the intended age range are welcome to like it too for whatever reasons they can think of, but getting weird looks from other people is an inevitable consequence which you will have to deal with (in any subject, some more extreme than others) if you choose to be open about it. Personally I don't see the appeal in a show that is banal in terms of complexity (social interaction between characters, cliché storylines, overly-exaggerated child-like emotional responses and childish humor) and I don't see why anyone who didn't grow up with the show in his younger years would like this as an adult either (nostalgia, rose-tinted glasses etc.) but I'm more than fine with people liking MLP as an individual. It is the fandom that takes things too far and corrupts a show that is great for kids.

There is a lot of truth here, but let me also share another view:

Granted, you are absolutely correct on how its breaking a social norm, however for the first time this show is breaking the boundaries of that social norm where Men can be soft, and can be passionate and dont have to live up to the stereotypical "Macho Tough Man" ideal. And you are absolutely correct on how there are certain individuals who take the fandom WAY out of hand, like those who attempt to wed the characters, or those who create porn of the show. But regardless, I wouldn't judge the entire community based on only a fraction. Also, never knew you sat down to watch a few episodes. Props to you for at least opening yourself up to see'n what it's all about, instead of hating it without knowing anything about it :P

Originally Posted by Spenner

So I guess what you're saying is, that in the same way someone might be attracted to tomboy features, tsundre traits, and all of those sort of spectrums of personality fetishes. Like being able to watch a bunch of the "shy quiet girls" that you always had a crush on that never talked to, all hanging out.........
........Then again, if you don't, this is exactly what they would want. The more people buying merchandise, DVDs, participating in events, publicizing, etc, the better for them :P I'm sure the producers of the show only have a problem with whatever sexual or overly romantic interpretations have unfolded. Because that's a bit weird. At least in animes a waifu character is generally in partially or fully intimate situations, so the believability to be in love with one of them is that much stronger/more realistic. Anyhow, just my 2 cents.

Correct. I mean at-least that is how I see it. Then again I am only one opinion. I mean, lets not look at MLP a second. One of the reasons why I love Adventure Time is just for how similar I am with Finn. We both share some similar characteristics. Due to it, I am in love with the show. Granted, he is not female, nor do I share any romantic interest with him, but he's someone who I guess I can relate with.

On a side note, im pretty sure everyone has had a cartoon crush one time or another. Not like a super sexual ' I'mma wreck your butt' thing, but you know like a cute small thing. Nothing really more. (I'd love to argue with someone about that haha)

EDIT: Perhaps I didn't phrase this correctly. I'm not saying these bonds are like super strong or whatever, but more of something that can get me into a character, and something that wants me to follow them and see how they progress through the seasons, I guess. Am I wording myself correctly? Sorry if I am not.

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

You answered your own question in the first part of your post.What are you expecting, exactly? You were given reasons, albeit subjective. Giving fine-grained reasoning for subjective reasoning is pointless. It isn't any different from any other TV shows in this regard, like you said yourself. Why is Pokemon so popular? Why is Adventure time so popular?
It was the way you worded your post that lead me to believe otherwise.

Fission, careful. Your statements are coming off a little harsh, even though I know your intentions. Try wording your statements differently, I don't want this to create any drama.

[FissionMailed1]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

It wasn't a question I posed, and what I said there was also a personal viewpoint.

I was just giving my two cents since you gave yours as well.

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

The reasons given are "I like it cause I like it", which is a circular childish way of reasoning. You have to be able to support your opinions and reasoning for a subjective opinion is not pointless at all. Just because something is subjective does not mean you can't give reasons to why you think the way you think.

I said it's pointless because the net result is the same. People are going to like what they like, and vice versa.

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

light-hearted storylines

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

Adventure Time is targeted towards multiple age ranges. Basically there are the jokes adults understand but children ignore, and the jokes children understand and adults think are childish. I've watched Spongebob for example with my little stepsister before and I noticed that I laughed (or chuckled rather) at entirely different jokes than she did. I knew what she was laughing at and if I was her age I probably would've laughed too but I outgrew that kind of humor. It's like comparing fart jokes to stand up comedy, and shows like Adventure Time and Spongebob cleverly combine the equivalents of fart jokes and stand up comedy providing entertainment for different age groups. There's a lot of psychology involved in creating tv shows.

I personally dislike both Adventure Time and Pokemon. I realize all of the reasons you gave me, and I posed this question to show exactly where the appeal of MLP comes from. These reasons that you gave are partly why MLP is as popular as it is.

[Herogashix]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

There's a lot of psychology involved in creating tv shows.

Psychology. Somehow talking ponies isn't psychologically harmful to children.

[Xiz]

Originally Posted by Herogashix

Psychology. Somehow talking ponies isn't psychologically harmful to children.

i lol'd

[Nullifidian]

Originally Posted by Xiz

There is a lot of truth here, but let me also share another view:

Granted, you are absolutely correct on how its breaking a social norm, however for the first time this show is breaking the boundaries of that social norm where Men can be soft, and can be passionate and dont have to live up to the stereotypical "Macho Tough Man" ideal. And you are absolutely correct on how there are certain individuals who take the fandom WAY out of hand, like those who attempt to wed the characters, or those who create porn of the show. But regardless, I wouldn't judge the entire community based on only a fraction. Also, never knew you sat down to watch a few episodes. Props to you for at least opening yourself up to see'n what it's all about, instead of hating it without knowing anything about it :P

Absolutely true about the macho tough man stereotype and that is commendable (although not exclusive to MLP), but that was not the social issue I was addressing. My point wasn't gender related, but age related. MLP's life lessons confronts children with basic life problems tailored specifically for children's psychological needs.

[FissionMailed1]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

My point wasn't gender related, but age related. MLP's life lessons confronts children with basic life problems tailored specifically for children's psychological needs.

I don't give a damn about this part of the show (the life lessons are clear as day and need not be stated) and I think most older fans don't either.

[Xiz]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

Absolutely true about the macho tough man stereotype and that is commendable (although not exclusive to MLP), but that was not the social issue I was addressing. My point wasn't gender related, but age related. MLP's life lessons confronts children with basic life problems tailored specifically for children's psychological needs.

Ah! My bad. And yeah, while age is absolutely still an issue (and as a 21 year old, I still sometimes wonder why I enjoy it so much)

...perhaps the "ignorance is bliss" phrase could be used here? I'm not sure, I'm trying to build up an argument for why ~ so bare with me. I mean, sometimes appreciating the simplicity of childhood is needed in adulthood, because that sometimes could refresh an individual and help appreciate the simpler things more? Even if it's something as stupid simple as "be kind to others and share!" Sometimes people really forget how important that shit is haha.
(I might edit this accordingly, I'm still trying to tackle this)

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

I don't give a damn about this part of the show (the life lessons are clear as day and need not be stated) and I think most older fans don't either.

Fission, stop. Please. Be respectful. And actually I do give a damn about it. Let's keep this thread civil. I'm glad this thread exists.

[Nullifidian]

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

I said it's pointless because the net result is the same. People are going to like what they like, and vice versa.

Defining your reasoning gives insight to others who do not understand and gives you more credibility as well as it's a more educated opinion.

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

I personally dislike both Adventure Time and Pokemon. I realize all of the reasons you gave me, and I posed this question to show exactly where the appeal of MLP comes from. These reasons that you gave are partly why MLP is as popular as it is.

You're in your full right to dislike both shows (although if you state why, you'll also give insight to other people as to why and strengthen your opinion). To each their own, but I don't see how these questions proved where the appeal of MLP comes from. Maybe I've watched the wrong MLP episodes or something, but I didn't see any humor that was tailored towards an adult audience. And I mean this as objectively as possible. I watched it with as little bias as was possible, ignoring the fact that I dislike certain types of humor etc. but the type of humor displayed in the show didn't reach any level of maturity.

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

I don't give a damn about this part of the show (the life lessons are clear as day and need not be stated) and I think most older fans don't either.

Not giving a damn about the psychology of the show only leaves aesthetic appeal up for the defense of your opinion. I'm not sure if this is what you want but ok lol

[Nullifidian]

Originally Posted by Xiz

Ah! My bad. And yeah, while age is absolutely still an issue (and as a 21 year old, I still sometimes wonder why I enjoy it so much)

...perhaps the "ignorance is bliss" phrase could be used here? I'm not sure, I'm trying to build up an argument for why ~ so bare with me. I mean, sometimes appreciating the simplicity of childhood is needed in adulthood, because that sometimes could refresh an individual and help appreciate the simpler things more? Even if it's something as stupid simple as "be kind to others and share!" Sometimes people really forget how important that shit is haha.
(I might edit this accordingly, I'm still trying to tackle this)

Now this is an opinion I can respect. I can understand why you'd want to go back to basics for a change so I have nothing against that. I think you worded it well too, so no need to edit it imo.

[iironiic]

Originally Posted by Xiz

Ah! My bad. And yeah, while age is absolutely still an issue (and as a 21 year old, I still sometimes wonder why I enjoy it so much)

...perhaps the "ignorance is bliss" phrase could be used here? I'm not sure, I'm trying to build up an argument for why ~ so bare with me. I mean, sometimes appreciating the simplicity of childhood is needed in adulthood, because that sometimes could refresh an individual and help appreciate the simpler things more? Even if it's something as stupid simple as "be kind to others and share!" Sometimes people really forget how important that shit is haha.
(I might edit this accordingly, I'm still trying to tackle this)

This is an understandable reason for someone to appreciate MLP. Respect for you!

I never had any connection with MLP in my childhood so I don't have any reason to appreciate MLP now. Not saying that it is a bad show or anything, but it is simply not my cup of tea, so I hope you respect this haha.

Fission, please rationalize your arguments. It just seems that you are reading the last sentence in everyone's arguments and responding to that without giving equal consideration to every sentence preceding that. I am still confused about how my wording is incorrect since I had no focus on people's interests of MLP in my argument lmfao.

[Razor]

I jerk off to pony tuplas.

[V-Ormix]

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

I personally dislike both Adventure Time and Pokemon.

why (just curio but wrong thread I suppose anyways)

[FissionMailed1]

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

You're in your full right to dislike both shows (although if you state why, you'll also give insight to other people as to why and strengthen your opinion). To each their own, but I don't see how these questions proved where the appeal of MLP comes from. Maybe I've watched the wrong MLP episodes or something, but I didn't see any humor that was tailored towards an adult audience. And I mean this as objectively as possible. I watched it with as little bias as was possible, ignoring the fact that I dislike certain types of humor etc. but the type of humor displayed in the show didn't reach any level of maturity.

It's mainly the references that get dropped that a younger viewer will never recognize. Also, some of the episodes are very weak and I disliked them myself.

Originally Posted by _.Spitfire._

Not giving a damn about the psychology of the show only leaves aesthetic appeal up for the defense of your opinion. I'm not sure if this is what you want but ok lol

That is what I want. I watch the show for a combination of the character's personalities and the "cute" factor. I'm not going to try to deny that, as shallow as it is.

[FissionMailed1]

Originally Posted by V-Ormix

why (just curio but wrong thread I suppose anyways)

I'll edit this post later, but I will answer this question. For now, I have to go to class.

[Nullifidian]

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

It's mainly the references that get dropped that a younger viewer will never recognize. Also, some of the episodes are very weak and I disliked them myself.

Ok, I can understand the reference issue although I don't agree with it. In this case ignorance is bliss would apply since the younger viewers lose nothing and the people who get the references gain an extra inside joke. However, the second sentence is again just as generic of an opinion as saying "I like it" and gives no insight on why.

Originally Posted by FissionMailed1

That is what I want. I watch the show for a combination of the character's personalities and the "cute" factor. I'm not going to try to deny that, as shallow as it is.

That falls under the psychology side of the show..