Sometimes, a TV show is so well-executed, and so relevant to contemporary life, that it strikes an almost universal chord within the culture.
Take My Little Pony.
Once a 1980’s cartoon that served as medication for 7-year-old girls, the show has been rebooted in the 21st century,
and found a new audience – 30-year-old dudes.
Called “Bronies”, these men spend their time creating fan fiction, video mashups and pony art – tributes to this show that speaks to the triumphs and tragedies of modern life. In a candy-colored fantasy world.
One twentysomething – who writes a Pony blog that could be mistaken for a fifth grade girl’s locker door – admits that it might seem a bit odd that grown, and shockingly, single men would develop a passion for purple and yellow ponies with names like Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. “I can’t believe I’m walking down the pink aisle at Toys R Us,” he commented.
I can understand his surprise, given that legally, he’s probably not allowed within 2000 feet of a schoolyard or toy store.
Yet, at the same time, isn’t it kind of great that these guys have found a creative outlet for emotions that might otherwise be expressed in ways that result in stints at Attica? Many of us have frustrations, repressed feelings and insecurities that we deal with in ways far less benign than proclaiming our love for Fluttershy, the female Pegasus.
As such, I’ve decided to embrace the Brony way of life. Of course, since I’m gay, the creative outlets will naturally take a slightly different course. I plan to begin creating Broadway fan fiction (superhero Stephen Sondheim swooping in to stop Andrew Lloyd Webber from doing another Phantom prequel), gay video mashups (Lady Gaga singing Nearer My God to Thee to the holy trinity, Judy/Barbra/Liza) and Prada art.
Wow, I’m already feeling more centered and whole. Thanks, my little bronies.