Written Analysis 4

Written Analysis 4

Taylor Alexandria Carroll

Popular Culture

Professor Garey

4/30/2016

Written Analysis 4

            Formulas. This theory ties our genres together in a never-ending spiral of similarities. The cartoon My Little Pony is not exempt from this rule. The character, story lines, and hero roles are quite similar to the tales of adventure, romance, and peril told throughout generations. These similarities are seen in My Little Pony in many of the episodes. Several episodes are able to be analyzed, and you are able to easily find the links between them. The heroes are generic once their defining personality features are removed. Heroes are incredible similar once you get down to their cores. You are also able to discover the link between the core values associated with all genres. Dissection of the episodes reveals they are all built around the same few values.

            The My Little Pony franchise is based around one core theme, and formula. This is the idea that friendship prevails, and good can always triumph over evil. Many of their episodes deal with problems that can only be solved through a heroic action, or the defeat of an ultimate evil. This formula is seen in many children's shows, and seems to be a common "road map" for storytellers to want to follow. This may be because they believe the formula works for younger audiences, or even those who want to find a more lighthearted story. However, many different genres have the hero as an unbeatable force after the formula's path has been fulfilled.

            This formula of having a clear line between the hero and villains is a common idea. However, this is what makes many genres unique. My Little Pony became popular through their devotion to the hero and villain genre. Fans enjoy the repetition, and  have grown to rely on the feel good genre.

References

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of popular culture: A reader. Madison, WI: University of   Wisconsin Press.

C., B. (2015, April 27). The History of My Little Pony. Retrieved April 06, 2016, from             https://www.shoutfactory.com/editorials/the-history-of-my-little-pony

Petracca, M., & Sorapure, M. (1998). Common culture: Reading and writing about American popular culture. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Truitt, B. (2012, November 26). 'My Little Pony' plants a hoof in pop culture. Retrieved April 06, 2016, from http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2012/11/26/my-little-pony/1725375/