Written Analysis 5

Written Analysis 5

Taylor Alexandria Carroll

Popular Culture

Professor Garey

5/3/2016

Written Analysis 5

            During my research on the fandom and popular culture phenomenon of the television show My Little Pony I found the stereotype theory to be the most interesting. If you recall, the stereotypes I covered were the appearance of fans, the gender or sexuality of fans, and the conduct of fans. While some of these stereotypes were proven true, it was much more likely for them to be disproven. This feeds the theory that stereotypes are just what they appear to be. Stereotypes. This blanket theory places seemingly normal people into a twisted web of exaggeration and lies. While it may be true that some members of the brony fandom may fit into the stereotype, it is unfair to place all bronies into that same cliché.

            I believe the most interesting findings from my analyzes was the statistics I found. During my research I found that 84 percent of bronies identified as heterosexual, which challenged the notion that fans of My Little Pony are homosexual. Another statistic was bronies are predominantly male. Through my research I found that 86 percent of bronies were male. However, there are also female and non-gender conforming fans in the fandom. Another interesting finding was realization that My Little Pony was purposefully following the formula theory. This theory states that all media has a common theme that ties them together, and only the unique characters, story lines, and genres separate them. When I analyzed the My Little Pony cartoon, I found that the popular television show was not exempt from this theory. In fact, they seemed to follow the hero formula quite closely. This was proven when the characters had to overcome evils to protect their friends, way of life, and society.

            The My Little Pony show and fandom has been brought into a whole new light for myself. I have discovered new facts, theories, and statistics about a very new popular culture topic. I believe I will find new value in the My Little Pony show and fandom as a popular culture topic. Several of my friends enjoy the show, art, and voice actors. Because of this, I will attempt to continue to understand the interesting fascination with these colorful cartoon ponies.

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/