Am I now A Brony?

5-24-16

Hi eveyone,

As some of you are aware, I've been doing my fair share of collecting Some MLP : FIM stuff, mostly The first three seasons on DVD, with 4 and 5 to come next. Some Plushies, figures, a Journal of Two Sisters book, a drinking cup and some Power Ponies, just to name a few.

However, despite all that, one question is constanly asked, "Am I now a brony?"

Well to answer that, I would have say perhaps I am, but not to the extent, that I watch the show daily or have more MLP : FIM Mech. than I do anything else. As matter of fact, my Transformers, Sonic and yes even Frozen Collection, kind of overshadows my MLP : FIM collection in a huge a way.
But am I brony? Yes, in a way perhaps I am.

But you must understand something, just because I might be, doesn't mean I will go and admit it to everyone I know, because some folks will still probably not understand. And I know I'm not the only one in that majority.

The reason being, is because most peoples eyes, MLP : FIM as still a franchise and animated show aimed at little girls and that's about it.  What they don't understand, is just like when they and we were kids and watched cartoons like The G1 versions of MLP, Transformers, G.I. JOE and JEM, that the sole reason for the shows was to sell us as kids on the toys they were based on, nothing else.  
MLP : FIM seems to have gone beyond that with the storylines, characters, songs that have been done in such a phenomenal way, that it has exceeded that original intended audience and broken down the barriers of what is a show for girls, and made a show for everyone to enjoy.
However, sometimes to enjoy a franchise like FIM, sometimes you have to enjoy it in a very subtle way, for example, if you have something like Netflix, add it your list of shows to watch, but at your time, mostly when others (who may not understand) are not around or are busy with something else.

Now those, that even as you read this may still not understand why a franchise like this has such wide appeal to everyone of almost every age and gender, is because like pointed out eariler, they still view as franchise originally intended for young girls (and perhaps boys) and no one else.
And the proof they have for this, is well a few, mostly two, : 1, where are the MLP : FIM Toys located at in stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Toysrus, etc..?, If you sais the "girls section", you're right on the money. 2. Where are the MLP : FIM Clothing mech located at in retail stores? Again, if you said the "girls section" you'd be right.
You see, that is the proof that those that don't understand will point too and say that you shouldn't be a fan of this franchise, because if you are, it makes you a (insert distastful name here).  
Which goes back to the question I'm asked of "Am I a Brony?" And as I said, perhaps I am, but like some, I'm very subtle/low-key about it.  And I know I'm not the only one, I mean why do you think some facebook MLP : FIM groups are either closed or secret, because they know like I mentioned here, some just will not understand the overall mass appeal of this franchise.

However I will say this, in 2017 when the 7th season (and they will be one no doubt) debuts, and the movie comes out later that year, the fanbase will have grown beyond 20% cooler in growth, but when the movie arrives in the theaters, if those that look at this show/franchise as just something for young girls and perhaps boys, and will expect that kind of audience in theaters on opening weekend, better think again.
Because I can almost bet, that most of those opening weekend audiences will the bronies, pegasisters and overall fans of all ages and genders attending those showings, which no doubt will get massive media coverage because of that and show that franchise can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter who you are.

But in closing, let me say this, I might have become a brony, but I've become a very subtle/low-key brony.  Which I'm cool with.

Thanks all for reading and understanding this.
-Brian Walmer