I like My Little Pony. Get over it, dad

S

SunkistLilacs

Guest
So I've been watching My Little Pony since 2011. I did watch it back when G3 was on the go, but I grew out of it by third grade. In April 2013, I actually started to collect the toys, and my very first pony was Sunny Rays. At first, my dad was okay with it because like always, he thought it was some teenage phase. But recently, hes been very critical, rude, and been a downright bad father about it. I know its a bit different for a 14 year old boy to be collecting My Little Ponies, but the stuff hes said about me is horrible. Hes told me that I need to get over this "Little girl fetish", to "stop acting like a f**", and hes also said that he would much rather me be sad, lonely and have nothing to do, then be happy, and have my ponies. My best friend likes MLP too, were also the same age, so when I asked my dad why he dosen't say anything about her collecting ponies, his response was "Because she's a girl". In my opinion, gender shouldn't define what a person should, and shouldn't like. I've always been a very happy, strong person by default, so this dosen't make me sad or anything, I'm still happy as can be, it just annoys me that hes so critical and rude about it. No matter what my dad says, I will continue to collect, and watch My Little Pony. It is the one thing in my life besides my (good) family and friends, that makes me truly happy. I know its just a cartoon, and pieces of plastic to most people including my father, but to me its much more than that. Its happiness :smilepony:
 
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While I completely agree your father is WAY out of line and shouldn't speak or act like that, I do also understand where his concern is coming from. Its difficult for many people to accept when boys play with "girl" toys and sometimes even vice versa. When you get upset about what he is saying, that may just be reinforcing his fears.

What you might try is a bit of a compromise. Next time your dad gets angry or says anything, you might say something like,

"Dad, I'm enjoying this hobby for right now. It's something my friend and I have in common and can do together. As I get older, my interests and my hobbies will most likely change. I understand you don't approve of the ponies but I would appreciate if you took it less seriously and just let me have some fun with it."
----

I understand that it is often hard for your age group to compromise. Not because you don't want to but because you are really beginning to develop a strong sense of self, thinking about who you are and who you want to be. It's hard when people tell you they don't want you to act or do the things that you feel are part of what defines you.

Ponies may be part of your life FOREVER from here on out and they may not. Perhaps the best thing for both you and your dad would be to acknowledge this is just a hobby and cool the fire. Because your dad should be more concerned about your school grades and general future. Allow him a way to not concentrate on this small part of your life (ponies) by explaining it's a hobby and that YOU realize there are more important things out there.

I hope that made sense. I don't think you should have to stop liking something but for the sake of others, you might just have to try to moderate your interest while they are around. Again, I know that is hard but that is just part of, not only being a teenager and learning balance, but learning to live peacefully with someone whether that be a parent or a roommate further down the line!

ETA- Wanted to add that the title of your post is incorrect. Your father doesn't hate you because of MLP. Your father loves you and is worried about you and your future because of MLP. He is expressing it in a less than constructive and in a harmful way. You guys aren't on the same wave-length here and that's okay. But don't think he hates you- I know that just isn't the case!
 
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Love means supporting someone even when you don't understand... and perhaps he needs to be reminded of this.

There are no "girl toys" or "boy toys" there are only possibilities. And it angers me to no end when people feel the need to pigeon hole someone based on their assigned sex or gender. :madpony: I truly am sorry that you are having to face such bigotry. Times are changing, things ARE getting better. But some folk still don't get it.

Know that you have a ton of support here, and likely elsewhere as well. Sometimes we just need to search for it. It's worth it once we've found it though. And a "family by choice" is a wonderful and amazing thing. (((hugs)))
 
I agree with everything Aadra just said, listen to her, she is very wise. :smilepony:
 
my dad doesn't mind as long as it doesn't get in the way of school, my music practices and as long as the ponies don't take up too much space. I'm 13 and i'm a guy...one of my friends collects mlp too...she's a girl... i have a bigger collection than her:LOL::LOL::LOL:
 
aaaww I'm sorry. :cry2: I can kinda understand where you Dad is coming from, but it's not hurting anything for you to be into ponies. Ponies are fun, and it shouldn't be a big deal. Who knows, you may grow out of it, maybe you won't. All that matters is that you enjoy them and they make you happy. I guess just try to enjoy them and try to show your Dad that it's not hurting anything to like ponies. :smilepony:
 
ilikebothg1andg4ponies said:
my dad doesn't mind as long as it doesn't get in the way of school, my music practices and as long as the ponies don't take up too much space. I'm 13 and i'm a guy...one of my friends collects mlp too...she's a girl... i have a bigger collection than her:LOL::LOL::LOL:
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I have a bigger collection than my friend, too :cool:
 
sweetiebabyfizzy said:
I guess just try to enjoy them and try to show your Dad that it's not hurting anything to like ponies. :smilepony:
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That's right on the money! :satisfied:

When my folks first heard of bronies they said it sounded creepy (I'm a stock standard girl who collects G1s, BTW, but I still can't stand people hating on stuff that seriously doesn't hurt anyone), but then, just by coincidence, there was an article on the front page of the paper which was all about guys who love FiM. After reading it, my parents both seem very cool with the whole thing. They seem to appreciate the good points of the fandom now.
Have a goosey! Brony spectacle signals acceptance of 'different kinds' of masculinity

I think there's a great deal of security in being able to say "Everybody does it". Maybe your Dad would like this article too :smilepony:
 
Hang in there, SunkistLilacs. :) There are several ideas that people hold that deserve to be challenged: 1) That there are things for "boys" and things for "girls". 2) That there is something *inherently* wrong with "boys" liking "girly" things. 3) That non-destructive hobbies are something to judge people over.

I've grown weary over people's attitudes myself. Half of my interests were too "manly" for people,ie my interest in military stuff, tanks, jets, etc. My other interests were too "girly" for others,ie Fashion,Ponies, Dolls. And as a Trekkie, I'm an automatic loser. I've even had anime friends -guys that were *totally* into Sailor Moon and Card Captor Sakura - look at me askance for liking FiM.Why does the Brony shirt featuring Rainbow Dash that Mom got me last XMas (thanks Mom! :smilepony:) draw comments from a meeting full of men wearing t-shirts from anime, from military units they were never a part of, and football jerseys with another man's name-and-number on the back? Newsflash, Humans: we are *all* nerds about something! :LOL:

I think Sparkey has a good idea with the article she linked. Maybe you can get your Dad to take a look?
 
DavidC said:
Hang in there, SunkistLilacs. :) There are several ideas that people hold that deserve to be challenged: 1) That there are things for "boys" and things for "girls". 2) That there is something *inherently* wrong with "boys" liking "girly" things. 3) That non-destructive hobbies are something to judge people over.

I've grown weary over people's attitudes myself. Half of my interests were too "manly" for people,ie my interest in military stuff, tanks, jets, etc. My other interests were too "girly" for others,ie Fashion,Ponies, Dolls. And as a Trekkie, I'm an automatic loser. I've even had anime friends -guys that were *totally* into Sailor Moon and Card Captor Sakura - look at me askance for liking FiM.Why does the Brony shirt featuring Rainbow Dash that Mom got me last XMas (thanks Mom! :smilepony:) draw comments from a meeting full of men wearing t-shirts from anime, from military units they were never a part of, and football jerseys with another man's name-and-number on the back? Newsflash, Humans: we are *all* nerds about something! :LOL:

I think Sparkey has a good idea with the article she linked. Maybe you can get your Dad to take a look?
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Wow... you sound just like me :surprisepony: Half of my room was Military, and Hockey, while the other half was Sailormoon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and My Little Pony :satisfied:
 
There are all sorts of collectors and males seem to be alot more common thanks to the FiM cartoon. I know a few college aged guys who are totally into MLP.

I guess I am the oppoosite. Im a girl but I am not into "girly" things and I tend to be the only female in my graduate school courses (working on a MA in military history - which is aparently, a "male" thing). When I was a kid I played with little green army men instead of Barbie, loved TMNT, Thundercats, ect. I perfer anime/movies with action and adventure as opposed to romance and silly girl stuff. I have ponies next to action figures from Yu Yu Hakusho and Rurouni Kenshin.
 
DavidC said:
Hang in there, SunkistLilacs. :) There are several ideas that people hold that deserve to be challenged: 1) That there are things for "boys" and things for "girls". 2) That there is something *inherently* wrong with "boys" liking "girly" things. 3) That non-destructive hobbies are something to judge people over.

I've grown weary over people's attitudes myself. Half of my interests were too "manly" for people,ie my interest in military stuff, tanks, jets, etc. My other interests were too "girly" for others,ie Fashion,Ponies, Dolls. And as a Trekkie, I'm an automatic loser. I've even had anime friends -guys that were *totally* into Sailor Moon and Card Captor Sakura - look at me askance for liking FiM.Why does the Brony shirt featuring Rainbow Dash that Mom got me last XMas (thanks Mom! :smilepony:) draw comments from a meeting full of men wearing t-shirts from anime, from military units they were never a part of, and football jerseys with another man's name-and-number on the back? Newsflash, Humans: we are *all* nerds about something! :LOL:

I think Sparkey has a good idea with the article she linked. Maybe you can get your Dad to take a look?
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AMEN.:smilepony:
 
It's something that I think the "older" generation has yet to get used to. (I'm going to be 37 in two months) I'm plenty open to the male collectors and fans, but others (like your dad) clearly have a bit of stuff to get used to. Times are changing, and you either change with the times or get left behind.

I work in a middle school, and since I'm not a teacher, I can wear whatever (within boundaries), and some of those items are MLP shirts. I was wearing my MLP tank top late last week, and I walked into the office and a boy complimented me on my shirt! I'm so used to getting compliments from the girls that for THAT reason, it took me by surprise. I thanked him and walked out of the office, smiling.

My point in telling you that is that it may take some getting used to, but in time, it probably won't even concern your dad. There are bigger fish to fry, so to speak. :)
 
DavidC said:
I think Sparkey has a good idea with the article she linked. Maybe you can get your Dad to take a look?
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:LOL::LOL::LOL:

How funny is it about the military stuff, though? I also collect militaria... well, bits of old German uniforms, anyway. My favourite thing is a refurbished Stahhelm from WW1 :D
Nerds will be nerds?
 
A Stahlhelm? Sweet! :tongue: The only life-size thing I have is a reproduction V-42 Dagger as carried by the First Special Service Force in WW2. I have tons of military scale models and wargames though. We should star a military history thread in Off Topic!
 
DavidC said:
A Stahlhelm? Sweet! :tongue: The only life-size thing I have is a reproduction V-42 Dagger as carried by the First Special Service Force in WW2. I have tons of military scale models and wargames though. We should star a military history thread in Off Topic!
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Naw. I only have a few things. It's not much to talk about. :tongue:
 
Don't worry. You got support from your pony friends! :smilepony:
 
You've gotten some great advice! I hope it helps make you feel better. While your father is out of line, he does need to remember things are never black and white. No 'girl' toys, no 'boy' toys. Only toys for all to enjoy regardless of gender or age!

My son is 19, and has a substantial collection of ponies. Otherwise he lives and breathes zombies, war and guns. While my niece and 2 nephews lived here, we got them obsessed with ponies. One nephew is 14. He worried his mum would disapprove, but when she saw his ponies she merely asked would he share! Heck, even my 72 year ol mum loves them. It can become a family affair!

While I somehow doubt your father will become a Brony, I do hope he tries to be a little more supportive.
 
Thanks!

Thank you all so much for the support! It really means alot to me that people care :smilepony:
 
The advice your getting is great and there isn't really anything I can add! Your Dad just needs to see that there shouldn't be 'girls' toys and 'boys' toys and anyone should be able to like what they want as long as they don't harm anyone. I am a huge fan of MLP, Sonic, Friends, Doctor Who, Vocaloid, Simpsons, Pokemon, Mario and Gravity Falls so to some I would probably come off as the living definition of nerd. But my parents don't care, heck my dad loves half of that stuff like DW, Simpsons, Friends, Sonic and Mario and the stuff he doesn't he accepts. I have friends who like at least some of that stuff and for things like MLP I can talk online to other nice people! I am known around school as that Sonic and Chandler Bing fangirl, lol.
Just be yourself.... god, I am starting to sound like an afterschool special...
 
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