My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic/Any Philosophical Bronies?

[MysterionMuffles]

Yeah you read that correctly. For those who don't know, there's this huge phenomenon where teenage to middle aged men (and of course some adult females) are becoming die hard fans of the kids cartoon My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Although aimed towards little girls, there's a huge appreciation coming from such an unintended audience who are now creating remixes of the show's music and are also generating original animation in its style, art, and fan fiction. Anything you can think of, there is original content created based on the show. These people call themselves "Bronies" or "Pegasisters" and are pushing some comfort boundaries in society mainly because...for crap's sake the show is intended for little girls!

 

So you wonder, why is there such a huge following in the adult demographic? The easiest way I can put it is by comparing it to Disney Pixar movies like Toy Story. They are intended for little kids, but there's something meaningful to the script writing that is also mature, honest and intelligent on a level that even adults can connect with. Sometimes it's the adults who are the only ones who can pick up on the more personal themes presented, at least on a conscious level.

 

Basically, My Little Pony in its exterior looks just like any other kids cartoon, but if you watch it with an open mind--even if it doesn't turn out to be your cup of tea--you could still at least appreciate its unique art style, and the production value of the animation despite it being Flash. For those who decide to dig deeper, they can even appreciate the sense of humour and philosophical lessons taught within the context of friendship being "magic." And the best thing about is that it's not even as girly as you would expect where all the ponies just sit around and have tea all day while talking about the boys they like. They actually tackle some social issues, get into some serious conflicts as well as delve into self knowledge. I shit you not, FDR, this is one of the rare few cartoons where you could even find character development, which is also one of the bigger reasons why people are so drawn to it.

 

Of course such a group is under scrutiny by the likes of Fox News and other judgemental media that assume it's part of some hidden pedophile agenda or vast conversion to homosexuality, or just plain lack of maturity in the adult audience of the show. I think Bronies and Pegasisters are pretty brave people to remain comfortable with their interest in the show (the toylines is pushing it, but thats just my own personal bias), and are changing social norms without even taking action! They just BE who they are without much of a care what other people think.

 

I wanted to know if anyone else on this board enjoys this show, or has seen it and disliked it, or if anyone had any idea about it at all. I'm also interested if people could debunk the psychology and rationality behind it to be some sort of mental dysfunction, or hell if it's even a positive thing that this things going on and it is absolutely okay to enjoy something so simple, yet so profound.

[DaisyAnarchist]

Well-said.

I love this show, no shame. I picked it up after reading several reviews of it like this. People are excited about a show made for a toyline for little girls? That piqued my curiosity. The quality in MLP:FiM is leagues better than the original My Little Pony series and the characters are a lot of fun. Faust set out to appeal to a wider demographic and succeeded. 

I don't think adults watching it have to have any kind of mental problems or that the show itself could cause problems. The show puts out decent, level messages and has a good sense of humor, so to me it is not surprising that older people are watching it. There may be a few creeps here and there that watch it for their own nefarious pleasures, but I doubt it's significantly more for this show. I think the older male demographic comes from the fact that MLP has a sense of humor that surprisingly appeals to them. Like, they went in expecting girly antics and corny messages, and instead got Rainbow Dash's rainbow nuke. Or something like that.

I really like the witty dialogue and range of expressions. Crisp animation, dimensional characters, relatable messages. It's an all-around great show.

[MysterionMuffles]

Tis tis. Ugh...those creeps who rule 34 them is what drove me far away from it at first. Also not to mention the arrogant Bronies who are too in your face about it. But those are all pretty rare in number compared to genuine fans, whether they adhere to the label or not. I personally don't because it's kind of limitting.

I almost wish it was my after school cartoon when I was growing up. And to think of all the hours I wasted on Dragon Ball Z where it took 3 episodes for a guy to charge up one powerful move. ONE powerful move that could devastate an entire city into pieces, but would still not be enough to manage a scratch on the current bad guy they all had to fight at a collective unit.

I guess that's why I'm so comfortable watching it now as an adult, I know that it would have made me less about macho bravado bullshit if I got into it as a kid. I was never one to care what people thought anyway, especially since I even liked Sailor Moon. Hell, it afforded me conversation with a cute girl in my class back then anyway! Besides, I tend to find female driven narrative to be more interesting for some reason I can't explain. If it's done right, it can have a pretty deep introspective on relationships, which is yet another selling point of MLP: FiM, the way the characters all relate to each other in their own unique and individual ways amongst the Mane 6.

[Mick Bynes]

Well said.  I was once a brony a little over a year ago, now I'm not.  I do like watching it from time to time.  

 

I made a topic about this a while ago: http://board.freedomainradio.com/forums/t/37935.aspx

[Heath Long]

Are you all young? How do the females in your lives feel about this? I am sure my wife, if I chose to watch this show, would not leave me...but had I been a Bronie when we met, I am not sure we would have children together today. I am not trying to be a prick, but being a Bronie and courting females seem to be at odds. Of course, you could not care at this point, which is perfectly fine. I may be in the minority when I say, I was always courting someone when in my youth and still want my wife to find me attractive.

You do not have to be a dumb jock, smashing beer bottles on your head. And maybe something has changed about girls in recent years that I do not know. But I think that as a male, you may be limiting your potential female companions to a precariously low fraction of the population as a Bronie. Again, I may be missing something, and it is more likely that you do not care...but if you do...

[Mick Bynes]

Actually, there's quite a lot of straight men in the brony community.  I know, because I used to be a part of the community.  I happen to be gay (there's some LGBT bronies out there, but I think there's more straight ones), however I met many heterosexual guys in that community.  Of course, many of them were single and had a hard time finding a woman.  Of course that's like with any of those kind of communities.  I have a feeling that some guys have actually found their future wives in the brony community.  

 

Many assume all men into MLP: FiM are all gay.  On the contrary, a vast amount of the guys are straight.  Sure many of them may not ever have a real good relationship, but I know there's definitely some who have met their girlfriends in the brony community and in due time, they will marry and have children. 

[Heath Long]

I just checked with my wife, and it turns out that she would leave me if I became a Bronie. So would my daughter.

I am making a joke...kind of. What my wife thinks is of no importance to anyone but me, but as a very small female sample, she was turned off instantly. Of course, a younger female might feel differently in today's climate. Maybe a Bronie man is an attractive alternative to today's pornified male? Maybe the Bronie is an outcome of the modern feminization of the male. Maybe it represents the final product of the feminist ideal? I am throwing out ideas.

As an aside, there appears to be a rather ugly pedofile subculture in the Bronie community. This is according to the comments section I  articles I read this morning on the topic. 

[MysterionMuffles]

I'm not a Brony, though I do love the show and its music, and I am also a Libertarian...I think my chances of finding a woman are even more stumped, lest I hold back from revealing these critical aspects of my self lol. Being a fan of MLP and being a Libertarian is like the new gay. I'd have to come out with it at some point if I did happen to find a woman to date and have not told her about these things I hold dear.

 

But you know what? Any woman who would criticize for having either interests with a complete narrow mindedness would be instant red flags anyway. Because I think what truly makes a man is being comfortable with what he enjoys (as long as it doesn't harm anyone else). I have a friend whom I play Dungeons and Dragons with, AND he's THE Dungeon Master of our campaign. At first glance he does act and look like a complete nerd, but he still manages to work out a lot and get a girlfriend. 

What makes the Brony movement so interesting is that it uncovers what really isn't mutually exclusive to each  other. Like the stigma that if you play Dungeons and Dragons, you can't get a girl in real life so you resort to flirting with them in the game...even though it's your own dude friend who is acting as a girl.

[DaisyAnarchist]

I can speak from the female's point of view here. I knew of "bronies" before I myself became a fan of the show, and didn't think it was that weird for males to enjoy the show. I was actually pleasantly surprised, because not many men admit to liking cute or girly things. I get annoyed with men who have to do traditional manly things and draw such a bold line between what's okay for men to like. I might have also been accepting because I heard other people praising the show for its quality and basically believed them before I saw it. And when I watched the show, it confirmed what others had told me about it. If the show is good, the show is good. I wouldn't spend time worrying about what women will think of you when you genuinely appreciate a high-quality cartoon. Keep in mind that there are probably a decent number of women your age or thereabouts that also enjoy the show. 

[Heath Long]

Daisy, you can speak from a female's point of view. I am certain that you do not speak for all females.

I think there is a distinction between a Brony and someone who finds the cartoon to have value. I can appreciate a Georgia O'Keeffe painting without feeling uncomfortable...bad example.

Identifying quality is one thing. Making a lifestyle around My Little Pony or GI Joe or Barbie might be cause for self examination. I am not saying it is bad, but it might be a clue that something deeper is present.

[MysterionMuffles]

Heath, let me ask you one fundamental question: What makes you uncomfortable with the fact that adult men--and women--are in love with this show?

Have you watched an episode for yourself yet? (I suggest a Rainbow Dash episode like Read it and Weep or Sonic Rainboom, to see just how ungirly it really is)

Forget the common comments you read from articles about it. I read the articles before watching the show and I really thought it was part of some pedophile agenda, but after watching the show and even the documentary about Bronies, it's easy to see that it's all just propaganda to turn people away from what could possibly provide philosophy and entertainment in one of the simplest forms out there right now.

I may be digging too deep here, but I think MLP contains some philosophical elements to it like UPB and NAP. It's really weird, for a concept based on being kind to people and whatnot, it's not that fruity as one would expect lol.

[Mick Bynes]

 

I may be digging too deep here, but I think MLP contains some philosophical elements to it like UPB and NAP. It's really weird, for a concept based on being kind to people and whatnot, it's not that fruity as one would expect lol.

 

I agree, it does indeed have Universally Preferable Behavior and the Non Aggression Principle.  You're absolutely right.

[MysterionMuffles]

lol best example of UPB is the Bad Seed episode where the Cutie Mark Crusaders recognized that they became bullies after being bullied by Babs. 

NAP example would be...well...any Fluttershy based episode

[Heath Long]

What could possibly make me uncomfortable with grown men acting like babies talking about the magic of friendship? Being a libertarian, I am all for grown men doing whatever they please, within the confines of the NAP. However, I do not have to like all behaviors. I do not have to live as if all behaviors are equal. All behaviors are free to be expressed, but the existence of a behavior does not make that behavior worthy of praise. Christians are free live according to faith, but I do not have to say that Christianity is wonderful even while knowing that living according to faith vs. living according to reason and reality is superior when truth is a value.

Let's not pretend there is not a pedophile element with Bronies. I am not saying it is a majority but I am saying that it is disproportionately high, and there is plenty of evidence found in a rudimentary Internet search. This does not make you one, or your friends for that matter, and I do not intend to imply guilt by association. I am just asking you to not be blind to your own community like a Catholic might be.

I have never said the show is bad. I do not care. If Steph himself was a writer on the show, I would probably still not watch, although I might encourage my 2 year old daughter. I simply could not be less interested in magical ponies.

i have noticed that y'all Bronies are pretty fierce defenders of the community. Good for you. Please do not forget that we can agree about your freedom of expression without endorsing or condoning what is expressed.

[Mick Bynes]

 

lol best example of UPB is the Bad Seed episode where the Cutie Mark Crusaders recognized that they became bullies after being bullied by Babs. 

NAP example would be...well...any Fluttershy based episode

 

 

Yeah, I really like the Bad Seed episode a lot.  It's an excellent episode and it has the best example of UPB.

[MysterionMuffles]

 

What could possibly make me uncomfortable with grown men acting like babies talking about the magic of friendship? Being a libertarian, I am all for grown men doing whatever they please, within the confines of the NAP. However, I do not have to like all behaviors. I do not have to live as if all behaviors are equal. All behaviors are free to be expressed, but the existence of a behavior does not make that behavior worthy of praise. Christians are free live according to faith, but I do not have to say that Christianity is wonderful even while knowing that living according to faith vs. living according to reason and reality is superior when truth is a value.

Let's not pretend there is not a pedophile element with Bronies. I am not saying it is a majority but I am saying that it is disproportionately high, and there is plenty of evidence found in a rudimentary Internet search. This does not make you one, or your friends for that matter, and I do not intend to imply guilt by association. I am just asking you to not be blind to your own community like a Catholic might be.

I have never said the show is bad. I do not care. If Steph himself was a writer on the show, I would probably still not watch, although I might encourage my 2 year old daughter. I simply could not be less interested in magical ponies.

i have noticed that y'all Bronies are pretty fierce defenders of the community. Good for you. Please do not forget that we can agree about your freedom of expression without endorsing or condoning what is expressed.

 

Ok, if grown men were to act like babies, then that wouldn't entirely be a bad thing because babies are gentle and kind. Babies are also curious about their environment, absorb it entirely and test its empirical provisions as well as limitations to no end. Isn't this why we're Libertarians and philosophers? To conduct our interactions with peace and understanding? To conduct our interactions with reason and evidence?

Where is your evidence that supports the idea that there's a pedophile element with Bronies? Fan fiction writers, fan artists and fan musicians who remix the show's music --mostly grown men--have met with the 13 year old voice actresses who do the children's voices on the show, and it's just like any other meet and greet with people who admire each other for their craft and the circulation of inspiration.

There's

 where they were asked what they thought about Bronies, and they weren't flattered about the fandom in any sexual or weirded out way that had anything to do pedophilia. I really thought they would say something along those lines, but they didn't. They did think it was weird for grown men to enjoy the show at first, but welcomed it because not only was it an unexpected fandom, but also because of the original content they're able to generate.

MLP portrays a lot of philosophical significance in a way that doesn't talk down on kids, rather shows them through realistic conflicts.Yeah, a show with non human characters can be realistic in the way the characters feel towards each other. I can honestly say that the relationships in MLP are much more mature and realistic than the ones found in the Twilight saga.

Not a fan of Twilight, but even I was open minded enough to see what the craze was about, and despite of how much I hate how Twilight for perpetuating the acceptance abusive relationships, I can see why it had wide appeal. Some people just like to relate to that and that's fine. That's their own dysfynction to deal with.

How do I know this for sure? Because I didn't take the internet's word for it, I experienced it for my self first hand. I didn't jump to conclusions and make assumptions based on my own blindness to it. 

I admit the rule 34ing of the show is sickening, I mean I used to go to 4chan to try talking about the show, but I couldn't stand the MLP board because it was cluttered with pornographized versions of the characters. But that happens to any cartoon with a wide following, there are a bunch of perverts out there who want to ruin it for everyone else and their own fun.

So I implore you, sir Heath, direct me to some credible links where there is empirical proof that a Brony has molested a little girl, having direct use of their common interest in MLP to bring that about. Not just intolerant bloggers stating their subjective opinions and theories as to why they think Bronies are creepy.

Or you can accept an alternate challenge from me and just watch an episode. One that I will provide for you because much like any other show, it's not impervious from having an episode that doesn't hold up to the quality of the other ones, especially if you're jumping into it with a certain bias set in mind.

What do you think?

[Heath Long]

You make skillful and peaceful arguements. However, as I mentioned, I could not be less interested in this show. I watch only 2 shows out of all that are offered: Mad Men and Arrested Development. I am not going to add My Little Pony to the mix. I am sure that at some point I will see it first hand as my daughter has me watching all sorts of stuff. I watched Finding Nemo last night for the love of Pete.

Thanks for stating your case so well. I appreciate the conversation. I will keep my mind open, and I ask that you do the same if you love your community. I am not making up my perception out of the clear blue sea. You had the same perception yourself initially, as you stated. This does not happen by accident, and some of your community members do you no favors with their behavior. 

[MysterionMuffles]

 

 

lol best example of UPB is the Bad Seed episode where the Cutie Mark Crusaders recognized that they became bullies after being bullied by Babs. 

NAP example would be...well...any Fluttershy based episode

 

 

Yeah, I really like the Bad Seed episode a lot.  It's an excellent episode and it has the best example of UPB.

 

lol it's also the episode that made me accept the CMC for once. I used to hate their episodes a lot, but when Sweetie Belle says "why does life have to be so ironic?!" I grew to love the CMC and their silly antics. Then I made a point to rewatch their episodes without begrudging reluctance that they make the show more childish than it should be. Kind of weird to say since it IS a kid's show, but I do think it is at a higher level most of the time when episodes feature the Mane 6.

[Mick Bynes]

The first MLP: FiM episode I ever watched revolved around the CMC.  Then my BFF (we have issues right now, he thinks I talk shit about his friends and family, which is totally false) told me to watch the episodes in chronological order and after that... boom I got into it.  I would like to see when the CMC get cutie marks.  It would be quite odd if they never ever get them.  But I dunno about that, don't ALL ponies in that universe get cutie marks?  They'll get them eventually.

[MysterionMuffles]

 

You make skillful and peaceful arguements. However, as I mentioned, I could not be less interested in this show. I watch only 2 shows out of all that are offered: Mad Men and Arrested Development. I am not going to add My Little Pony to the mix. I am sure that at some point I will see it first hand as my daughter has me watching all sorts of stuff. I watched Finding Nemo last night for the love of Pete.

Thanks for stating your case so well. I appreciate the conversation. I will keep my mind open, and I ask that you do the same if you love your community. I am not making up my perception out of the clear blue sea. You had the same perception yourself initially, as you stated. This does not happen by accident, and some of your community members do you no favors with their behavior. 

 

Hm...I'm feeling absolute ambivelance in responding to this. 

[Jose Perez]

People have been trying to break conventions for a long time, but when that become the purpose and intention the results are, well... 

Self esteem and independence from social norms is certainly not easy. This compulsive simbology and extravaganza are to me a clear sign that no fundamental change has been achieved in terms of philosophy...

[Existing Alternatives]

I’ve never heard of “Bronies” before, but I do enjoy an occasional MLP episode. I watch it mostly because my 4-year old son really enjoys it. It is a big challenge for me, which would I prefer for him to watch: Transformers (macho, but very aggressive and violent) or MLP (feminine, but with subtle life lessons).

I never really analysed the messages behind the show, but it always seemed a bit socialist to me. And what's with wearing your only strength on your... sleeve? And never mind the whole magic aspect of it…

As far as finding an approving mate is concerned, well, if a woman were to leave you if you were to show her your true self, then maybe she is not much of a soulmate, is she?

[MysterionMuffles]

 

I’ve never heard of “Bronies” before, but I do enjoy an occasional MLP episode. I watch it mostly because my 4-year old son really enjoys it. It is a big challenge for me, which would I prefer for him to watch: Transformers (macho, but very aggressive and violent) or MLP (feminine, but with subtle life lessons).

I never really analysed the messages behind the show, but it always seemed a bit socialist to me. And what's with wearing your only strength on your... sleeve? And never mind the whole magic aspect of it…

As far as finding an approving mate is concerned, well, if a woman were to leave you if you were to show her your true self, then maybe she is not much of a soulmate, is she?

 

Whoa that's cool thaty our son is into it. Tara Strong (va of Twiligh Sparkle) said that it's hard for little boys to get into the show and just don't get it, but I guess that's just an individual case.

I would be very interested if you'd elaborate on what you meant about the show's message being a bit socialist, and what the problem would be with wearing your only strength on your sleeve.

 

 

[Existing Alternatives]

 

I would be very interested if you'd elaborate on what you meant about the show's message being a bit socialist

 

Provided that I have not been paying too much attention, the message strikes me as socialist because of the whole “we live as one happy village”, “we’ll do whatever the princess says”, “put yourself at great risk for the betterment of others” premises.

What’s the little dragon’s relationship to Sparkle? Is he like an indentured servant?

 

I would be very interested if you'd elaborate on what the problem would be with wearing your only strength on your sleeve.

 

 

 

Ok, I get it, you are good at planting apples – so your whole personality is reduced to that? Is it also not your regular “labeling”?

[MysterionMuffles]

The relationship between Spike and Sparkle is like a serrogate mother and son relationship. He's only happy to be a faithful servant because she does parent him in a way since she's the one who used magic to hatch him out his egg. Probably only once did they show her disapproving of him for something menial, but I don't think it brinks on the edge of being the slave like relationship we all know is possible from being indebte to someone who takes care of you.

Ah now I see what you mean about the socialism, I never thought of it that way. I'm glad that you brought it up because it does remind me of an episode where they used passive aggressive force to reform a villain named Discord. He's supposed to be undeniably evil, but the Princess puts Fluttershy up to the task to change him. She's the one who's supposed to represent kindness, and for most of the episode she lets him act out all his bad behaviours to gain his trust in order to get him to listen to her. I think that was kind of a manipulative thing to do, and the only thing that softens the blow to that is the fact that the rest of her friends contest her ability to change him, and try to convince her that the only true way to change him is by casting a reforming spell on him. So it's only deemed positive by comparison...

It's one of those rare times I felt uneasy about the lesson of friendship being "magic" because probably only once in the show did they ever give the lesson that some people are just unfriendable. Although I do enjoy redeemable villains, you bringing this up reminds me of the truth I buried beneath me about the unease I felt about the Princess making choice FOR the Discord villain to be reformed.

Another weird thing about how things are run in Ponyville is that everyone acts like they're at the mercy of Princess Celestia, and that they fear and worship her like people fear and worship nonexistant deities, but she herself does not exude the almighty archetype of such a deity. She's calm and reposed and doesn't really seem to pose any physchological threat in her behaviour, rather it's all in her title.

[Mick Bynes]

 

The relationship between Spike and Sparkle is like a serrogate mother and son relationship. He's only happy to be a faithful servant because she does parent him in a way since she's the one who used magic to hatch him out his egg. Probably only once did they show her disapproving of him for something menial, but I don't think it brinks on the edge of being the slave like relationship we all know is possible from being indebte to someone who takes care of you.

 

I never thought of it that way.  That sounds pretty accurate.

[MysterionMuffles]

Hmm one thing that DOES bother me about the Brony movement is the military bronies...

It's really weird for me to know that paid murderers (maybe not all of them see the light of combat but...) who watch a show about peace and love. To me, I think that rouses some psychological concerns unless they're able to make the distinction between the difference between the State in reality, and the "State" in the MLP universe which is almost like a Utopia not built on war amongst surrounding nations.

 

[Existing Alternatives]

 

Physics of Equestria… This has nothing to do with the discussion. But I found it particularly interesting. So, in case you have not seen it…

[MysterionMuffles]

lol woooow that was quite obssessive and impressive. 

[tasmlab]

This thread encouraged me to watch it with my seven-year-old daughter yesterday, who really likes the show on her own.

I netted out somewhere between 'not my cup of tea' to 'wow, that's creepy that adult men enjoy this'

I consume a lot of children's programming ( I have three young children ). I wonder if there are alternate communities for the other hundreds of shows.

[MysterionMuffles]

I'm sorry to hear that. What is it about the show that alarms you when you think and consider that grown men are giant fans of it?

 

But I hear ya, I wonder about alternate communities like when I watch Dora the Explorer with my niece. I wonder if there's an adult fandom for it somewhere, but it would be reasonably less plausibility. 

[Mick Bynes]

What makes MLP: FiM unique is that they're probably the only cartoon intended for little girls who have an adult fandom.  I could be very wrong on that.  I cannot fanthom an adult fandom for like Dora the Explorer or some show like that.

[MysterionMuffles]

Wasn't Power Puff Girls intended for little girls too? I remember being drawn to it along with some of my other guy friends, but there was less taboo about it because it actively chose to masculinate the the characters. Of course that's when I was young though, so I'm not sure if there was an adult following for that.

[fzu]

Are you sure you do not watch it to detatch yourself from reality?I had that with many cartoon/anime shows, where it's kind of a way of taking your way out of reality, and I am glad I do not watch them any more. Getting your inspiration from fictional characters is kind of sad.

If you do watch it for philosophical value, why not just watch something philosophical or read a book regarding pyschology?

[MysterionMuffles]

 

Are you sure you do not watch it to detatch yourself from reality?

 

Isn't the indulging of any form of fiction an escape from reality? ie reading novels, watching movies/tv shows?

I had that with many cartoon/anime shows, where it's kind of a way of taking your way out of reality, and I am glad I do not watch them any more. Getting your inspiration from fictional characters is kind of sad.

 

I sense a hint of self deprication and regret here. Correct me if I'm wrong, but do you regret having watched catoons/anime? What is it about getting inspiration from fictional characters sad? I don't think there's anything wrong with it as long as you don't fully model your personality on one archetype of character.

 

If you do watch it for philosophical value, why not just watch something philosophical or read a book regarding pyschology?

 

Because fiction can sometimes provide more truth than a basic factual lecture, plus be more entertaining. Entertainment can = education and that's an argument for another day.

The whole point of fiction (good fiction anyway) is to articulate relationships between people as well as their strive to overcome obstacles. When you listen to an FDR conversation, aren't you doing the same thing? I mean these people ARE real, no doubt, but in the act of listening, you do take yourself away from yourself anyway and get enraptured by how the conversation turns out. Pretty much the same thing happens with fiction: the story has an argument to put forth and demonstrates it through character interactions, and you become a fly in the wall to take it as you wish. You can come back to reality and reflect on whatever drama you just watched unfold, and apply the principles you've learned to your own life.

Most common one at the end of sitcoms are the blatant expression of truth that was witheld throughout the episode, thus escalating conflict between the cast.

Through the demonstration of a 3rd party ensemble cast of characters, you gain insight and perspective on how relationships work, as well as the mutual exchange of inspiration through them. What I think MLP does well is articulate the individual friendships amongst 6 ponies and how they better each other through their disagreements and compromises. 

I find the best stories to include characters you can relate to, and I guess for Bronies, they can relate to the personalities/archetypes presented in MLP (ie bookworm, perfectionist, introvert, joker, the classy one, and the daring one), and that's the beauty of fiction. Finding a character to identify with and root for them, and I find my self doing the same thing listening to an FDR podcast when a caller has a personal problem Stef is helping them out with. If it hits anywhere close to home for me, I feel more inclined to keep listening to see what resolution and epiphanies are met by the listener by the end if any.

Well, hope that helps you understand, if not how MLP is a good watch, then at least the power of fiction.