New All Things Geek Contributor Emma Henderson questions harmful male stereotypes in ‘My Little Pony’.
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You have probably heard of the term ‘brony’ used for fans of the popular animated show, ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.’ The world was confused as to why so many of these fans seemed to be adolescent or adult males despite the original target audience being 6 year old girls. There are some really good documentaries on the topic—or example—‘Bronies: the Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony.’ The appeal is partly down to pop culture references, to ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Big Lebowski’ for example, that draw in geeky viewers of all ages.
However, despite such a loyal following of male audience members, the show often had poor portrayals of masculinity.
‘Friendship is Magic’ has been celebrated in terms of its rich array of personalities and avoidance of flimsy female stereotypes. For example, series creator Lauren Faust wanted one character to be interested in fashion but they didn’t all have to be. Two of the ‘mane’ six characters are tomboys. The lead characters have been given more unique and varied characters to reflect the fact that there is not one type of girl in answer to criticism aimed at some girl-toy based brands where all the characters have similar shallow fashion-obsessed personalities. However, despite furthering the representation of varied female identity, in FIM males are often marginalised or given shallow stereotypical roles. This is in contrast to brands primarily aimed at the boy-market (such as ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ or ‘Power Rangers’) where an effort is made in the toys and cartoon to ensure their female characters, even if few and token, are clever, strong and sassy.
There are narrow groupings of the male characters in FIM on top of the fact male ponies occupy much less screen time and seem to make up less than 50% of the population of Ponyville (the central location in the show). For a show called ‘Friendship is Magic,’ no-one really seems to be friends with male characters and, at least initially, they are often solitary or lonely — for example Cranky and Troublehooves.
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In addition to being marginalised in terms of screen time, there are relatively few male speaking parts. One of the longest standing male characters, Big Mac, famously barely speaks, uttering little more than ‘yup’ or ‘nope.’ Big Mac is the strong silent type: he does all the heavy lifting and running of the farm while his sister is off on her adventures.
While we do meet some brothers and fathers, these relationships play minor roles compared to the importance of sisters in the series. Girls seem to hold all roles of power – until we get to Shining Armour whose name is a reference to the phrase ‘knight in shining armour’: the hero figure in a fairy tale who must save the day and marry the princess. Even as head of the Royal Guard however, Shining Armour’s importance is dwarfed by his Princess-demi-goddess wife (and later Princess-demi-goddess sister and Princess-demi-goddess daughter too). Despite his power ostensibly being based on quite a traditional male role as protector, he is tricked by Queen Chrysalis and must be rescued by his sister and fiancée, undermining even this status.
When Shining Armour speaks to his sister at her princess coronation he insists his watering eyes aren’t tears but “liquid pride.” Again, at a wedding we see him getting overemotional – once again the source of the humour here is that he is a cry-baby and that it is unexpected for males to show emotion – a very unhealthy belief.
Shining Armour’s introduction came at the end of the second season and felt like an obvious after thought. Why had the central character never mentioned her ‘big brother best friend’ in two seasons? (Because he was only just invented by Hasbro to sell a royal wedding playset of course!) But internally within the narrative of the show it jarred with audiences. In the mainstream brushable pony toy line, he is the ONLY male pony available (and only ever in sets with his bride). There is no Big Mac or Dr Whooves available despite their popularity and screen time – although these are now available as Funko vinyl figures presumably aimed at older collectors. To be fair, there are more male characters produced in the blindbag mini figure range. Despite this particular incarnation of ‘My Little Pony’ being known for its male audience, even the original 1980-90s toy line had more male toys. Do look up the original ‘generation one’ male ponies: there’s a cute range of baby brother ponies and a number of adult males whose ‘cutie marks’ were mostly weather or job related (including a Native American chief, cowboy and sailor – they look like they are ready to perform the YMCA). There were also three ‘loving family daddy ponies’ which were positive role models. Shining Armour had a predecessor in the form of a groom pony named Tux / Coats and Tails.
Which brings us onto male ponies being objects of female desire or mere armcandy — much like Ken’s annoyance in ‘Toy Story 3’ that he is seen as nothing more than another accessory in Barbie’s wardrobe rather than a person in his own right. A character named Rarity is particularly prone to crushes — first fancying Prince Blueblood who turns out to be a vain snob. Rarity often flirts to get her own way, sweet talking a neighbour into pulling her cart for example. There was a whole song objectifying males called ‘Perfect Stallion – comprising of a list of their shortcomings (including being ‘too young,’ ‘old,’ ‘tall,’ ‘ short’ and ‘smelly’).
So, here’s a quick rundown of some of the other notable male ponies and their potentially damaging characteristics:
• Snips and Snails: dim sidekicks made to drag around the Great and Powerful Trixie’s wheel-less carriage. They are an example of the menial manual labour often given to male ponies. Other examples include the royal guards, train conductors, henchponies and the plough pullers.
• Pip and Featherweight: weaklings and runts – their names even refer to this. Contrast this with Bulk Biceps and Big Mac – size and body shape are apparently important in naming male ponies.
• Bulk Biceps: a joke with his tiny stunted wings and dialogue like “I’m all muscles! YEAH!” and “‘P’ is for ‘Rainbow Dash’!”
• Soarin – barely talks and seems pie obsessed. He is a token male member of the flying team but they are quick to drop him when he becomes injured.
So far we’ve focused on male ponies but there are other male characters in ‘Friendship is Magic’ and unfortunately they don’t fare much better. Spike the dragon is repressed: he is criticised for following his natural hoarding instincts and is infantilised – the ponies are horrified at the idea of him growing up. He is frequently found posing in mirrors, showing off his ‘muscles’ and enjoys a moustache.
Cranky the donkey is, er, cranky, and needs Pinkie and Matilda to fix things for him.
A minotaur named Iron Will has to learn that bossiness and aggression won’t solve everything.
Males do have one area in which they are evenly represented in number and success as females however: they do make successful baddies, for example Discord (voiced by John DeLancie of ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ fame). But as this is a negative portrayal, I wouldn’t settle for that.
So, male FIM characters are expected to be physically strong protectors although not actually efficient as it is always females who must save the day or fix their problems. They may be servants, enemies or love interests but are not permitted to be emotional. Masculinity is marginalised and not particularly positive looking. Adding to their underrepresentation, in the episode ‘Hearth’s Warming Eve’ we see a problem similar to ‘whitewashing’ in Hollywood (where black, Asian or other ‘ethnic’ characters or historical figures are played by white actors) as an all-female cast even plays the male roles in the history play.
Improvements have been made though, starting with an increasing number of background male ponies. Dr. Whooves was given more lines in the 100th episode. The addition of more complex characters being given screen time and character development in the latest two series in particular have certainly helped including Cheesesandwich (voice by Weird Al Yancovich).
Toy makers Hasbro have also recently announced a line of more action orientated toys called ‘Guardians of Harmony’ which featured boys playing with the models in pre-release promotional pictures.
About the author:
Emma Henderson teaches Creative Writing and English in a college in England. Since studying ‘Fight Club’, she has been interested in the idea of a loss of masculine identity in 20th and 21st century. She is mother to both a girl and boy.
Twitter: @kaoshoneybun
Deviantart: kaoshoneybun
art credit: Cover-Hasbro /Interior-Author
Where the TV show sinned, the comics compensate by presenting a story only for Bigmac and show a comic that shows why the Blueblood deserve to be a prince. The series is good, but like anything in this world, has its faults. I liked what I read, keep up the good work.
Dear Emma, My name is Mikhail Eremin and I represent the Team of Herd Translators – The THT, a Russian translation team working with scientific papers, articles and surveys one way or another related to the “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” series and the Brony Community. We have noticed your article “A Lack of Equality in Equestria—Representations of Masculinity in ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’” and decided to translate it. You can find the link to the translation here https://tabun.everypony.ru/blog/science/153605.html I am happy to inform you that your article was well-received by the Russian-speaking Brony community. Best wishes,… Read more »
I actually understand what your getting at and the majority of it I completely agree. To be honest I don’t mind seeing Shining Armor cry or being a pawn in Queen Chrysalis plans, it’s a nice twist of male and female roles and for Big Mac, I see him as a male with few words, always have me wondering what he is really thinking and then in “Brotherhoove Social” I get a deeper insight on what he thinks. Now with all of this being said, I must admit that I am actually bothered at Shining Armor’s portal, especially compared to… Read more »
I’ve always had a problem with how the males on this show were portrayed in this show. I love that it’s an all female main cast, but it frequently feels like the male characters are portrayed as weaker, not as intelligent, not as useful, etc. And as someone who HATES it when male-targeted shows do it to female characters, I also hate it when a female-targeted show does it to male characters. Sailor Moon, an anime I adore has the same problem, and it just feels like hypocrisy to criticize a male-targeted show for doing it, and then turn around… Read more »
Emma – while I understand your critique, I have to ask: can’t one show elevate beyond gender stereotypes, and just focus on good stories? I love watching MLP:FIM with my 5 year old daughter for the following reasons: the stories are well told (there’s real conflict, there’s real risk, and there’s legit resolution); I love that there are multiple representations of PERSONALITY (not just femininity) that any child can observe themselves in; and they have created a show that is as clever as some of the best cartoons of my own childhood (Tiny Toons, Animaniacs, etc.). I look at the… Read more »
The “shout it from the rooftop” bit had me puzzled but I think as I’m from a background in literary criticism I forget not everyone is! I’m not trying to shout it just explore a possible interpretation. I love the show and completely agree with your point about MLP having a good array of personalities and quite a developed plot and it deals with morals too. My aim was not to say it is a bad show – I just happened to notice a few times males were put down and decided to make a list of examples to see… Read more »
Applejack is country,not a tomboy. As all county girls know,we wear our jeans,our t- shirts,hats and boots when we work on the farm. There is no need for fancy hair and makeup while we are working providing food for ourselves and others in this country. We also know how to look lady lil at church and social get together where family is in attendance, but we can look down right sexy and fabulous at nite when we are out with our guys or at he clubs.Trust me you’d never take us for the same hard working girls on the farm… Read more »
Cheesesandwich is in the conclusion actually.
When you say I don’t know what I want Shining Armour to be I think you are hitting on the fact that the show is conflicting in representations – the article doesn’t say what I want him to be.
I feel guilty for even giving this nonsense a click.
My Little Pony is literally one of the ONLY cartoons that has a female dominated cast, and the fact that so many adults–male and female–is a testament to its quality. It should be celebrated, not written about with mock “outrage” for not being like the 10,000,000 other animated shows out there.
Can’t wait to see this site “complain” about the new Ghostbusters movie in a couple of months.
Wow, so many holes in this. Where to even begin? In regards to marginalization, I ask how many female characters are in Transformers or G.I. Joe. It’s practically a template to, in gender specific shows, make the majority of the characters the same gender as the target demographic so the show is more relatable. Now for your opinion on the male cast. In regards to Big Mac, what is wrong with somebody giving simple answers? Some people consider it a flaw to talk more than necessary and there are plenty of men that give simple yes or no responses (some… Read more »
You think the fact I know information about the show proves I haven’t watched it – a bizarre conclusion!
I’m a big fan but must admit this article was drafted around the time of the “Do Princesses Dream” episode so doesn’t include some of the great newer characters although they are given a nod in the conclusion.
‘Tomboy’ is indeed a tricky label in itself.
Poor representation of masculinity through the entire society, Emma, not just this.
That is to be expected when we allow those that despise it so vehemently to paint it with such reckless abandon. It won’t be painted accurately here either, because the producers have no idea what it is. In fact, today, most do not know but simply make up what they think based upon current dogma.
We would not know true masculine virtue if we tripped over it today.
Um, is this article satire? This is a show FOR GIRLS. Like there aren’t a gazillion movies and tv shows designed for boys out there? But oh no, someone makes ONE show that is designed just for for girls and OH THE TRAGEDY there aren’t enough boy characters. Tragic.
No one is saying there needs to be more male characters. All people are asking for is that the male characters who are featured not be completely useless or inept. In most “boy targeted” media made in the last 20 years, there may be fewer female characters but at least the ones who do appear are as competent and useful as the male characters.
Exactly!
A cartoon for little girls features little in the way of male characters and is not focussed on masculinity? Wow, what a revelation.
I’ve also noticed there’s a worrying dearth of content related to group theory, complex analysis, and fluid mechanics. It’s almost like they literally don’t care about higher mathematics.
i think your looking at it the wrong way, the series originally targeted little girls, this of course made stereotypically bad (MLP tales – G3,5). lauren faust wanted to change this formula into something which girls could actually relate to, cue the change in how the characters interact and react to each other. since the series still is targeting little girls (now changing to both genders) that means there is going to an overabundance of female characters, but it is still nothing to complain about when they are well written. lauren faust is a self proclaimed feminist but she never… Read more »
I think you need to watch the whole series more in depth, as character development and continuity are key points that have made many of us “Bronies” (I joined the herd after season 1). Shining Armor has repeatedly been show to be a strong protector, even when his princess wife could not do more. His emotional outbursts are comedic but he is not belittled for them, and in one scene his wife clearly shows her love and support of those emotions. The fact that others are surprised by his emotions and do not react negatively is further breaking of the… Read more »
I think you genuinely make really good points!
I do however resent the assumption I haven’t watched it all – I’ve been there since season 1 and was a G1 fan the first time around. I’m a really big fan – just because someone critiques something or is able to discuss an issue doesn’t mean they hate it or are ignorant.
This was originally written around the time of the “Do Princesses Dream” hence feeling a little out of date but the conclusion does say things are getting way better. The Big Mac cross dressing episode had not been aired.
Here’s the problem that seems to be confronting you in many of these replies … Many of these repliers seem to presume that you have not viewed enough of the series to be making such statements as you had in your post. I had as well until I read these comments and your replies to them. This may be all due to editing (I read further that this was originally a longer article?) but many of your sentences seemed to lack coherence or purpose. Your arguments appear to be made solely from the “weak masculinity” viewpoint without taking the context… Read more »
You make some really good points about Spike and Discord’s development!
I have actually watched all the episodes (multiple times…just as much for myself as with the kids) and have been a big fan from series one. In fact, I collected G1 ponies as a kid.
I think my post covers up to time of the “Do Princesses Dream” episode but the series have got way better since!
Those are all the worst, most dogmatic representation of masculinity that I can imagine…and the very reason that men are still boxed in. Inept but endearing, faulty but loved, protective of others by incapable beyond that are not good representations of anything masculinity, but paintings taht are none threatening, and therefor palatable by those in control.
Imagine, Al Jolson for example, as a caricature that was palatable for white people, or Billy Crystal (in “Soap” as palatable for straight people. No different here when masculinity is painted by a feminist. We just don’t “see” it yet.
…but we will.
It is true that there aren’t many male characters in MLP:FiM. It is also true there are a TON of weak, surface gag, or even evil male characters (Diamond dogs, Tirek, King Sombra, bullies in Cloudsdale, Hayseed Turniptruck, Snips/Snails, etc.) All that said, there are some pretty rockin’ male characters, even if they are mostly background. Big Mac with his incredible emotional depth. The royal guard’s fidelity and strength. Mr. Cake’s harried overworked new-father goodness. And don’t forget Lauren Faust’s headcanon has Starswirl the Bearded creating Equestria before the princesses showed up. It’s a show for little girls. Most of… Read more »
The show forces the boys who watch it to identify with female characters.
You know, the same way girls are forced to identify with male charcters in virtually EVERY OTHER EXISTING MEDIA OUT THERE.
OH, the HUMANITY!!!!
Or we watch it because it’s cute and fun and 22 minutes of cynicism free respite from a world bent on politicizing every waking moment and action.
This idea that I *must* identify with some character in a tv show or movie is utterly alien to me. It seems so narcissistic.
I think you’re overreacting a wee bit. Not to start a conflict, but let’s just say I’m firmly in the “anti-SJW” camp, Given that, nothing in MLP even moves the needle for me. Some of the male tropes they use are old ones, like the big dumb bodybuilder. Look at it this way. In a world where the media depicts every male as a potential creepy criminal, here’s big, lovable Bulk Biceps who is perfectly safe enough to let your little fillies hang out with in their club house, and you get the sense he’d defend the CMC to the… Read more »
Thank you for that article. There are not many where the author actually knows so many details. I really like the research and argumentation. I think you’re right. This show strongly favors female characters. Though I always understood this fact as a legit counterpart to other shows where girls play the minor role. In my opinion the writers are doing a great job focusing on non-violent slice-of-life stuff. The actual gender of a pony never occurred to be very important to me. At least I cannot remember a pony asking that kind of question in the first place and making… Read more »
Thank you – the original was probably WAY TOO detailed but can be found on my deviant art page.
I’ve really loved the inclusion of Sunburst and Tender Taps this season!
Although this may be true of ponies, it’s emphatically not the case around the MLP world. Literally every non-pony ruler has been male — Chief Thunderhooves (buffalo), Prince Rutherford (yak), King Grover (ancient of the griffons), and the Saddle Arabian camels appear to show deference for a male as well.
True!
At first you complain about Shining Armor getting emotional, then you say that males in mlp aren’t allowed to be so? Hypocricy much?
Also, Pip is a great leader and becomes a class president. Big Mac cares greatly about his sister
I think you misread my point and saw your own – I say it was bad his crying is meant to be a cause for humour.
Those are good aspects of Big Mac and Pip certainly. It doesn’t detract from the fact they are named after their body image – I can’t find any female characters like this but there are 4 males.
I think you may be making a mountain out of a molehill here.
Just wanted to say that this got featured on Equestria Daily, and some of the commenters bring up some interesting points… http://www.equestriadaily.com/2016/04/one-website-challenges-male.html#more
Funnily enough, there was a more detailed version that was originally written as an editorial for Equestrian Daily but they turned it down twice – I guess because they realised that their readers would react they way they have – I’ve seen their message board is full of people admitting they haven’t read the article but angry at what the ‘man’ who wrote it has probably said.
Which might or might not be because Bulk Biceps is supposed to represent the stereotype of a strong person whose muscle mass is the inverse proportional of their intelligence.
Thanks for the publicity. i thought it was just me, but now i will help spread this mesage to alot of people
Ponyfeathers. I identify with the male characters just as much as the female ones. Considering it’s a show for little girls, they’re going to want to make the female ones the most interesting and fleshed out.
Um….it was originally made for little girls. Who cares? Sure we would like more male characters but it doesb’t ruin the show at all,
I am glad to see some common sense.
You’re welcome <3
THANK YOU, Emma! Been noticing this myself. Odd.
Thank you! The newer series are getting better on the whole but the episode last Saturday had Bulk Biceps being really dim again 🙁
Is it bad that he’s not the smartest cookie in the world?
But he’s not afraid or too proud to take advice from others, even if they are young girls.
Perhaps he’s not so dim after all.