Ponyville Confidential
The History and Culture of My Little Pony, 1981-2016
Ratings1
Average rating5
15
The History and Culture of My Little Pony, 1981-2016
Ratings1
Average rating5
Beloved by young girls around the world, Hasbro's My Little Pony franchise has been mired in controversy since its debut in the early 1980s. Critics dismissed the cartoons as toy advertisements, and derided their embrace of femininity. The 2010 debut of the openly feminist My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic renewed the backlash, as its broad appeal challenged entrenched notions about gendered entertainment. This first comprehensive study of My Little Pony explores the history and cultural significance of the franchise through Season 5 of Friendship Is Magic and the first three Equestria Girls films. The brand has continued to be on the receiving end of a sexist double standard regarding commercialism in children's entertainment, while masculine cartoons such as the Transformers have been spared similar criticism.
Reviews with the most likes.
This book says many of the things I've ranted about myself over the last couple years, but says them more eloquently and with more research than I would or could. I'll admit one part probably does slog a bit towards the end, but reading someone else extensively rewrite opinions I already agree with really doesn't bother me much. Though if you're not generally interested in the subject matter, I can understand how your eyes would glaze. However, if you're at all interested in the unfair media coverage “girls” shows are subjected to, the history of the various Pony incarnations, or some of the drama that has gone on in the MLP fan community (or just want something a bit deeper than “Wow, bronies. Huh.”), I'd strongly recommend this book.
