Self-presentation is a reoccurring theme within the literature as it refers to how members odthis subculture attempt to present themselves within their group in order to gain a desired view/perception of themselves from others. This heavily relates to the Borny norms that are present within the fandom as seen above with many bronies partaking in annual fan-based conventions in the city. According to Soh and Cantor (2015), many members at the convention wore accessories that reflected their fursonas, “each fursona was expressed through body language, which was mostly energetic, childlike, and quite literally bright-eyed”(p.2).
During this practice of presentation of self, bronies enjoy the opportunity to meet like minded people at Brony con. Not to mention, symbolic interactionism is prvelsny in this culture, especially as it pertains to how interactions between Bronies empahisize the need for the importance of symbols. Often these symbols included gestures like the Bro-hoof (same concept as a fist bump), language like ‘what the hay?’ (meant to be the phrase, ‘What the heck?’), and appearance (selecting a pony suit). Not only does following the general norms of the group matter, but based on how it has become a pop culture phenomenon, one must look at the ways Bronies have changed the image of masculinity.
If the presentation of self is directly related to how one promotes their best self to the group, then Bronies are an excellent example. Members of the group find unique ways of endorsing the Brony core values (both in daily and private fandom life). Often, the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic episodes try to engage the viewer by discussing issues that we go through daily, this can include concepts like bullying or talk behind someone’s back. Surely, the episode reminds the viewer that they must share their feelings when they feel emotional, accept others for who they are, and building long-lasting relationships.
Miller (2018) defined this endorsement of breaking toxic masculinity as Bronies “taking these lessons to heart… and allowing men to be sensitive and to care about one another, and not call them weak for caring”(p.330). Of course, bronies then present themselves to society in their most positive form. One that they are proud to attach to the Brony fandom as it gives them a sense of togetherness with one another. Additionally, Stein (2007) claimed that those viewed as icons within the popular culture who typically have cult followings can either bring high or low prestige to the community depending on how the individuals portray themselves to their members.
Hence, the most critical aspect of becoming a full member of the Brony community is to select their pony suit which is a trademark to the individual of becoming a one with their community. These pony suits helped them become their true selves since they were actively seeking to reach freedom, Again, Stein (2007) learned that the pony suit was the most intimate version we got of the person, such as an active members pony suit having a scar on their headpiece “symbolizing a scar on his face in real life”(p. 852).
