US Air Force Confirms Existence of "Brony" Squadron

[TheOrb]

Not really a massive fan of the show after season 2 (plus most of my favourite shows getting ponies plastered all over them) but it would be awesome if the Military or Navy or even RAf started using the Decepticon/Cobra logo.

I'd also love to point out that for a while now there have been people who love other shows as they usually do but then suddenly a brony or two will come around and slap ponies onto another fandom and claim it's made the show "better and 20% cooler" when all that does is force their opinion onto someone else and tries to replace the original fandom that someone originally likes and yes that can rile people like me up and I especially don't like the bullshit argument of "if it's bothering you so much just look the other way".

no that argument does not work at all if I've been somewhere first and then someone comes in second to replace my fandom with theirs and tell me to jog on somewhere else because that's not how the world works I'm afraid.

While I agree with your sentiment:
PUNCTUATION! Oh my lord use it!

 

[TheOrb]

Recently, there was a child born in the Royal Family.
Newspapers and television channels went ape-shit over it, having live streams from the hospital.

That's not exactly a fair comparison.

It's not like the Escapist is swamped with brony threads and news articles (unless you happen to be a time traveler from two years ago).

And thank goodness for that.

It's not like the Escapist is swamped with brony threads and news articles (unless you happen to be a time traveler from two years ago).

The fact it's even being purported as "news" gets me riled.

In that case, I'm sure the Escapist provides a feedback form somewhere, where you can request that they not post news articles like this one in future.

If you ask me though, they post news articles on Games of Thrones, and other TV shows, why should news items about this particular TV show be banned?

If I'm to be brutally honest here, I still think it's a self-control issue. If someone can't avoid clicking on threads and news articles about stuff they don't like, then perhaps the problem isn't with the Escapist...

I've been away from the outside world for a while, so I've not seen much news from this site.

Because it is a children's show and not supposed to be taken seriously. Game of Thrones (from what I can gather, as I have neither read nor watched them) is an, adult, serious series that is suitable to be deconstructed. MLP is a technicolour children's show trying to educate children on how to get friends. It's mundane and ridiculous at the same time. The high-pitched voices don't help either.

 

[TheOrb]

Well, let's take a look at some of the other patches that have been sported around Vance Air Force Base:

Spoiler

<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-04-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-07-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2011-15-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2010-06-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="https://www.flightlineinsignia.com/secure/images/products/10066.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-10-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-13-1002.jpg" /img>
<img src="https://www.flightlineinsignia.com/secure/images/products/13432.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2013-05-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2013-05-1701.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2013-02-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2014-02-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="https://www.flightlineinsignia.com/secure/images/products/13297.jpg" /img>

I suspect we're dealing with a group of pilots who just have a sense of humor. It's not exactly far-fetched to think someone would drum up a Pony-themed one to add to the collection.
Nothing too special about it, methinks. Now shut up and enjoy the novelty.

That's another thing, I was curious as to what the other badges were.
Thanks for showing us them. My favourite so far is the Bane one, myself.

 

[Elementary - Dear Watson]

Well at least it's not in the RAF, so I still have some respect for the pilots protecting my country.

You're right... I haven't seen any around! Although we do have many trainee pilots with course patches too, and most of the flights in sqns have an informal one they designed... Our pilots tend to go for dirty jokes, innuendo and inflated ego statements, in an obvious attempt to purposefully be arrogant! The rest of the RAF refer to them as princesses...

 

[Gordon_4_v1legacy]

Well, let's take a look at some of the other patches that have been sported around Vance Air Force Base:

Spoiler

<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-04-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-07-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2011-15-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2010-06-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="https://www.flightlineinsignia.com/secure/images/products/10066.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-10-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2012-13-1002.jpg" /img>
<img src="https://www.flightlineinsignia.com/secure/images/products/13432.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2013-05-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2013-05-1701.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2013-02-1001.jpg" /img>
<img src="http://174.121.0.222/~usmilit/gallery/albums/userpics/10003/FTW-71-2014-02-1.jpg" /img>
<img src="https://www.flightlineinsignia.com/secure/images/products/13297.jpg" /img>

I suspect we're dealing with a group of pilots who just have a sense of humor. It's not exactly far-fetched to think someone would drum up a Pony-themed one to add to the collection.
Nothing too special about it, methinks. Now shut up and enjoy the novelty.

That Angry Birds one is a hoot!

 

[NinjazInside]

To be honest there are better logos out there for militarys to use, but for in-training pilots who cares? It is a little joke for the group, can we get over this? A front-line military unit needs a intimidating or inspiring logo for its unit instead as its a time where things are serious, then again to counter that because its serious to help the nerves of the units you could have silly ones. But if you do, please ponies don't fly, have a bronie ground unit okay, but have some pegasus air unit and... manatee naval group?

And punctuation is not exactly the be all and end all as long as it is legible.

And also please remember the RAF is part of a military that was set up far before America even was a nation, they are a tad more traditional, so unless its the Scots who for now who knows if they are staying with Britain, they are real animals with motto's in Latin.

 

[IceForce]

Because it is a children's show and not supposed to be taken seriously. Game of Thrones (from what I can gather, as I have neither read nor watched them) is an, adult, serious series that is suitable to be deconstructed. MLP is a technicolour children's show trying to educate children on how to get friends. It's mundane and ridiculous at the same time. The high-pitched voices don't help either.

But here's the thing right, ... over in this thread [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.823605-Why-we-care-about-Target-Audience-in-specific-things], most people are dismissing 'target audience' as a bullshit concept.

But here in this post, you're using 'target audience' as the main crux of your argument.

 

[TheOrb]

Because it is a children's show and not supposed to be taken seriously. Game of Thrones (from what I can gather, as I have neither read nor watched them) is an, adult, serious series that is suitable to be deconstructed. MLP is a technicolour children's show trying to educate children on how to get friends. It's mundane and ridiculous at the same time. The high-pitched voices don't help either.

But here's the thing right, ... over in this thread [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.823605-Why-we-care-about-Target-Audience-in-specific-things], most people are dismissing 'target audience' as a bullshit concept.

But here in this post, you're using 'target audience' as the main crux of your argument.

That's all well and good, but I wasn't part of that discussion.

 

[TheOrb]

At first, I sighed.
Then, I got angry.
Soon after, I laughed at the heresy.
Finally, I asked myself:
"Why is this a newstory?"

If bronies are tired of being victimised, could they please stop trying to be such a HUGE target. I am not fine with the MLP fanbase existing at such a size it is, amalgamating other fanbases into itself; but at the very least I don't want it in my face.

On the Escapist, I see more people like you making a bigger issue than the bronies are with your insults and whining about them.

So here is a theory: Stop posting in Pony threads that pop up like... once every two weeks. Ever try that?

I honestly want this fad to just die out, stop getting coverage;no-one's going mad over BBC's Sherlock at present, and yet those fanbases exist in their own sectors of the Internet.

This could have been a news feature talking about the patches made in the U.S. Air Force, instead it focuses on one particular badge because it's MLP-related.

 

[Teoes]

I honestly want this fad to just die out, stop getting coverage;no-one's going mad over BBC's Sherlock at present, and yet those fanbases exist in their own sectors of the Internet.

You're back again to this thing of "I don't like something, therefore it should go away and no-one should talk about it". Myself and other posters have suggested already that perhaps you shouldn't click on news stories relating to things you dislike if you don't want to get upset about it and that it's your fault alone if you do.

As for MLP invading other fanbases I can't help you with that but on the above you can certainly help yourself. At the end of the day it's a cartoon. There are more important things to get bitter and twisted about.

This could have been a news feature talking about the patches made in the U.S. Air Force, instead it focuses on one particular badge because it's MLP-related.

On this my guess is that this situation was unknown previously. How can one report on patches made in the U.S. if one is ignorant of the matter? If it is the creation of an MLP badge that brings the situation to our attention, then it stands to reason that that's what will be reported on. Plus as also already noted the MLP angle has some relevance here being a pop/nerd culture.. thing.. whose fanbase often crosses over with the fanbase of this site's target demographic.

 

[geldonyetich]

I, for one, welcome my new pony overlords.

 

[ArithianFlame]

Great news!
The dacia ... I mean the US airforce has a squadron consisting entirely out of furries.
You know like in that weird CSI episode with those disgusting animal suit people yiffing all over each other.

I'm sure if you're aware, but most furries aren't bronies; some might say that bronies are more extreme versions of furries, but I would like to distance myself from them.

Well, let's look at some MLP fanart...

Nope, can't show that...
No...
Wait, what?
That's an "interesting" crossover..
No
With urotsukidoji? Seriously?
What's ... I don't even...
*turns it sideways* With a melon?

I find your position on MLP fanart ironic, given the nature of your avatar.

Personally, I try and distance myself away from strange female fox-things with abnormally large mammary glands. Because some might find that more "extreme". However I generally keep my mouth shut on the subject, because it's none of my business and I'd hate to look like hypocritical fool. Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here.

 

[josemlopes]

So your saying the pilots in your country are too wussy to like ponies? Its ok, not every county can be manly.

Oh here we go...

The old "You're just too insecure in your masculinity to appreciate some colourful ponies" argument.

I'm sorry, but no. It's a show that is literally made to sell little plastic horses to little girls. Like it if you want, but don't act like you're some kind of paragon of masculinity for doing so.

And here is the classic "Fuck you, I don't like it so you are stupid if you do" argument.

If you don't like the show, fine. However, don't insult others because they do.

To be honest he didnt insult anyone.

OT: As usual people are making a storm out of a cup of water (or whatever that saying goes), this probably happens all the time with different badges yet the pony one got all the attention, some people like it while some dont, due to the past "discussions" about the show between bronies and non-fans of the show the topic is usually very geared into gathering reactions. People get oversensitive about everything and attack anyone that could be considered to be on the other side.

Logic looses all meaning the moment people over-react to such things and even if truth is told in those arguments it wont matter much since most of the argument is still very much influenced by whatever strong opinion there is of the show.


My opinion on this: Don't care and maybe most people shouldnt care either, and if they infact do care about it then care enough to understand that it is what it is, a simple joke. Have your fun and move on.

 

[Worgen]

I don't care about any argument made in favor of this bullshit. The ponies are an infectious plague, and will be dealt with as such.

Inquisitor Applejack frowns upon on your shenanigans.

No matter how much 40k stuff you post, I can counter it with cooler pony 40k stuff, its fun.

This is exactly the kind of bullshit I'm talking about, you infect something and force ponies on everything you find. It's why I don't go to conventions for fear of losing control and winding up in prison.

Kinda sounds like you need therapy. In all seriousness it really does, you might want to look into that if the mere sight of a pony brings you to a murderous rage, I hate to think of what other things in life would set you off.

 

[Worgen]

snip

It was one of the Discord ones. It didn't end with him being turned to stone.

They made friends at the end and he turned good, or less evil. At least that's what it looked like to me. I'm not in a hurry to re watch it any time soon.

Ha, I was right, not manly enough to be able to enjoy ponies.

So you're incapable of liking anything unless its got a head on a pike? What a sad way to live your life. You seem to have a very juvenile idea of manly, I image you think that god of war is the most manly thing ever created.

No, it doesn't have to be filled to the brim with gore and violence for me to watch it. It just needs to have some decent conflict resolution. Making friends with the bad guy is not that.

Making friends with the bad guy is the ultimate conflict resolution. It's one of the few ways to end a conflict without having someone declare they must get revenge on you. Think about it, we have a ton of movies and such based around a character getting revenge for something and usually killing his way through a small army of mooks to get it. Now movies very rarely show them having any sorts of relationships but what about the friends and family of said mook? When the movie ends they never talk about the army of friends and family that would suddenly have a big reason to seek revenge on the hero. What it all comes down to, is that if the bad guys declare revenge like the good guy did then pretty soon, everyone will be dead, the city will be burning and you will have lost your hat. And any plan where you lose your hat, is a bad plan.

Also, Discord might have been reformed but Chrysalis wasn't and they kind of straight up killed King Sombra off.

 

[Ishal]

Because it is a children's show and not supposed to be taken seriously. Game of Thrones (from what I can gather, as I have neither read nor watched them) is an, adult, serious series that is suitable to be deconstructed. MLP is a technicolour children's show trying to educate children on how to get friends. It's mundane and ridiculous at the same time. The high-pitched voices don't help either.

Something I feel worth pointing out here. Game of Thrones and MLP are actually quite similar in a very important way. Both indulge in subverting various tropes from their respective genres.

It is good that you say the show is mundane and "not supposed to be taken seriously."

That statement is exactly the reason why the show was written the way it was in the first place.

 

[MCerberus]

Also, Discord might have been reformed but Chrysalis wasn't and they kind of straight up killed King Sombra off.

Also, dear lord Chrysalis from the comics. It's still a comedy series, but she straight up murders an entire city of wuvvable critters, and kills one in front of three kidnapped children. It was... messy. Then there were the vampiric jackalopes.

 

[Charli]

Whoa, some people react so violently to this topic. Way to go. How easy you are to manipulate.

Maybe I should hope for some horrible tragedy to befall them so that they may learn to prioritise actual problems over stuff that doesn't involve them in any way.

Nah just be smug in the fact that they're that insecure in their own skin as to be offended by a pastel coloured cartoon with small talking female horses in it using magic. And even more so that they're offended that people in their own demographic like it.

I still find it hysterical.