In Defense of Ponies: A Brony's Manifesto

Yes, you heard me right, ponies. I, Akbar, like the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Before you think I'm weird or creepy, hear me out. I am not alone: A massive audience of males have risen around this show, rather than the young female audiences expected. We call ourselves "Bronies," a combination of "Bro" and "Pony." Some of us don't know what about the TV series entertains us. There could be many elements that appeal to the community, like the animations or plot.

So why would bronies need defending? Before bronies existed it was clear the show was intended for little girls. With the creation and growth of bronies came the creation and growth of haters. These haters are the ones who believe bronies are the "cancer of the internet." Derogatory remarks have rained down upon us from a whole slew of haters ranging from "gay" to even more foul language. Watching a show intended for little girls doesn't make you effeminate, it just means you take interests in entertainment for other ages. As a response, most bronies follow the rule of "love and tolerate," a common theme throughout the entire series. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's difficult to argue with someone when that person isn't arguing at all; You're basically arguing with yourself.

It's easy accepting the fact that My Little Pony was intended for little girls and saying I'm a fan of it in the same sentence. When haters think they can use that against me, I completely disagree. I personally believe it is one of the best cartoons on TV, suitable for any demographic, from little girls to bronies.

Reading Response: No Mans Land

No Mans Land, by Lesley Hauge, was a book I didn't expect to read. I was just wandering the library, looking for a book to read, and this cover just caught my attention. Now before you start pointing fingers at the kid who "judges a book by its cover," let me just say that I always read the back and take note of the author.

I'm not too familiar with Lesley Hauge but after reading the back I found out that this book is about a post-apocalyptic society consisting of only women. From these women arise Trackers, people who protect the borders from men.One group of Trackers, just happens to discover a room underground full of the artifacts, like magazines and high-heeled shoes.

This summary sparked my interest, and I got the book. At first, it started out a bit slow, talking about the general lives of the girls. This bored me. Later on however, the book started moving faster, with training and the discovery of the underground room. Because they had been out after curfew,committee members were looking for them, adding to the action. Overall, I look forward to the rest of the book, because I assume there will be more content. From the 100 or so pages I've read of No Mans Land, I felt it started a bit too slow for my liking.

8/20 - 30min., 8/21 - 40min., 8/22 - 30min., 8/23 - 30min., 8/25 - 20min.

Total - 150min., pp. 1-118

Summer Reading

In Defense of Food, by Michael Pollan, was a non-fiction assigned summer reading book of 2012. When I came to school, it was very clear many of the students who had to read this found it boring, repetitive, and just pessimistic. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I had different views.

I thought the book was fine. Yes, I understand the introduction was dull and long, but it actually sums up the book very well. "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Throughout the book, he defines nutritionism and what it's done to the western society. He compares our modern lifestyle to more ancient lifestyles or those revolving around nature. He makes it obvious that industries will produce unhealthy foods, with the help of science and journalists, to make money. I believe Pollan holds valid points, with evidence and facts to back him up.

For these reasons I recommend this book to anyone who is looking into changing how they eat. In fact, I may even read his other literature, because if I'm correct, all of his books have a common theme, eating.  All of his literature could very well be the key to a new healthier lifestyle, which gives me a reason to support and promote his writing.

Who are you?

Hello, I'm Akbar and welcome to my blog. Here, I'll be posting weekly blog assignments; This week's assignment just happens to be a free post, so I'm taking this opportunity to say something about me. Well to begin, I'd like to say I have never blogged before so I hope you can understand why I'm so late to post. It took me quite a while to figure out this system. The reason behind why I never used blogs, was because I thought they were linked to social networks like Facebook and Twitter, which I didn't use. Don't get me wrong, I still look forward to this blogging experience, because I expect to learn a lot from my peers and teachers about blogging.

Anyways, I don't think just giving my name was enough for an introduction, so let me just restart. Hello, I'm Akbar and I'm just starting my freshman year of high school. From what I hear, it's a hard year with plenty of assignments to keep me busy, so I anticipate a challenge. And that is what I want. I want difficult classes to keep my on my feet and teach me a lot academically and personally. I look forward to meeting new people, teachers and students. Additionally, I can't wait for soccer season! As weird as it sounds, I find soccer very relaxing. Instead of learning about mathematical equations, we learn about positional plays, which I find much less demanding mentally.

I have a feeling that high school will be an experience hard to forget for all of us.