 Rebecca Angel , writing for Wired 's <unk> column , described some of the negative feedback from fellow writers about the mostly male brony culture that included accusations of pedophilia , homosexuality , and immaturity . Angel defended the fandom 's culture , describing adult fans ' interest as a form of escapism , and that the show provides characters they can relate to and talk about with other fans . She also acknowledged the double @-@ standard whereas females can watch male @-@ oriented entertainment without question , while male bronies receive criticism about their interest in the show . Angel later described the brony fandom as rebellious towards gender roles , stating that " having interests that go against what men are supposed to embrace is the sneakiest kind of rebellion " . In a similar vein , an " Idea Channel " segment from the Public Broadcasting Service said that the ridicule received by the brony community is partly because the male appreciation for the show challenges preconceived notions of gender roles in the mass media . 
