Staff Writer
My Little Pony has slowly become one of those idolized cartoons, similar to Power Puff Girls and Dexter’s Laboratory.
But not everyone thinks that being a “Brony” is such a good thing.
Earlier this week, ABC News reported the attempted suicide of a young boy. This attempt was made after bullies at the boy’s school repeatedly harassed him for his proud support of the cartoon.
The 11-year-old, Michael Morones, could not take the taunts of his bullies, and wound up in the WakeMed unit of a local hospital.
Michael may have life-long brain damage.
Michael’s mother is devastated. She remembers a time when he used to be full of life and happiness, and is sad that others would rather destroy that happiness than embrace it.
“He’s the kid that never walks. He dances everywhere,” his mother said. “He’s so full of energy. He’s always on the move.”
His parents say, even when he was initially faced with bullying and threats, Michael wanted to smile. He attempted to see the good in everything.
But even though Michael knew he wasn’t alone in his enjoyment of the show—with a growing number of men and boy “Bronies”—when the bullying did not stop, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
His parents found him after the fact. “He hung himself off the side of the bunk bed, off the railing.”
But by the time they got him to the hospital, the oxygen to his brain had been cut off for too long.
Even though their son may have permanent damage, his parents refuse to be overly angry with the bullies.
Anger, they say, is not valued on My Little Pony.
“It teaches the most basic moral values to a lot of complex thoughts,” his step-father said.
Fans from around the world, as far as Ireland, have reached out to help the family. The money and support have been used to pay for Michael’s treatment and to start a nonprofit to put a stop to bullying.
While the bullying has not stopped—and their nonprofit’s website has received several hurtful comments—the couple refuses to give up.
“I’ve heard a lot of people say you need to go after bullies and hold them responsible,” his mother said. “But you know, I don’t think that’s what Mike would want. I would rather teach people how to do right than turn around than punish, because punishment doesn’t always work.”
Michael is scheduled for a tracheotomy on Tuesday.
If you wish to donate, or show your support for the cause, please follow the link above.
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