Yeah, sadly ponies have almost become such a controversial topic as for example religion or politics, and the internet is filled with fanatics on both sides. Bronies that'll "preach" the message anywhere they go, and "haters" that'll go nuts as fast as the word is simply uttered. The only thing you can do really is, as said, to ignore it and to keep to more open minded individuals that like or doesn't like it, but on the other hand don't go crazy over people with the opposing idea.