The subjects were chosen because of how distinct they were amongst the crowd of rave spectators that were all noticeable as they approached the nightclub. The Plur Pope’s colorful headdress and colorfully decorated arms made this man stand out amongst the exuberant crowd. Additionally, the Plurnicorn’s revealing, yet eccentric outfit made her a distinct spectator in the crowd as well. Both subject’s choice of appearance is what made them the primary individuals to study. Both the Plur Pope and the Plurnicorn focused their attention on the headline DJ of the night while also keeping in mind that many of the other ravers want to approach them because of how recognizable and memorable their attires are.
During the observation, similar occurrences happened to both the Plur Pope and the Plurnicorn because of how distinguishable their appearances are amongst the large crowd. The Plur Pope when taking photographs with other ravers makes the prayer sign with his hands. I think this brings together his entire rave identity. He considers himself the Plur Pope most likely because the EDM identity he created for himself has a lot of visual similarities to the real Pope, the Bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter. His colorful headdress resembles the Pope’s mitre, the bishop’s ceremonial headgear. The Plur Pope also wears a cream colored robe; it is not as extravagant as the real Pope’s attire, but the Plur Pope wears the same robe to all his events and a necklace made out of beads that says “PLUR POPE.” The Plurnicorn received similar responses from other spectators. She wears a distinguished fuzzy pink hood with a horn protruding from the front. When she takes photos with people, she usually makes the peace symbol with her hand. She is extremely exposed at these events. It is acceptable though seeing as other women at the events also wear bikini bottoms and tights. This Plurnicorn does cover up a bit with a tank top. She also wears a small backpack that looks like it can go with any color scheme. Both the Plur Pope and the Plurnicorn have numerous pieces of jewelry made of beads on both arms. People approach them requesting to trade beads with them. It has some significant meaning to EDM rave society and the connection the spectators share in their united rebellion against oppression.
There were a few unexpected occurrences during my observations of these two primary subjects. Surprisingly, I realized there were moments where both the Plur Pope and the Plurnicorn slipped away from their rave family off on their own. Usually, they stay clumped together in a section of the nightclub. After a couple hours, they disperse for a bit, but the rave family always seems to find it’s way back together after a short period of time. Also, I noticed that there are other people in the nightclub who have distinguished rave identities like the Plur Pope and the Plurnicorn. The reason the Plur Pope and the Plurnicorn are the primary subjects and not other ravers with different rave identities was because I noticed that these two subjects were frequently approached and did not appear to readily change their identity throughout different events; they hold true to their kooky identities.
Observing the EDM rave scene at what is one of my favorite venues and one of the most popular venues in New York City was interesting. Initially, I believed it would be hard to keep and open mind about my observation topic and my subjects, but it seemed easier because there is very little to speculate about the rave scene I was placing myself in. The New York City EDM rave society is very minimal in comparison to the vast social movement around the world. The EDM culture goes against social order, but it also shows the unity amongst the subculture.