https://soundcloud.com/jared-richardson-3/michael-degraw-byu-bronies-audio-documentary
Artist Statement (for Jared Richardson and Abby Woods):
Our experience with the Michael and his involvement in the club was a highly positive one. Previous to this assignment, we had little to no experience with the BYU Bronies club—what we knew came from what we had heard from other people, as well as news articles from USA Today or BYU’s The Universe. We knew that Bronies love the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magical, and that the BYU Bronies club celebrated and analyzed the show. What we discovered, however, was that the club is less about the show itself, and more about their own magical friendships.
Arlene Goldbard stated, “the tolerance for diversity… is being demanded of western societies,” and we believe fandom-type groups like the BYU Bronies emerging from the woodwork is a direct result of that. In a culture where one is expected to pursue their own interests, BYU Bronies provides a means for people to gather as a small community and bond over something they have in common. None of that would be possible without our subject, Michael.
Michael DeGraw is the former president and the current event coordinator, or more officially: the “super duper party pony” of the BYU Bronies club. Essentially he is the man that makes friendships within the club possible. It’s only fitting that Michael serve in this position, he joined the club to make friends after returning home from his mission. The BYU Bronies have screening parties of new episodes, hold fundraisers to get them to Ponycon, or keep it mellow and just come together for some board games. This common interest of My Little Pony eases the awkwardness and uncomfortable process of making new friends. Michael facilitates the process with the events he puts together. One event, found on Facebook, was named the “Open to All” social promoted tolerance and understanding to everyone invited.
This openness and understanding was extremely apparent to us as we attended the club meeting. The vice president welcomed us to the meeting, and Michael sat close by to us, his body turned so that he could check and see if we were understanding the course of the meeting, and providing clarifications when necessary. Michael unveiled the new BYU Bronies club t-shirt, and provided information on the club’s closing social. At the beginning of the meeting a routine club member interview was held so that everyone could get to know each other better.
It was clear that the BYU Bronies had a great time in the club and all felt included; a great deal of that familial feel was due to Michael’s organizing efforts and event planning. The club was fun to step into. There was an atmosphere of family, fun, and of course, magic.
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