Pubdate: Sat, 27 May 2000
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2000 Calgary Herald
Contact:  P.O. Box 2400, Stn. M, Calgary, Alberta T2P 0W8
Fax: (403) 235-7379
Website: http://www.calgaryherald.com/
Forum: http://forums.canada.com/~calgary
Author: Alyson R. Vowell

FOUR WORDS FOR RAVING

I am very concerned with the picture the media is trying to give
people about raves. The notion that ravers are irresponsible, ignorant
drug users may be true for some, but for a majority it is false.

We are a sub-culture based on four words: peace, love, unity and
respect. I know society may be more concerned with drugs or violence.
I know many parents have concerns about their children going to raves
and using drugs, but this is not justified if parents have provided
solid drug education to their children. I have been to many raves.
Yes, I have been offered drugs, but have never accepted them. No one
has ever pressured me into buying drugs or taking drugs. I have only
ever been congratulated for partying sober. Never have I felt guilty
about not doing drugs. As far as violence goes, it is non-existent. We
are thoroughly checked for weapons and are supervised by trained
security throughout the night. It is human nature to make mistakes,
but it is ignorance which causes the mistake to be made twice. It is
also ignorance that doesn't allow someone to have a second chance. Do
not judge ravers on things that are not the fault of ravers.

Alyson R. Vowell

Calgary

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I am very concerned with the picture the media is trying to give
people about raves. The notion that ravers are irresponsible, ignorant
drug users may be true for some, but for a majority it is false.

We are a sub-culture based on four words: peace, love, unity and
respect. I know society may be more concerned with drugs or violence.
I know many parents have concerns about their children going to raves
and using drugs, but this is not justified if parents have provided
solid drug education to their children. I have been to many raves.
Yes, I have been offered drugs, but have never accepted them. No one
has ever pressured me into buying drugs or taking drugs. I have only
ever been congratulated for partying sober. Never have I felt guilty
about not doing drugs. As far as violence goes, it is non-existent. We
are thoroughly checked for weapons and are supervised by trained
security throughout the night. It is human nature to make mistakes,
but it is ignorance which causes the mistake to be made twice. It is
also ignorance that doesn't allow someone to have a second chance. Do
not judge ravers on things that are not the fault of ravers.

Alyson R. Vowell

Calgary

Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
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