Pubdate: Wed, 25 Sep 2002
Source: Boston Weekly Dig (MA)
Copyright: 2002 Boston Weekly Dig
Contact:  http://www.weeklydig.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1515
Author: Adam Wiggins
Note: headline by newshawk, parenthetical remark by Weekly Dig editor
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1742/a09.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raves.htm (Raves)

RAVE ACT OUTRAGEOUS

Dear Editors,

Danielle Ben-Veniste's "Outraged Over Rave" (Issue #4.35) hits the nail 
right on the head regarding the federal government's attempted anti-rave 
legislation. I am a DJ and long-time member of the rave and club scene here 
in California, and I am deeply disturbed by the negative stigma that many 
people seem to attach to our culture. Raver culture is extremely positive. 
We believe in PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity and Respect) - are these not 
worthwhile values? In ravers I see a utopian sub-community, where violence 
or "bad vibes" are rare, but caring, understanding and tolerance are the norm.

And as Ben-Veniste mentions, the perceived presence of drugs is 
nonsensical. There's more drug use per capita at a rock concert than any 
rave or club. The rave backlash is simply a knee-jerk reaction by people 
who don't understand this aspect of modern culture and fear it. Jazz music 
events faced the same opposition at the turn of the century, as did swing 
dancing, Rock & Roll, and so on. Despite the best efforts of conservatives 
in each time period, each type of music survived and became an important 
part of our culture. Raves and electronic music will do the same.

Sincerely,

Adam Wiggins

(Check for an update by Ms. Ben-Veniste on the RAVE act in this ish (see 
Gallimaufry, pg. 5). Apparently Senator Leahy, one of the sponsors of the 
bill, had a change of heart and withdrew his support. Maybe somebody put 
something in his drink? Peace, Joe Bonni)
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager