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) - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager