doyouevenraveculture-blog

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The Over-sexualization of Bodies in the Rave Community and its Dangers

Even before I started raving, anyone that attended a rave, wore whatever they were comfortable in. This had absolutely no limits. Like Burning Man, where some people don’t where clothes at all, or very minimal. This has unfortunately become a very over-sexualized trend. I believe it has attracted creepier men that don’t have any respect for the rave culture or the women within it. These are the men that go to raves because they believe the minimally dressed women are sluts. Let’s be honest, in our society today, women are generally over-sexualized. Raves are supposed to be a safe place for everyone, including anyone that wants to flaunt their body, feel empowered, and most of all, feel comfortable in their skin. Just because a woman or a man is wearing flaunting clothing or no clothing, doesn’t mean they’re asking to be touched. Luckily, I was taught by my rave family, ways to stay safe at festivals. Ways my rave mom taught me to get out of unwanted situations with men that were hitting on me, was a signal her and I had, I would wipe my eyebrow with one finger and make eye contact with her, and she would come and end the conversation and we would leave. Not only did I have a way out because of our signal, but also because I had my rave family watching over me to make sure nothing weird would happen. If she wasn’t actually watching over me, I wouldn’t have been able to make the eye contact and give the signal. This reinforces that fact that have a rave family, people who care for you, is vital to having a safe and fun time at a festival. Not everyone at a rave is part of the rave community (PLUR community). I have helped save my rave mom from that same kind of situation since then and I would do it for anyone I could tell doesn’t want to be in the situation they’re in. If you’re following the ways of PLURR, then when you see something, you’ll say something too.

~Rave Responsibly

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Rave Culture: Is it Sustainable?

If you’ve ever been to a rave or even just thought about the amount of drinks consumed at a festival, then you know what the aftermath looks like. Literally the entire festivals grounds are covered in cups, water bottles, lost articles of clothing, empty bags, gum packs, costume pieces, and more. When it comes to being zero waste, the rave community is not as concerned about it as the Burners are. Burners are what annual attendees of Burning Man call themselves. Burning Man is the larger zero waste festival in the world. Being zero waste, or just being able to recycle, reuse, and renew, is easier to do in states such as California because of the recycling program our state has. Unfortunately, not every state has this so festivals such as Electric Forest, can’t recycle after the event. I believe that the rave community would care more about zero waste if they went to even just one Burning Man. At Burning Man, they teach you what zero waste is and how to partake during the festival because it’s one of the basic requirements. Though, Gavyn Weeks, a DJ I mentioned in my previous post, mentioned that “there are still the techno kids that come in and set up, invest a bunch of money in the construction of the festivals, but then do not help clean up at all afterwards.” There will always be these kinds of people, but because of the community basis of Burning Man and festivals in general, it is a great place to implement the education of zero waste. A quote from another interview I had with a man named Tyran Scott, the administrative lead of the Waste Naughts is “festivals are the perfect environment for teaching people how to recycle and care for the environment. Everyone is so open to learning. The youth are all about change and there has been a big increase in awareness about the environment on a global level. We’re the next generation to inherit the world, and we want to save it.” So remember to recycle, help clean up, and overall, be responsible!

~Rave Responsibly!

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Rave Culture: History Lesson

I think it is time for a little history lesson on the development and deconstruction of the rave community, also known as the PLUR community. For this post I have interviewed Gavyn Weeks, otherwise known as DJ Ananaki. He is someone in the rave community that has been on promotional teams for events since the age of 15 years old as well as an active part of harm reduction teams withing the rave community of California before establishing himself as a touring DJ. Weeks says he “was around during the bubble which was about 2013.” The “bubble” he notes as, “when underground raves and EDM went mainstream.” This was when EDM really started to become as popular as we know it today. Weeks explains “company’s started accepting mainstream labels and then movement began. I was also a witness to the change in popularity of EDM and raves in general. All the people that made fun of me for listening to it, got into it because it was “the cool thing to do.” This is still frustrating for me because those kinds of people aren’t in it for the reasons so many of us, like myself and Weeks are in it. The community really fosters a different level of family, connection, and sense of unity that is one of a kind. Also, with the high increase of popularity, came very inexperienced ravers. These raver, as Weeks puts it, “are not educated and don’t have a family guiding them.” I’e explained this before, most of the underground ravers are part of a rave family, a family that guides them and teaches them to “use responsibly.” Weeks believes in “advocating for the people experimenting because they’re young and they’re going to experiment whether they have guidance or not.” Creating a safe space and offering services to check in and educate the users, can be a huge help when it comes to decreasing the fatalities of drug abuse/experimentation. Weeks has been a part of something called the Angels. Angels are volunteers for events (festivals) that go around and check on people that appear to be high or really intoxicated and “give them advice on how to stay say, give out water bottles, condoms, and earplugs.” This really encompasses what I’ve said in my past posts, rave responsibly!

~Rave Responsibly

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Mainstage: Is it just Mainstream?

Happy you’re back for more reading on rave culture and how it differs from the rave trend of today! Today’s topic is “the mainstage” raver; what does it mean to be “mainstage?” From personal experience, within the past three or four years (maybe 5?) it has become very “media mainstream” to be at the mainstage. This means that a majority of those attending large festivals such as Ultra in Miami, Florida, EDC in Las Vegas, Nevada, Beyond wonderland in San Bernardino California and more, are going straight to the main stage (the biggest stage) because the most famous headliners will be performing. I feel as though this is a common occurrence because a lot of people that follow the rave trend, want to be able to say they saw “this person” or “that person” because that’s what is cool/exciting. There are a lot of newcomers that feel like they have to see the more famous artists because that makes them a legit raver or like their experience is more important than someone who went to a smaller stage to see a less known artist. I am definitely not saying it’s bad to go and watch sets at the mainstage if you’re truly passionate about the music being played. I am simply suggesting that there are more DJs than the ones you hear on the radio or that you hear most prominently on your Pandora that could potentially make a larger positive impact on your life. Going to rave isn’t about being part of the “cool crowd” or about “following the trend”, it’s about experiencing a gathering of like-minded people within the same genre of electronic dance music that makes your heart feel heavy. For me, hardstyle made my heart heavy and lifted me out of a depressive state. This genre isn’t for everyone, but for those like me, it brings you back to life. I will always have a special place in my heart for that genre. Personally, I believe that most mainstage artists are overplayed and their lyrics are negative and/ or purposeless (such as Marshmallow, Yellow Claw, Chainsmokers,and DJ Snake). Explore yourself and what you really enjoy, EDM isn’t for everyone. Neither is Marshmello.

~Rave Responsibly!

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Camping Festivals Versus City Events

Hi there! Hoping you’re back for more and that you have read my previous posts. Remember when I talked about how rave culture is a community and you become part of a family? Well, if you have been camping, you would know that it is an amazing bonding experience. There are a lot of festivals with camping such as Burning Man, Electric Forest, Lost Lands, Lucidity, Tomorrowland, and much more. One festival in particular I hear a lot about here in Northern California is the Organic Festival. Being at a festival like Organic Fest is very intimate and community-based. A lot of the people who go to raves to follow the trend are not willing to put themselves in such a vulnerable position because they aren’t prepared to really connect, get dirty, and not look perfect for their next outfit. Camping festivals like Burning Man can be really challenging and require teamwork/community. With the sand storms and the fact that you’re in the middle of the desert with only the resources you brought with you, you couldn’t do it alone. Not only could you not do it alone, you could not expect it to be as glamorous as it is popular (highly spoken about) and still have a good time. It’s a week long and a lot of people can’t withstand staying the whole time. It is a commitment and it comes with learning a lot about yourself and others. Many of the new comers to raving that want to just follow the trend don’t understand this going in and just do it to say they did it but actually have a miserable time because they have the wrong intention. Raving at a city event is comfortable and makes you feel like you’re party of the “in crowd” but you have to reflect on why you’re there. Is it because of drugs, popularity, passion, and/or inclusion? I will continue to repeat the mantra “follow your heart”. This truly encompasses what the rave culture welcomes. Just be yourself!

~Rave Responsibily~

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Dancing and Flowing

Some dance, some flow, some are just there to enjoy the show. No matter what you choose, remember to be true to yourself! You don’t have to follow the rave trend and learn how to shuffle or pick up a flow art. Just in case you don’t know what a flow art is, let me bring you up to speed! Flow arts are anything from gloving, hooping, and orbits, to wands, poi, or juggling. These are usually done with light-up instruments in the rave culture. However, most of them can also be used as fire instruments! They allow for an outlet of self expression physically, without really having to dance. Though some that hoop, glove, or use poi do in fact dance while performing their flow art. Flow art is a beautiful hobby in and outside the rave culture. The trend of hooping and gloving seem to be most popular and some get the instruments and don’t ever learn to actually express themselves with it. This is following the rave trend without being true to yourself. Maybe you’re uncomfortable because you haven’t found the right outlet of expressing yourself. Shuffling and jumpstyle are two more great example of physical expression. They are kinds of dancing that developed within the rave culture. Originally the Melbourne Shuffle was born in the 1980’s in the underground rave scene. Yes, it’s that old! Jumpstyle arrose in Germany in the late 90’s. Both are usually danced to hardstyle (genre of EDM). HOwever, shuffling can be done to house music too! They are original to the rave culture, but this doesn’t mean you have to learn how to do them to be a “real raver”. I say just dance or not dance however your heart and body desires! It’s not like the club where most girls are twerking and men are attempting popular rapper dance moves. Remember, the rave culture is a place for freedom of expression! We want you to come as you are and to be comfortable doing so. 

*HERE’S A MUSIC VIDEO WITH FUN SHUFFLING*

*HERE’S A BEAUTIFUL WAND FLOW VIDEO*

*HERE’S AN AWESOME GLOVING VIDEO*

*HERE’S A CRAZY ORBITING VIDEO*

*HERE’S A FANTASTIC HOOPING VIDEO*

*HERE’S A DOPE JUMPSTYLE VIDEO*

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Dressing Within the Rave Culture

Today, let’s talk about the way everyone dresses within the rave culture versus when they’re following the trend. Rave culture is so full of creativity and freedom. The spotlight of individual expression and creativity is through the outfits you get to put together. It is a market, it is a talent, it is individual, and it is a collective. When I was first exposed to the rave culture, it was all about making your own outfits. Being able to start from nearly scratch and manifest the character or personality you wish to express/be. This has developed into a trend. In the rave trend, newcomers will buy outfits and even kandi bracelets or masks from others who have made them. I believe that the real individual creative expression of one’s self is through hand making your own outfits. The mainstream media has tailored an industry in which they sell trends to newcomers. This means that when you go to big festivals now, you’ll see duplicates. For me, that would feel like going to prom and seeing another girl wearing the same dress as you. Or like going to the club and everyone is wearing all little black dresses and no one stands out as an individual. I believe it is magical to be able to look at someone at a rave and their personality, alter-ego, or their true character shines through their outfit because they tailored it to be so instead of just following the marketed rave trends. You get to make the ultimate choice of whether you want to be like everyone else and follow the trend, or be yourself and make/put something together. It’s not easy, it’s also appealing to be “trendy”, maybe you’re into fashion and you want to model the clothes someone else makes, just make sure you’re always being true to yourself! Raves are a safe place for self expression!

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Drug Use in the Rave Culture

       So, today I’d like to talk about drug use in the rave community. The rave scene as we know it, via the media, is filled with drugs. Why is it that drug use such a prominent part of the rave scene? As https://raveculture.tumblr.com/ uses in there post about the drug use: Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS (the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies) explains that “If you look at electronic dance music (EDM) culture, it seems to be more diverse, more accepting of the ‘other’, more welcoming of gay people—a counter-ethos of ‘we’re in it together”. If you think about this and then look up the effects of MDMA, one of the main drugs associated with rave culture, includes effects such as empathy towards others, heightened mood/senses and level of happiness, increased will to socialise, and the ability to more openly connect emotionally with others. These effects sound very much like “hand in hand” feelings that would compliment the environment that Dr. Rick Doblin explains as EDM culture.The sense of wholeness and community within the rave is exaggerated by the drugs.

        Unfortunately this exaggeration has reached such a spike that people are going to raves JUST for the drugs. Not even three weeks ago I went to a rave in San Francisco (Paradox tour: Excision) and I was freaking out that I wouldn’t make it inside with enough time to see one of my favorite DJs (SQUNTO). I exclaimed “I’m going to miss him and I bet none of you even care about him! You’re probably just here for the drugs!” The guy next to me replies “Yeah, I am..” That was when I said “Then you’re in my way, some of us are actually here for the show.” It’s moments like this at a rave, that really put into perspective who’s really here to be a part of the experience and not just there to have a fun environment to do drugs. It doesn’t help when kids are dying left and right from drug overdoses and dehydration because all they are there to do is get messed up, then what was once a beautiful and fun experience gets cancelled and/or goes through huge restrictions from police, counties, states, etc. This is what happened to EDC; it was once a 16+ rave in LA, then an underage drug OD occurs and the city will no longer host it. Or how Hard Summer recently went through huge changes because of ODs. The media coverage on these sort of events is also a huge impact on the stigma of drug use in the rave culture.

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https://raveculture.tumblr.com/ says “One of the largest challenges rave culture faces is the media’s constant portrayal of said drug use. This leaves a society who does not understand rave culture, overlooking the reasons people actually go. Above all else, such as drugs, people do rave to come together, united with like minded individuals as to enjoy the music and have a good time. We come together to push the societal norms of how you’re “supposed” to live. We come in search for freedom in a world that restricts us, confines us, and refuses to offer it in it’s commercialisation of what it means to be human.

If you dug down deep enough, you could find yourself comparing the behavioural effects of the legal drug alcohol against the illegal MDMA. There you could say that it makes a lot of sense why the government would want a society filled with people unwinding with slurred speech, impaired judgement, and decreased perception and coordination, as opposed to one filled with people deeply connecting with others and looking at the world and those around them with increased perception, empathy and emotional warmth.”

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Rave Family

Welcome back! So, today I would like to talk to you about one of the most beautiful parts about being a part of the “rave” culture. There’s this awesome tradition within our culture where everyone close to you or that you connect with at a rave, becomes family. Literally, you create your own rave family. Rave family means, there’s the complete dynamic of a real family. You have a mother figure, as well as a father figure, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. This is really fun because whatever title you have in the rave family is based on personality (maternal or paternal, etc) and when you come into the rave family or when you adopt your own.

So, for me, my friend Milena, who I would call my rave sister, invited me to rave with her and her rave family. She already had two raves moms and a rave brother. The rave mothers adopted me as their rave child and I was taught how to “PLUR”, which we talked about in my last post, right? Being a part of a family means that everyone takes care of each other like a family. Raves can be really large, we call those “massives”. With massives, it’s really nice to have a “veteran” (someone who has been to massives many times) to show you the ropes.

This contrasts so much with some of the newer ravers flooding into the scene that just go with a group of friends to get high on a bunch of drugs. They are often the ones letting/encouraging each other to take too much of something and they end up being the ones rolled away in a gurney or being resuscitated. It is so scary to see people on the sides of the stages, way too drunk or high, that have been abandoned by their friends because they “couldn’t hang”. I’ve sought help for people like this. I think to myself, where’s their rave family? Sticking together at a rave is deeper than just friendship, it’s a family-friend experience.

Rave Responsibly!

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PLURR

So, if we’re going to get into talking about the differences between what rave culture is and the “rave trend culture” (which is really just the “party scene” or “club scene” invading the “rave scene”).. We really need to cover the “PLUR way”. PLUR is something that in rave culture, everyone believes in and something that most practice even outside of raving. It stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect.

Peace, means that we exist in freedom of harm. This is not what the “party scene” or “club scene” exhibits. In those scenes you will see a lot of violence.

Love, means that we show kindness, compassion, and acceptance to all those around us. We accept people for who they are and where they are in life. This, is very difficult to find within the “party scene” or “club scene” previously mentioned. When was the last time you went to a club or a party to feel accepted and cared about by all the people around you?

Unity, means we come together as one. We exist simultaneously in harmony with each other in this human experience. With everyone feeling accepted, it is us. We are the parts that come together to make a rave the place that makes us so happy. When was the last time you went to a club or a party to feel like you were really an important part of what was happening around you?

Respect, means that acceptance runs deep enough for us to see each other for who we really are. We can really connect, appreciate, and admire one another. When was the last time you felt these emotions for the people you met at a club or a party?

In the “rave trend” culture, we see a lot of these party and club goers flooding into the rave scene like it’s just a big party with a bunch of drugs and loud music. As a result, we have a huge delusion of the “PLUR way” because of this. You do not have to be on drugs to go to a rave and feel the peace, love, unity, and the respect. I personally came up with an extra “R” at the end about five years ago; PLURR.

Responsibility, means to rave responsibility. I am one of the few sober ravers I know and I preach responsibility. Staying hydrated, not pushing your body past its limits, and staying safe is important to me. I want everyone around me to have a good, safe, fun. With the introduction of party goers, I have noticed some bad people come around the rave scene and pray on the innocent. Also, a lot of party goers over do it; it is not a club or a party, it’s a five to eight hour rave! We need to look out for ourselves and our friends.

Rave responsibly!

>CLICK for video of a Kandi trade aka a “PLUR kiss”<