Raves, known primarily for their association with loud music and designer drug use, also serve as a gathering place where teens can enjoy a sense of community apart from the adult world, according to the June 26 issue of U.S. News & World Report."Rave is a release from the stress of real life," said Vat, a gay, 19-year-old college student. "For a few hours, you can practice a little hedonism and just have fun."
Rave parties once were primarily illegal parties, held in warehouses with no permits or rules. Drugs, in particular Ecstasy, helped define the rave culture.
Today, however, not all rave parties are held in secretive hideaways. Instead, they are advertised on the Internet and radio and are being held with the approval of local government. Local police sometimes patrol the party.
"It's weird, because the entire point of rave culture was supposed to be underground," said Andrew, a clean-cut 20-year-old who works in customer service at a natural gas company and as a firefighter. "But whatever you do, nothing remains a secret for long."
In just a few months, the rave subculture has become mainstream, with local clubs hosting rave nights and middle-school children buying rave-inspired fashion at the mall.
But some ravers say the publicity could encourage a dangerous cycle. "People hear about raves, and the only thing the media says is 'Ooh drugs,' so people come for the drugs," said Erika, 22, who calls herself "Rollergirl."
In fact, a number of people at a rave party Erika recently attended were looking for pills. The parties also continue to attract suppliers, who walk around the dance floor whispering, "X, K, [crystal] meth, whatever." Energy drinks and lollipops -- to prevent the dehydration and teeth-grinding side-effects of ecstasy -- are available for those under the influence.
Yet there are a number of people at rave parties who stay away from the drugs. They say raves are all about the music and the friendly vibe.
While parents and politicians link rave parties with the rise in teen use of illegal designer drugs, ravers say the accusations are unfair. "To point the finger at rave events, as if they are all of a sudden responsible for any type of rise in drug use, is a failure to be honest with ourselves as a society," said Lonnie Fisher, 31, president of Ultraworld, one of the largest producers of DJ events in the country. "Drugs were around way before raves." Ravers say that their guiding principle is not about drugs, but rather PLUR (peace, love, unity, and respect).
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