RAVER CULTURE

EDITOR: I was offended by the Sept. 29 piece "Rave Clubs Not Rave Locally"
which implies a sinister nature to rave events.

I am a DJ and long-time member of the rave & club scene here in California,
and I am deeply disturbed by the negative stigma which 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.

The perceived presence of drugs, hyped by this article as well as the media
as a whole, 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 'n' roll, and so on. Despite the best efforts of
opposition in each time period, each type of music survived and became
important parts of our culture. Raves, and electronic music, will do the same.

Adam Wiggins