A rchive Date
[ 12-06-2000 ]
Category
[ International Relations ]
sub-Categoy
[ Mass Media ]
|
[http://www.canoe.ca/TimeCanada/magazine_caned.html
More than just death and drugs
By STEVE SIMMONS
Toronto Sun
June 12, 2000
Depending on whose opinion you're asking for, the Toronto rave scene is either peaceful or disturbed, a haven for drug-sellers or a just a place for youthful experimentation.
What there isn't, among ravers, former ravers, politicians, police and media, is anything resembling a consensus about their confusing culture.
I found this out last week after a column misidentified the after-hours nightclub SPACE as a rave. That was my mistake. But what I discovered in the process were articulate, intelligent replies, by telephone call, by letter, by e-mail, from those who have divergent opinions on what is right and wrong with the rave world and how passionate so many are about protecting this most misunderstood culture.
For those of us far removed from clubs of any kind, it is often difficult to distinguish the difference between a rave, a nightclub and an
after-hours club. We hear about one problem and lump them all in together. We hear about one act of violence and castigate the entire system. It's easy and convenient and that is a product of being a parent in his 40s and I confess that's precisely what I am. But that doesn't mean I don't want to learn and better understand.
"This is our religion,'' said Jandi, a longtime rave-goer. "Life is full of pain and setbacks, but for eight hours we can clear our minds and connect with the music...
"It is a far more complete union of souls than any church or mosque: People totally vibing and connecting with and off each other.''
Jandi, however, is not naive enough to say there are not problems with raves, the late-night music clubs that don't serve alcohol but somehow cater to a culture of drugs (that was about the only consensus in any response; no one is denying drug usage).
"But a few years ago, all kinds of little punks started showing up (at raves). They're the ones OD-ing, the ones messing up. It's already happened back home in England in 1992. There was a huge crackdown.''
Others had similar views. A rave is supposed to be a friendly place all about music and dancing and partying. It still is that. It still can be
that. It just isn't what it should be often enough.
"I have to admit, I have seen a disgusting change in the entire scene the last few years,'' said Andrew, another long-time rave partyer. 'The motive used to be listening to something different, being something different and there was a general love for everything and everybody and I have to admit that drug use is part of the rave scene.
"There weren't a lot of deaths before. The rave scene has become too mainstream, too many middle-class kids going. It isn't what it started out to be.''
But it isn't the place of violence it has been too often portrayed to be. So many ravers, past and present, stress that. Even some police say that. Yes, there is techno music. Yes, there is much drug usage. But no, it is mostly a peaceful scene.
"I am in no way saying that these are wondrous magical places in which everyone is safe and happy,'' wrote Sarah in an e-mail. " I've seen the scene make people and I've seen it break people. I've watched old friends turn into drug addicts but I have also watched friends build themselves into strong people.''
Her description, to me, sounds like my life in high school and university days. Where everybody tries different ways and different things and years later you look back and see who escaped, who advanced, and who never progressed. Some went on drugs, some went off drugs and some were consumed by them.
"People have a false impression at what raves are,'' said Chris, another raver, who took exception to what was written here. "From what I've heard, I don't think most adults know what they are. The media has helped distort the view and you are part of that media with your own distortions.''
The last several months have brought much attention to raves, in light of some arrests and the inquiry into the death of Allan Ho. You hear drugs and you hear death and it is so easy for a suburban adult to scream -- as I did -- without seeing there are more sides to these stories than any of us can completely comprehend.
I still don't understand why they have to go on all night, why there can't be reasonable rules for some unreasonable behaviour. But at least I'm trying to understand.
Steve Simmons can be reached by e-mail at ssimmons@sunpub.com
 World Fact Book (CIA)]]
Cross-Indexed:
|
|