Rave culture is very interesting to me. While I wouldn't say I'm a part of it, or know a, I have had a taste.
Popping Molly, and walking up to a person also feeling her effects, you are both very friendly. You have a couple of beaded kandi bracelets on, but your fellow raver's wrists are covered in them. She points to her wrist, asking if you want one (though you don't actually hear her over the EDM beats). You nod. You simultaneously make a peace sign, pressing your fingers together. You curve your hand to form half of heart. You press together flat palms, "hugging" one another's hands with your thumbs. Finally, you clasp your hands together, fingers intertwined. Your partner moves one of her bracelets from her wrist to yours, both of you wearing an accomplished grin. You made a new friend, as you both share the values of Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect. Your friend may or may not stick around, but you don't mind either way. The music is intoxicating. You just want to dance.
For anyone who's ever been to a rave, this is a normal occurrence. It's almost like being in 4th grade again, when you sung songs about a girl named Ms. Suzy. Maybe at that time, you would dance to a catchy beat completely, without fear of judgement. It was easy to befriend any person you had something in common with.
Electronic music has seeped into the top 40 more and more in recent years. I've heard the movement of rave culture been compared to the movement of hippies in the late 1960s. I, of course, didn't experience anything going on at that time, I think I may have in a passed life, as I do have a lifestyle that slightly resembles the era. It seems like the difference in drug choice tells a lot about the difference in counter-culture movements.
Everything about our culture today is, to me, trying to outdo itself in speed, loudness, outrage, and craziness. Some of the most popular movies have weak plots, but lots of explosions and fast-paced action. Increased technology has us craving instant gratification, increased simulation, and as taught us that more is always better. Raves are all about dancing to fast-paced electronic music, flashing neon lights, and drugs that make the whole experience feel better. I'm a bit less than in love with it. Synthetic-sounding music and synthetic chemicals flooding my brain will never compare to my love for acoustic folk music, or my preference for mind-altering substances straight from Woodstock.
Hippies in the 60s advocated to end war, and for human rights. They did drugs that expanded their minds. I know the movement has been largely romanticized over the years, but everything about them seemed so much more genuine and natural. A kandi kid may burst positive vibes, but I don't think they really stand for anything more than just having a good time. Not to say I haven't met some legitimately awesome people at raves and that there weren't hippies who were about much more than having fun, I just think I was born in the wrong decade.
