VURBan Legends

Ignorance is not bliss


Publication title: Vue Weekly 
Page: 28
Publication date: November 18, 1999
Document type: Opinion
Article author: Dave Johnston
Transcribed by: MW


The fallout surrounding last weekend's second FUN-tazia party is a sobering situation for veterans of the rave scene. A multitude of problems plagued the event and tested the limits of the organizers, the Happy Bastards Crew. Despite a classic lineup of talent and a group of partiers intent on maintaining the vibe, many are calling FUN-tazia 2 a disaster and a crushing blow to the growth of the scene.

Lengthy lineups, clogged toilets, violent altercations and drug abuse are only part of the tales circulating through Internet message boards, coffee houses and school hallways across the city. Many blame the promoters for the multiple mishaps, complaining that greed and mismanagement lie at the heart of Saturday night's problems.

What those people must realize is that the Happy Bastards did what any promoter would do in these circumstances: hold things together. With several thousand dollars and the responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of thousands of people on the line, the organizers tried to ensure that problems were dealt with quickly and reasonably. Packing a group of people in a confined space involves any number of variables, many of which are beyond anyone's control.

To their credit, DJ Crunchee and his team attempted to stage a safe, quality event, and did so in very difficult circumstances. Any experienced promoter will agree that throwing a party on this scale is a headache, and that unfortunate situations will inevitably arise. It has to do with something called Murphy's Law.

The general populace's unfamiliarity with even the most basic aspects of rave culture is becoming more and more apparent, and the scene appears to be responding with an equal degree of ignorance. There are still far too many people who regard raves as free-for-alls, during which they have carte blanche to recklessly consume drugs, to destroy property and to misinform newbies about what constitutes a good time. In the process, they are destroying the underground, attracting negative attention, and contradicting the principles of PLUR—peace, love, unity and respect, the very philosophy they constantly trot out as an excuse for their behavior.

It would be unfair to paint a generalized picture of ravers as a foolhardy bunch, and I'm not about to wield that wide a brush. But it's obvious that as the underground moves into the mainstream, the situation will get worse before it gets better. The answer is not as simple as handing out an instruction book at every party and asking everybody to brush up on PLUR before heading off to the dance floor. But some kind of education is in order, and it has to begin soon, before the scene destroys itself.

The underground is a place to escape from the modern world. The community is built upon the principles of peace, love, unity and respect, and these are serious words. People first discovering rave culture usually first discover the drugs—and frankly, that's where the problems lie. If you choose to indulge, remember that the consumption of a drug like MDMA (ecstasy) comes with the understanding that you know how to use it without sending yourself to a hospital bed. There have been far too many cases lately of people mixing MDMA with such things as crystal meth, cocaine and alcohol, becoming seriously ill, violent or catatonic as a result. Will it only be a matter of time before we join the other centres like London, New York and Toronto by having to bury a raver because of a simple lack of common-sense caution?

If you are dedicated to the scene, it's part of your responsibility to teach the newcomers what it's about. Teach them that this is a different world from bars and house parties. Teach them that to have a good time, drugs are not essential, whether it's alcohol or MDMA. Teach them that behavior like fighting and vandalism is inexcusable, no matter what the circumstances are. Teach them to respect the community, both outside and inside the raves. And teach them to look out for themselves and everyone around them.

Of course, not everyone can be taught. There will still be the cowboys and fad followers looking for a place to act like idiots, and frankly, they shouldn't be let anywhere near a rave. All you can do, however, is persevere. Eventually they'll get the message, and will either accept the situation or leave. Just because you believe in PLUR doesn't mean you shouldn't have to stand your ground.

In some cities, groups of people have started outreach programs to assist and educate ravers. Often these teams will set up a booth or a tent at parties, providing information, medical attention, water and care to those who need it. It's a nice idea, one invented by people willing to learn from their mistakes.

FUN-tazia 2 was not a disaster in itself. It was a good party, actually—but the experience could teach us a few lessons, as well. Education is what makes a phenomenon grow and prosper. Digging further underground is a nihilistic solution that benefits no one, and instead promotes fear and breeds ignorance. Don't you think the world has enough of that?