A raver is term introduced in the early 1990s for someone who attends rave parties and any number of people world-wide who associate themselves by fashion or by rave music with the rave culture, especially those in Generation X and (for lack of a better term) Generation Y. Rave culture has become very popular and a powerful sub-culture.

Table of contents
1 Rave culture and terminology
2 Other sub-cultures
3 Drug use
4 See also
5 External links

Rave culture and terminology

Although not universally agreed upon by those in the rave movement, some of the central tenets of the culture are:

An old school raver refers to someone who has been a raver for quite some time; whereas, a baby raver refers to someone who is new to raving or at their first rave. Hardcore ravers are sometimes called pure ravers or true ravers. Something can be rave or have raveness. See also candy raver.

Those who exhibit rave-type behavior or qualities in the non-rave world are referred to as future ravers and are sometimes personally invited to attend a rave. Many hardcore ravers and pure ravers are said to be astute at identifying these future ravers. Some ravers believe that the opposite of a raver is a hater.

Similar to religious convictions, some ravers are fanatical or hardcore while others are casual. Despite the popularity of drugs at raves, many of the more fanatical ravers abstain. Few, if any, drink alcohol. Many hardcore ravers believe that the future evolution of mankind can be seen and found at a rave, at least temporarily, through the electronic music, the kindness, tolerance, sharing of stories, love, hugs, giving of small gifts and general compassion. On the other hand, many who are former hardcore ravers are disallusioned by the ubiquitousness of drugs in rave culture and the lack of any real progress or lasting friendships found through raves.

Although not a constant among all ravers, one philosophy of rave culture is expressed through the acronymn "PLUR" for Peace Love Unity Respect. Peace involves abstaining from violence and negative emotions as Love describes a giving spirit and affection. Unity encompasses acceptance and community while Respect encourages an acknowledgement of other's rights and uniqueness.

Other sub-cultures

Ravers have been compared to both the hippies of the 1960s and new waver of the 1980s due to their interest in non-violence and being a music-centric culture. Contrasted with the anti-war attitudes of hippies during the Vietnam War era and the materialistic "Me Generation" era of the new wavers, the rave culture has, by and large, focused on acceptance and tolerance. (See rave party for more information on the history of raves.)

Drug use

In the US, resulting from sensationalist media attention and the explosion of the inexpensive "Ecstasy," or MDMA, drug, the raver has been branded a purely drug-centric culture similar to the hippies of the 1960s. As a result, ravers have since been relegated to word-of-mouth-only, underground parties and night club events. Overseas, raves are common and extremely popular and open, although now more known as "festivals".

Groups that have addressed this issue include the Electronic Music Defence Fund and DanceSafe.

See also

External links