Perhaps for some of you new to the "rave" scene, it might be surprising to know that the sub cultural artistic movement we belong to, started in England during what was called
"The Summer of Love", back in the late 80's as an underground movement. A movement based on House, Techno, and Acid music, but most importantly, based on a feeling of LOVE. Ever since then the raves were supposed to be a safe arena where all people can come together to share and celebrate through the music, leaving behind our differences on race, color, national origin, age, social status, creed or religion, gender, sexual orientations, or any kind of social intolerance or antagonism that do nothing but lower the quality of the human spirit. In a rave, you are supposed to leave your attitudes outside, and join your fellow brothers and sisters hoping to participate in a mind-expanding experience, in unity with all. Unfortunately, this is a utopia premise that is bound to fail. Our scene has been the planet. By prohibiting the legendary Saturday late nights, imposing curfews ( curfews that are more suitable of a fascist or communist regime), the reactionary groups and the media have definitely hurt our scene. These are the act of arrogant ignorance that even seem to be endorsed by the so called alternative and progressive older crowds by just remaining silent, failing to realize that when some of us loose our freedom, everyone else does also. It is rather ironic that these people call our music "non-melodic noise", where as the generation before them call rock'n'roll "non-melodic noise". If you are able to vote, get informed, know your enemy and go out and vote next time. Do it! Yet, the saddest part is the attacks we are inflicting on ourselves. What's up with the attitude kids? What's up with those kids ready to stamp a Nike logo on someone's face just for more room to spin on the dance floor? What's up with the nasty attitudes the B-boys throw at the Club Kids just because they are too outrageously dressed or pierced?. . . Nobody has ever made fun of the way you dress . . . What is up with that snooty cliquish attitude of some that have been in the scene for a very long time and are at the cutting edge? . . . Does that make you more superior? . . . Don't think so! . . . Or those so called "mature" ravers who look down on Candy-Bubble-Gum ravers and quote them as "cheesy". We need to understand the cultural value of the Pop-Art iconography this brings, our freedom of choice and the fun factor (yes, even pacifiers and backpacks. Just think of Andy Worhal!) The last thing we need is a dress code. Think- isn't this shit pretty much against all that we stand for? Aren't we as intolerant, mean, prejudice, and ignorant as those who attack us??! What's up with the scammer promoters who screw up DJ's and ravers? What's up with the nasty security? Or those who claim that "everyone needs something to believe in" and then don't give a shit about safety, overcrowding, overheating, and our political problems? . . . What's up with some places letting kids under 16 years old come in to the clubs and parties just so they can make more money? The media just loves it!!. . . What's up with that Sounth Florida lame ghetto attitude where girls beat up girls, or raves that end up in fights or even gun shots? DJ's need to check out the intentions and the vibes in their record bags! How about those DJ's that sell-out to music that induces Unity and a general groove, but play what promotes attitude and competition? A big thank you and respect go out to those promoters and DJ's, and the "boys" who are true to the scene and who put out quality stuff. We love you, please don't give up! What's up with those who havn't learned to respect their bodies and abuse them carelessly? You are at the core of our problems. . . Please be careful, remember that less is more, if you respect yourself and your body, you will get more out of the experience. Getting fucked up is not what it is all about!!! It's about having a good time, opening your mind, connecting with others, and reflecting the positive experiences onto your everyday life. Dropping that extra roll or mixing shit is not going to resolve your personal problems! The answer will come from within, not from without. How about those who can't find a roll that one time and then stay pissed off all night long? . . . You are missing the point! And also, who isn't tired of the rude and pushy drunk frats and trendies who come to our scene just because it is "cool"? . . . What's up with those who bitch, yet do nothing for the scene, stop bashing it, get out of it, and get a happy life.

Many have jumped onto the novelty wagon of the raves without realizing that we actually have a philosophical base: PEACE, LOVE, UNITY, and RESPECT. Yet maybe we, the veteran ravers should accurately pass on the message of P.L.U.R. to the new kids. True, the scene is not what it use to be. Of course not! It will never be, and that's okay. Our scene, as our music, is based on an ever-changing dynamic, we must learn to guide it in the right directions. If the scene ever stops involving it, it will certainly die.

Nevertheless, the overlooked facts are the positive effects the RAVE SCENE has had in many of us; our scene is still a positive, friendly scene. We need to recognize the fact that we are the last significant youth movement of the Decade, the Century, and the Millennium. An underground movement that belongs to the young people and that connect us at a global level. Technology has opened the door to countless young creative minds as never before in history. Minds that have produced outstanding, beautiful music never before imagined, as well as quality Graphic Design Art as it is seen in out flyers, magazines, and 3D Computer graphics, many of which deserving to be at any Pop-Art gallery. Our fashion designs are awesome and very influential to street sport-wear. This is all unique cultural expression that is full of innovation, energy, and rich in diversity. . . and it is ours!

We are he ones who will take the SPIRIT into the next MILLENNIUM, because in the ends it's all about our people. Those who make the music, the graphics, the gatherings, those who dance to celebrate life. Fortunate are those who look at the world with the eyes and the heart of a child. The UNDERGROUND COMMUNITY, you know who you are, the space cadets, true to the scene, the music, the most importantly their selves. To those who are here to make real friends at the scene, cultivate that friendship, it may be one of the most valuable things in your life. . . This letter is for all of you, because you are not alone. We are scattered and divided. We need to unite, reach out and make contact. Educate ourselves and others. We are not the slacker losers they want you to believe we are. We are creative, dynamic, young, peaceful, evolving, beautiful people. Keep it alive, you are the undergound! We are the children of light. . . Next time on the dance floor, on the playground turn around, look at the person you might even have fear of, smile, reach out, share a hug, you might even make a friend. Prove to those who would like to poison and kill your young spirit that we are far beyond their pathetic destructive negativity. We are the children of the millennium. Dancing the groove with everyone instead of one. Spread the joy around you with the heart of a child!

Written by Lisa