Rave culture in modern America

Résumé du document

This paper attempts to analyze rave culture from a sociological point of view. The document is just an overview and not an in-depth analysis of any particular aspect of the rave culture. The document covers the history of rave culture, rave spirituality, and rave politics, in relation to Hakim Bey's writings on the creation of a Temporary Autonomous Zone. The final section of the document also analyzes the appropriation of rave culture by the State (government). When one examines any cultural movement, it is always useful to examine the roots of that movement. It is the history of the movement that gives us some understanding of the reason where we are now.

Extraits

[...] However, the underground -or spirit- remains part of the scene today. It is impossible to find out what raves are going on, unless you are actually at a rave and pick up the flyers (or know where to look on the Internet). Even then, usually only a telephone number is given. When the night of the event comes, the telephone number will often direct you to a checkpoint where you can finally pick up directions on where the party is. [...]

[...] Many ravers pass out candy to other ravers, or water. Rave spirituality, while taking many different forms (even dark forms sometimes) can be linked to PLUR. It is a general feeling of respect for the earth, respect for each other, and respect for oneself while being immersed in total happiness for one night. It is getting into the communal vibe that is present. It is the creation of a temporary space where the only rule is love and the only preaching is loud music. [...]

[...] This is a fundamental question that, in a way, I will attempt to answer in this paper, but I will never really do it. Since, Raving is a highly subjective experience. Indeed, one person's best rave is another person's worst. That the reason why any attempt to analyze rave culture must recognize the highly personal factor of the experience. It is because of this fact that I will start off my attempt to analyze rave culture with a series of quotes on the rave experience. [...]

[...] (The Shaman Re: Evolution) The rave scene uses technological means to recreate ancient ceremonies in which dancing to music was used as a spiritual tool. It is a conjoining of ancient beliefs with the tools of today. It is not a culture that denies where we are at as a society today, but rather uses where we are at today to go somewhere else. This is the essence of the "vibe" so commonly talked about in circles of ravers. There is a tangible energy that goes along with dancing to extremely loud beats with hundreds of other people. Raves are a shared experience. [...]

[...] The rave scene that was born in America was one of complete illegality. Spaces were not rented, they were broken into. Ravers that have been in it since the beginning eagerly talk about the early days of ‘running from cops while holding a speaker above their head, or of continuing a rave in about seven different spaces over the course of one night!' Frankie Bones, a New York native, was one of the US DJs that was spinning around in England. [...]