Subculture Research Paper
The Techno-Subculture of the Modern World
The Development of the Rave into Mainstream American Culture
A paper submitted for the review of Dr. Murchinson regarding the rise of a cross-generational sub-culture that has shaped generations of young adults. Cassandra Stephens 12/17/2007
Stephens 1 Cassandra Stephens Dr. Murchinson English Composition I 12/17/2007 The Techno-Subculture of the Modern World Dance parties have always been a popular social event for generations of young adults. However, beginning in the 1960s they became defined as a “sub-culture”: a trendy social influence that would soon sweep the world around. These gatherings became known as “raves.” Although the term “rave” was not actually defined until the 1980s, they …show more content…
existed during the “Swingin' Sixties,” predominately through large underground gatherings of individuals whom were united by their love of dance, music, and drugs. As the years progressed, this seemingly quiet revolt against mainstream American culture blossomed into a revolution that would define generations of young adults. The use of drugs during the sixties was rather prevalent and almost second nature to most young adults. However, once these illicit practices began to become largely socially unacceptable, the scene moved underground. The first raves began as just being a place where you could relax, let loose and get high, but now raves are a culture all their own. Raves have moved from the neighbor’s basement to abandoned warehouses in which large groups of “allnighters” gather and consume their favorite “club drugs.” A recent study of “raving” conducted in Toronto revealed that a wide variety of drugs were available at raves. The most frequently used drug at “low-end” raves is marijuana as it is typically inexpensive and can be found most anywhere. The most popular drugs at these events however are hallucinogens and stimulants. Lest not forget the everlasting presence of alcohol at these events.
Stephens 2 A fashion statement presented by most all true “ravers” is the wearing of candy. Mainly worn by the “candy kids,” these colorful plastic beads are usually designed into necklaces and bracelets. The ever-allusive history behind the origin and meaning of the wearing of this candy is a secret that is tightly held by most “ravers,” however, it is believed that the people whom bestow this odd fashion statement are the “go-to” people: the individuals that have the “good” drugs. During the late 1970s and into the early 1980s the real raves, the all-night dance parties, effectively began the disco era, and embodied a blend of electronic dance that would forever change the face of music and the club scene. This type of music was once solely called electric music, but it has now branched into numerous sub-categories: house music, techno, happy hardcore, drum and bass, jungle, trance, “electronic,” etc… Predominately, a DJ who is accompanied by glow-sticks, laser light shows, projected images, artificial fog, and an ecstatic crowd of dancers, jumpers, and self-appointed performers presents this music live. These days, most large-scale raves have permits so they can be held in old warehouses or large outdoor locations like parking lots. Often, the smaller, underground (non-permitted) raves have locations that are only known to those whom are invited. These raves tend to be a bit sketchy and dangerous. They do of course tend to be cheaper, with cover charges ranging from five to ten dollars. Weaponry and drugs are usually brought into these raves without notice and could possibly instigate unwanted occurrences. Surprisingly enough, the bigger the rave, the safer it actually is. That does however deter some partygoers who seek danger at every turn. These large-scale raves will have cover charges in excess of sometimes sixty dollars in order to cover the necessary expenses to make your party-going both safe and fun. A few of these larger raves are Monster Massive, EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival), Sesame Beats, Together as One, and
Stephens 3 Nocturnal Wonderland.
These are all held in Los Angeles and are some of the most popular raves in the Southern California. Each generation leaves behind a legacy: the “Greatest Generation,” the “Baby-Boomers,” “Gen-Xers” and so on. Raves and ravers provided a means for people to come together through the common interests of music and community, which progressed the DJ and “club” culture. Being part of a “scene” and fitting into to the collective popularity has always been a motivating factor for people. Being part of a rave was kind of like being part of an “outlaw” culture during its infancy where initially word-of-mouth was the only way you could find out anything about a rave: you had to know someone who knew someone who could be trusted to have any chance to go. Then handwritten invitations would draw people to the site, and bringing resources together to get power to turntables in the middle of the woods for hours. The DJ was the master who would take the group through a journey of pure enjoyment driven by the music. People of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and social standings could be found amongst the mix. As time progressed, raves were everywhere and even kids in “day-glow” outfits became glorified in Hollywood films that flashed on the outrageousness of this culture. The distinctive raver scene and all night dancing have resulted in other things beside music. The fashion choices of ravers are definitely a new prospect on style. The same way there are groups for the different of the types of music; there are also categories for the different styles of ravers. A few of the names are candy kids, “junglists,” breakers, lush, and gravers. To be a candy kid the ensemble is usually outrageous amounts of candy beads, backpacks decorated, bright, neon like colors, fuzzy texture clothing, and the stereotypical ones usually have the baby toys like a pacifier. “Junglists” have the reputations to be the angry looking reggae people. They tend to
wear camouflage, denim, and baggie clothes. The “junglist” music tends to be a harder
Stephens 4 beat. Breakers are probably the only ones that would blend into the outside world; just think hiphop and the contemporary rap culture. Lush are mainly ravers who just want to hangout with the DJs, kind of like groupies at concerts. Their style all depends on the genre the DJ is. In addition, one other popular look would have to be graver. A graver is a gothic raver. The only difference is the type of music they are interested in. They regularly wear all black, baggy clothes and chains tend hang from their pants. I composed and presented a list of questions to two individuals I know who have attended raves. The questions were as follows: 1) How many massive raves have you gone to and how many mountain party raves? 2) What type of raver are you? 3) Who are some of your favorite DJs? 4) What are your usual habits at a rave? 5) What are your love and hates with raves? In response to these questions, nineteen year-old Chris Lopez replied by saying: “I have gone to 4 massive raves located in Los Angeles and San Francisco and ten unknown ones in the mountains Santa Barbara. I would be considered a junglist if any. Wow, there are so many to pick from, I would have to say some of my favorite DJs would have to be Felix to House Cat, Fisher Spooner, DJ Tiesto, BT, Benny Bennasi, Diesel Boy, Infected Mushroom, Crystal Method, and DJ Dan. At rave, I am always giving light shows, dancing around, and meeting new people. I love the fact that I always get to meet someone new every 30 seconds, I love the type of music that played and the styles of clothes worn by ravers, but I really dislike the heavy abuse of drugs, poor performances by DJs, and the over populations of users (drug users).”
Stephens 5 In response to these questions, twenty-one year-old Lo Daniels replied by saying: “I have gone to about seven massive raves and about 3 mountain raves. I guess because I wear fuzzy baggy pants, bright colored clothes and a lot of candy I would be considered a candy kid. Just to name a few of my favorite DJs, they would have to be Brian Cox, Donald Glaude, Felix to House Cat, Daft Punk, and Pendulum. I am always dancing and giving people light shows, exchanging candy and talking to people. It is very easy to make new friends; they tend to like to fondle me. I love the music and atmosphere, I love the fact that I can dance until morning and just meeting people, but I really dislike all the druggies, and the people who tend to overdose. Oh and I really do not like how the young the crowd is starting to get, thirteen is too young in my book. But one of the worst things would have to be the overcharging of everything, water costs about three dollars!” When raves became ever so popular, some politicians began using them as a platform for promoting their policies and political agendas. Their lack of understanding of what made a rave so popular in the first place—the secretiveness, the “forbidden” aspect, the music, and artistry— just drove the Rave culture back into the underground where it all began. Now as “super clubs” have emerged and have focused themselves around DJs and large crowds, they have largely drawn attention away from the popular rave and have become the new fix for partygoers and the social elite alike. There is one event in our country that has taken the rave to grandiose levels and that draws ravers, eccentrics, hippies, and curious by-standers from around the world. It represents a celebration of the outrageous and yet somehow, with all of its conformity-busting “shocks,” it elevates one’s imagination while at the same time stimulates the senses beyond what most of us would deem possible. This event is non-other than the infamous “Burning Man.”
Stephens 6 Burning Man actually began in 1986 as an annual fire ceremony of about 20 people by two men named Larry Harvey and Jerry James. For four years, the annual fire party was held at Baker Beach in San Francisco. Then in 1990, Burning Man moved to a new location at Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event continued to become more popular, more creative, and with its remote location, more liberated to allow for total freedom of expression without censorship. Drugs are still prevalent, but even with this activity, the event is well policed by its members to insure that violence does not accompany the culture there. A series of first aid stations are on hand to attend to people who develop health problems. Each year Burning Man has made its historical mark as the “ultimate hippie rave” throughout the world. Each year a new theme is celebrated and defined by its growing number of participants. Last year the theme was “Hope and Fear the Future.” Approximately 40,000 participants attended in the greatest light show, dance scene and costume party imaginable. Burning Man becomes a newly defined “city” every year. There are city rules, roads, bicycle paths, temporary buildings, dance lounges, stadiums, RV hook ups and more. People bring their own food and a multitude of colorful costumes and body paint-wear: the more outrageous, the better. People are accepting of exposed body parts, and often times those body parts are painted, feathered, and celebrated in humorous and often times thought-provoking ways. My mother’s girlfriend, Christina Burton attended last year’s Burning Man. She and her boyfriend traveled around the constructed city that they said took over a day to get through and the entire week to fully explore. Every evening they dressed up in different costumes and attended different events. They would be invited to someone’s “neighborhood” where they would share a meal and dance until dawn. Many of the costumes she observed were very artistic and sophisticated, many of which had a humanitarian message or theme. She believes that with
Stephens 7 such liberation, people were able to explore their outrageous side, which also allowed them to explore the other side, a more profound and soulful side. She made many new friends and remains in contact with them. Burning Man has a very interesting website. It contains a thorough explanation and accounting of its purpose and activities since its inception in 1986. I thought it would be of interest to share the mission statement they posted on the site: “Our mission is to produce the annual event known as "Burning Man" and to guide, nurture and protect the more permanent community created by its culture. Our intention is to generate society that connects each individual to his or her creative powers, to participation in community, to the larger realm of civic life, and to the even greater world of nature that exists beyond society. We believe that the experience of Burning Man can produce positive spiritual change in the world. To this end, it is equally important that we communicate with one another, with the citizens of Black Rock City and with the community of Burning Man, wherever it may arise. Burning Man is radically inclusive, and its meaning is potentially accessible to anyone. The touchstone of value in our culture will always be immediacy: experience before theory, moral relationships before politics, survival before services, roles before jobs, embodied ritual before symbolism, work before vested interest, and participant support before sponsorship. Finally, in order to accomplish these ends, Burning Man must endure as a self-supporting enterprise that is capable of sustaining the lives of those who dedicate themselves to its work. From this devotion, spring those duties that we owe to one another. We will always burn the Man.”
Stephens 8 With everyday come new and different experiences that redefine who we are. The institution of the rave into Mainstream America has helped to redefine countless generations of partygoers seeking a refuge from the everyday: an escape from that which binds them into a life that becomes nothing short of routine. The rave as we know it today started a revolution, a renaissance in how young adults celebrate their lives and the liberties they enjoy. As young adults, our natural search for identity is lost as we are pressured to strive for achievement. Some of us rebel against this overwhelmingly strong pressure and find ways in which to express ourselves and discover who we truly are: the rave has become a popular way of doing this. Through raves, many have discovered a life that they feel comfortable in and would not trade for the world. Others discover something that they admonish to themselves and others, and avoid at all costs. No matter, the rave has defined countless generations in helping young adults to find their identity, and will continue to do so, that is, so long as the desire to feel a release from the everyday exists in this modern world in which we live.
The Development of the Rave into Mainstream American Culture
A paper submitted for the review of Dr. Murchinson regarding the rise of a cross-generational sub-culture that has shaped generations of young adults. Cassandra Stephens 12/17/2007
Stephens 1 Cassandra Stephens Dr. Murchinson English Composition I 12/17/2007 The Techno-Subculture of the Modern World Dance parties have always been a popular social event for generations of young adults. However, beginning in the 1960s they became defined as a “sub-culture”: a trendy social influence that would soon sweep the world around. These gatherings became known as “raves.” Although the term “rave” was not actually defined until the 1980s, they …show more content…
existed during the “Swingin' Sixties,” predominately through large underground gatherings of individuals whom were united by their love of dance, music, and drugs. As the years progressed, this seemingly quiet revolt against mainstream American culture blossomed into a revolution that would define generations of young adults. The use of drugs during the sixties was rather prevalent and almost second nature to most young adults. However, once these illicit practices began to become largely socially unacceptable, the scene moved underground. The first raves began as just being a place where you could relax, let loose and get high, but now raves are a culture all their own. Raves have moved from the neighbor’s basement to abandoned warehouses in which large groups of “allnighters” gather and consume their favorite “club drugs.” A recent study of “raving” conducted in Toronto revealed that a wide variety of drugs were available at raves. The most frequently used drug at “low-end” raves is marijuana as it is typically inexpensive and can be found most anywhere. The most popular drugs at these events however are hallucinogens and stimulants. Lest not forget the everlasting presence of alcohol at these events.
Stephens 2 A fashion statement presented by most all true “ravers” is the wearing of candy. Mainly worn by the “candy kids,” these colorful plastic beads are usually designed into necklaces and bracelets. The ever-allusive history behind the origin and meaning of the wearing of this candy is a secret that is tightly held by most “ravers,” however, it is believed that the people whom bestow this odd fashion statement are the “go-to” people: the individuals that have the “good” drugs. During the late 1970s and into the early 1980s the real raves, the all-night dance parties, effectively began the disco era, and embodied a blend of electronic dance that would forever change the face of music and the club scene. This type of music was once solely called electric music, but it has now branched into numerous sub-categories: house music, techno, happy hardcore, drum and bass, jungle, trance, “electronic,” etc… Predominately, a DJ who is accompanied by glow-sticks, laser light shows, projected images, artificial fog, and an ecstatic crowd of dancers, jumpers, and self-appointed performers presents this music live. These days, most large-scale raves have permits so they can be held in old warehouses or large outdoor locations like parking lots. Often, the smaller, underground (non-permitted) raves have locations that are only known to those whom are invited. These raves tend to be a bit sketchy and dangerous. They do of course tend to be cheaper, with cover charges ranging from five to ten dollars. Weaponry and drugs are usually brought into these raves without notice and could possibly instigate unwanted occurrences. Surprisingly enough, the bigger the rave, the safer it actually is. That does however deter some partygoers who seek danger at every turn. These large-scale raves will have cover charges in excess of sometimes sixty dollars in order to cover the necessary expenses to make your party-going both safe and fun. A few of these larger raves are Monster Massive, EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival), Sesame Beats, Together as One, and
Stephens 3 Nocturnal Wonderland.
These are all held in Los Angeles and are some of the most popular raves in the Southern California. Each generation leaves behind a legacy: the “Greatest Generation,” the “Baby-Boomers,” “Gen-Xers” and so on. Raves and ravers provided a means for people to come together through the common interests of music and community, which progressed the DJ and “club” culture. Being part of a “scene” and fitting into to the collective popularity has always been a motivating factor for people. Being part of a rave was kind of like being part of an “outlaw” culture during its infancy where initially word-of-mouth was the only way you could find out anything about a rave: you had to know someone who knew someone who could be trusted to have any chance to go. Then handwritten invitations would draw people to the site, and bringing resources together to get power to turntables in the middle of the woods for hours. The DJ was the master who would take the group through a journey of pure enjoyment driven by the music. People of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and social standings could be found amongst the mix. As time progressed, raves were everywhere and even kids in “day-glow” outfits became glorified in Hollywood films that flashed on the outrageousness of this culture. The distinctive raver scene and all night dancing have resulted in other things beside music. The fashion choices of ravers are definitely a new prospect on style. The same way there are groups for the different of the types of music; there are also categories for the different styles of ravers. A few of the names are candy kids, “junglists,” breakers, lush, and gravers. To be a candy kid the ensemble is usually outrageous amounts of candy beads, backpacks decorated, bright, neon like colors, fuzzy texture clothing, and the stereotypical ones usually have the baby toys like a pacifier. “Junglists” have the reputations to be the angry looking reggae people. They tend to
wear camouflage, denim, and baggie clothes. The “junglist” music tends to be a harder
Stephens 4 beat. Breakers are probably the only ones that would blend into the outside world; just think hiphop and the contemporary rap culture. Lush are mainly ravers who just want to hangout with the DJs, kind of like groupies at concerts. Their style all depends on the genre the DJ is. In addition, one other popular look would have to be graver. A graver is a gothic raver. The only difference is the type of music they are interested in. They regularly wear all black, baggy clothes and chains tend hang from their pants. I composed and presented a list of questions to two individuals I know who have attended raves. The questions were as follows: 1) How many massive raves have you gone to and how many mountain party raves? 2) What type of raver are you? 3) Who are some of your favorite DJs? 4) What are your usual habits at a rave? 5) What are your love and hates with raves? In response to these questions, nineteen year-old Chris Lopez replied by saying: “I have gone to 4 massive raves located in Los Angeles and San Francisco and ten unknown ones in the mountains Santa Barbara. I would be considered a junglist if any. Wow, there are so many to pick from, I would have to say some of my favorite DJs would have to be Felix to House Cat, Fisher Spooner, DJ Tiesto, BT, Benny Bennasi, Diesel Boy, Infected Mushroom, Crystal Method, and DJ Dan. At rave, I am always giving light shows, dancing around, and meeting new people. I love the fact that I always get to meet someone new every 30 seconds, I love the type of music that played and the styles of clothes worn by ravers, but I really dislike the heavy abuse of drugs, poor performances by DJs, and the over populations of users (drug users).”
Stephens 5 In response to these questions, twenty-one year-old Lo Daniels replied by saying: “I have gone to about seven massive raves and about 3 mountain raves. I guess because I wear fuzzy baggy pants, bright colored clothes and a lot of candy I would be considered a candy kid. Just to name a few of my favorite DJs, they would have to be Brian Cox, Donald Glaude, Felix to House Cat, Daft Punk, and Pendulum. I am always dancing and giving people light shows, exchanging candy and talking to people. It is very easy to make new friends; they tend to like to fondle me. I love the music and atmosphere, I love the fact that I can dance until morning and just meeting people, but I really dislike all the druggies, and the people who tend to overdose. Oh and I really do not like how the young the crowd is starting to get, thirteen is too young in my book. But one of the worst things would have to be the overcharging of everything, water costs about three dollars!” When raves became ever so popular, some politicians began using them as a platform for promoting their policies and political agendas. Their lack of understanding of what made a rave so popular in the first place—the secretiveness, the “forbidden” aspect, the music, and artistry— just drove the Rave culture back into the underground where it all began. Now as “super clubs” have emerged and have focused themselves around DJs and large crowds, they have largely drawn attention away from the popular rave and have become the new fix for partygoers and the social elite alike. There is one event in our country that has taken the rave to grandiose levels and that draws ravers, eccentrics, hippies, and curious by-standers from around the world. It represents a celebration of the outrageous and yet somehow, with all of its conformity-busting “shocks,” it elevates one’s imagination while at the same time stimulates the senses beyond what most of us would deem possible. This event is non-other than the infamous “Burning Man.”
Stephens 6 Burning Man actually began in 1986 as an annual fire ceremony of about 20 people by two men named Larry Harvey and Jerry James. For four years, the annual fire party was held at Baker Beach in San Francisco. Then in 1990, Burning Man moved to a new location at Black Rock Desert in Nevada. The event continued to become more popular, more creative, and with its remote location, more liberated to allow for total freedom of expression without censorship. Drugs are still prevalent, but even with this activity, the event is well policed by its members to insure that violence does not accompany the culture there. A series of first aid stations are on hand to attend to people who develop health problems. Each year Burning Man has made its historical mark as the “ultimate hippie rave” throughout the world. Each year a new theme is celebrated and defined by its growing number of participants. Last year the theme was “Hope and Fear the Future.” Approximately 40,000 participants attended in the greatest light show, dance scene and costume party imaginable. Burning Man becomes a newly defined “city” every year. There are city rules, roads, bicycle paths, temporary buildings, dance lounges, stadiums, RV hook ups and more. People bring their own food and a multitude of colorful costumes and body paint-wear: the more outrageous, the better. People are accepting of exposed body parts, and often times those body parts are painted, feathered, and celebrated in humorous and often times thought-provoking ways. My mother’s girlfriend, Christina Burton attended last year’s Burning Man. She and her boyfriend traveled around the constructed city that they said took over a day to get through and the entire week to fully explore. Every evening they dressed up in different costumes and attended different events. They would be invited to someone’s “neighborhood” where they would share a meal and dance until dawn. Many of the costumes she observed were very artistic and sophisticated, many of which had a humanitarian message or theme. She believes that with
Stephens 7 such liberation, people were able to explore their outrageous side, which also allowed them to explore the other side, a more profound and soulful side. She made many new friends and remains in contact with them. Burning Man has a very interesting website. It contains a thorough explanation and accounting of its purpose and activities since its inception in 1986. I thought it would be of interest to share the mission statement they posted on the site: “Our mission is to produce the annual event known as "Burning Man" and to guide, nurture and protect the more permanent community created by its culture. Our intention is to generate society that connects each individual to his or her creative powers, to participation in community, to the larger realm of civic life, and to the even greater world of nature that exists beyond society. We believe that the experience of Burning Man can produce positive spiritual change in the world. To this end, it is equally important that we communicate with one another, with the citizens of Black Rock City and with the community of Burning Man, wherever it may arise. Burning Man is radically inclusive, and its meaning is potentially accessible to anyone. The touchstone of value in our culture will always be immediacy: experience before theory, moral relationships before politics, survival before services, roles before jobs, embodied ritual before symbolism, work before vested interest, and participant support before sponsorship. Finally, in order to accomplish these ends, Burning Man must endure as a self-supporting enterprise that is capable of sustaining the lives of those who dedicate themselves to its work. From this devotion, spring those duties that we owe to one another. We will always burn the Man.”
Stephens 8 With everyday come new and different experiences that redefine who we are. The institution of the rave into Mainstream America has helped to redefine countless generations of partygoers seeking a refuge from the everyday: an escape from that which binds them into a life that becomes nothing short of routine. The rave as we know it today started a revolution, a renaissance in how young adults celebrate their lives and the liberties they enjoy. As young adults, our natural search for identity is lost as we are pressured to strive for achievement. Some of us rebel against this overwhelmingly strong pressure and find ways in which to express ourselves and discover who we truly are: the rave has become a popular way of doing this. Through raves, many have discovered a life that they feel comfortable in and would not trade for the world. Others discover something that they admonish to themselves and others, and avoid at all costs. No matter, the rave has defined countless generations in helping young adults to find their identity, and will continue to do so, that is, so long as the desire to feel a release from the everyday exists in this modern world in which we live.