Group of seniors break rave stigma, spread culture

GARRETT SCHAEFFER

While most high schoolers typically enjoy a few parties here and there, a few RHS students seek a slightly different experience. Raves are a different type of party, because, while they contain fast music, flashing lights, and a lot of dancing, they also encourage a positive and friendly environment.

Senior Allen Orozco has been attending raves for over a year. His cousin first introduced him to the idea of raving, and ended up accompanying Orozco to his first rave.

“I didn’t really know what to expect and little did I know I would fall in love with it,” Orozco said.

They are typically held in an open building with live music and many visual effects. The people who attend these raves share a common interest in the music, culture, and accepting environment that raves encourage.

Orozco greatly enjoyed the experience and now attends raves about two to three times a month. Currently, Orozco has a job promoting the rave events to inform people of the rave parties.

Fellow seniors Nina Borras and Devin Raines had gone to their first rave together this past summer. The two students had no idea what to expect but ended up pleased with the experience.

“Right when I walked in there, it was just positive vibes and everyone is just so nice to you. The rave community is really great and you just feel comfortable, like nobody is judging you. So it’s great,” said Borras.

The environment at raves is comforting and the  people at these events are fairly open to conversation and friendship. The rave community is welcoming to newcomers.

“Raves are basically where anyone can be themselves, because for us, we have a saying called PLUR and it stands for Peace Love Unity and Respect. So it’s just all about being yourself. It’s all about not judging others. It’s basically a judge free zone,” Orozco said.

Raves are often seen in a negative light in people’s minds. Some assume that there are dangerous and illegal activities that occur at rave parties. Orozco chooses to direct people away from that mindset and focus on the uplifting attitude present at every rave.

“People hear me talk about raves and immediately think of drugs and illegal behavior. It’s definitely present, but you don’t have to involve yourself in that,” Orozco said.

Those who enjoy raves favor the social bond that is shared between all rave goers. The mutual feeling joy and freedom in raves allows new friendships and acquaintanceships to form easily.

“It’s fun and uplifting. I feel like you just grow closer because you guys are together and it’s a fun thing to do. It’s basically like a concert where you can freely dance and have fun and meet people,” Raines said.