Segment 2

EDM in America originated from the gay and black communities in the 80s. Raves provided a refuge for marginalized individuals, where acceptance and authenticity flourished. Today, the culture remains inclusive, attracting people from diverse backgrounds. The rave community values individuality and originality. The mantra PLRR (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect) guides behavior and defines interpersonal relationships. Raves are seen as sanctuaries where people can express themselves freely and embrace their uniqueness. Now that you have a little bit of background on the origin of EDM in America, let's shift our focus to the vibrant community that connects EDM to the dynamic world of rave subculture. In this segment, we will be exploring the cultural aspects and dynamics that contribute to the genre's diversity. Before we dive in, let's talk about the meanings of subculture and community. A subculture can be defined as a group of people within a cultural society that differentiates itself from the conservative and standard values to which it belongs. The concept of unity, or community, grew out of mutual ideas, sentiments, and interests among individuals. Recalling our discussion about the Chicago Warehouse and how it is considered the birthplace of EDM in America, you might already have an understanding that the EDM and rave culture originated from the gay and black communities in the 80s. People who felt marginalized by mainstream society sought refuge in raves, where acceptance and authenticity flourished. Today, the culture remains steadfast in its values of inclusivity and acceptance, attracting individuals from diverse social classes, ethnicities, and gender orientations. The EDM and rave community cherishes individuality and originality. As raves and EDM became more popular in the 90s, the mantra Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect, or its acronym, PLRR, became emblematic of the rave movement. The acronym not only serves as a behavioral guideline for attending raves, but also defines how the culture approaches interpersonal relationships. The community is seen as a sanctuary where individuals can express their truest, most unapologetic selves. With its profound acceptance, the community draws in those who feel they are generally not accepted in their everyday lives, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to embrace their uniqueness.