Imagine being at a party with 1,000 people, a $100,000 sound and lighting setup and 10 disc jockeys. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

Then the word comes out that ruins it all — rave. Upon hearing this word, it seems people automatically think of weirdos, warehouses and drugs. I’ll be the first to say that this is what I thought until a friend of mine convinced me to go to one.

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I’ve been hooked ever since.

I was having a conversation about the subject when this guy began bashing raves, saying they are basically “a group of freaks listening to that techno music.” Of course, he had never gone to one.

First, let’s clear something up. “Rave” is a bad term. They are parties. If you happen to know someone who goes to raves, try calling this person a “raver” and see what they say. Nine times out of ten, they will correct you and say they are “party kids.” What’s the difference? The term “raver” reminds people of the idiots who go to these parties for the opposite reason they were created — to do drugs. Sure, there always will be a drug scene at these parties, but the real reason people go is for the music.

Another thing I love to hear from people is the freak-ish stereotype given to ravers. Personally, I am more scared of walking into a bar where there is a bunch of people drinking themselves to obliteration and starting fights. Yes, it has happened before. On the other hand, I have been to a handful of raves and not once have I even seen a fight break out. The worst thing you see at a rave are the group of idiots who took too many drugs and end up sitting against the wall until they get their heads together.

Something to add about the freak stereotype is that people really can’t tell who goes to these parties and who does not. If you met me on the street, I doubt you would think I actually go to these parties. Same goes for most of the people I know who attend raves. Sure, many people dress in costumes because it is fun. I prefer to wear a T-shirt and baggy jeans, but if others want to dress as the “Cat in the Hat” or angels, who am I to say it is wrong? People at Mardi Gras dress in costumes and no one seems to complain. I wonder why?

It upsets me that raves have such a misconception shadowing them. I have never touched a drug at a rave (unless you consider Red Bull a drug), nor have I ever felt the need. I think those who rip on raves are unhappy with their lives and feel the need to harp on other people having fun to justify their ignorance.