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For me PLUR describes what the rave and electronic music culture is all about. a true raver and electronic music enthusiast may not proclaim PLUR, but they certainly show it and give off that so called "PLUR vibe." For me, PLUR has become a lifestyle not just a phrase. Every word in PLUR has a special meaning to me and the electronic music culture.
PEACE
After being in the scene for over two years, close to three now, I've been to more electronic music shows than I ever imagined I would be able to go to. I can honestly say I have never seen or been part of a physical or verbal conflict during any of the shows I've been to. This doesn't mean crazy stuff and fights don't happen, but they aren't a common thing to experience at a good show. This is where peace comes in the rave culture. Electronic music gives you that feeling of peace and good vibes. Whenever I go to a show I can be at relative peace that nothing crazy will happen. Of course I'm still alert of what's going on, but I know that as long as I'm peaceful with those around me I won't experience any problems. Sure you have the occasional assholes who don't know any songs besides "Levels" and only want to hook with girls while on drugs, but the overall people know what peace is all about. There is no room for verbal or physical violence in electronic music. All the true ravers and people who appreciate the music know this concept of peace. As for those that don't like to get along with others peacefully, well they don't belong in our scene.
LOVE
My favorite part about electronic music and the rave scene is the love that is felt. It really is an indescribable feeling when you feel that love. There's no judging, no discrimination, and no putting down of others. There is just love for each other and the music. It doesn't matter your skin color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or personal background, you're loved for who you are. This culture is beautiful because everyone is accepted and there are no outcasts or weirdos. The electronic music culture has become a place where society's outcasts can feel welcomed and loved. In fact, you gotta be a little weird and crazy to fully enjoy this culture and music. There's no fear of being judged or looked down upon by others. Love brings us together into one happy family. We can all be crazy and have fun together carefree, no fear of being seen as an outcast. I can truly say that the people I have come across in this scene are some of the nicest, most loving people I have ever met in my life. Electronic music has taught me to love people for who they are. Just as importantly, it showed me what it is like to be loved for who I am.
UNITY
With love comes unity. The wonderful thing about electronic music is that it brings all kinds of people together. I've met some of most amazing, loving people through this scene. It's no understatement when we say we are one big EDM family. Yes we may have our differing opinions when it comes to genre appreciation, but in the big picture we are united by the love we have for the music and each other. Everyone is your friend. You never feel alone or left out in this culture. I never thought I could feel so close to people I don't even know or will probably ever see again. As weird as it sounds, it is so beautiful knowing you're a part of something and can associate with all kinds of people so easily. It's truly unique how easy it is to make friends and relationships through this music. Hell, the majority of my close friends now I was able to meet through this music and now we go to every electronic music show together. So if you feel lonely when you first start adventuring into this scene, just know you have an entire EDM family ready to welcome you with open arms. The way people are united through electronic music is a magnificent phenomena.
RESPECT
Unity would not be able to take place without respect. I'm talking about respect for the culture, the music, and each other. You have to respect the culture and what it stands for. If you don't, things aren't going to go well for you. More importantly you have to respect the music itself. Sure a lot of electronic music is "let's just get crazy and have a good time" kind of music, but it is much more than that. You must learn to appreciate the music as an art than just something to get wild to. If you only listen to this music for the sole purpose to get crazy and do drugs then you don't have any business in our scene. There's so much more to electronic music than the "popular" stuff. I cannot express enough how much it irritates me to hear people complain at a show when the music being played isn't the Beatport top 40's EDM. I'm not saying you need to like every song you hear. There's plenty of songs I don't really enjoy. But you have to have an open mind and respect all music in the electronic world. This includes respecting the opinions of others on genre and artist preferences. People will always have different opinions and beliefs than you. Showing respect is the proper thing to do and really just the most simple way to get along with others. And that's why people get along so well in the electronic music scene. We have a respect for one another despite our differences. If you don't show respect don't expect to receive respect from others. Not that we won't still show PLUR, but we just won't take you seriously or want to be around you. Respect one another in the scene and you will see why it is so life changing to be part of it.
PLUR brings so many people together. We are all united by the peace we feel and the love we share that comes from respect for one another. Of course you have people in the scene who without a doubt love the culture and music but see PLUR as a childish acronym that little kandi ravers use. Though I respect their opinon, I don't think that's true, for me at least. I see the concept of PLUR as a life view and lifestyle not just when I'm at a show or rave but in my everyday life. PLUR has taught me to be at peace with myself, love others for who they are, how to unite with wonderful people, and to respect every person I encounter. It has changed the way I view life and the way I live it. I now strive to live the "PLUR Life" and spread this idea to others. Whether you think PLUR is just another childish acronym or you don't even like the electronic music scene, I think peace, love, unity, and respect are all things we should have in our lives and show to others. As for me, I'm just trying to change the world with that PLUR vibe.
