Raves in Los Angeles and Other Cities. What Are They About?

Acres of chaos? I'm sure you went in to see for yourself, instead of just holding onto your preconceived notions of what you think a rave is. It seems that in your opinion, any event with a lot of people is chaotic. If you are put off by crowds, you should stick to suburbia, and take your sensibilities with you. You're also about 15 years behind the times; what you describe is pretty much a Euro rave from the 90s. They aren't what they used to be, and here in the USA, they never could compare. Kids? It drives me crazy that 18+ year olds are called kids. You can die for your country. If you graduate high school and get a job, you're an adult. If you go to college, you're a "kid" for another 4 to 6 years. I HIGHLY doubt that THOUSANDS of teenagers are dropping $250 a pop and staying in 4-star hotels... which probably wouldn't rent to them anyways. Just because they look young doesn't mean they are. Just because the hotels are being promoted doesn't mean they're being booked. I've been to plenty of parties here in NYC, some of which might be called "raves". Most are 21+. A few have been 18+, and even in those cases, 90% were over the age of 23. People who are tripping stand out clear as day, and they are typically fewer than 10. When they start acting stupid they get tossed out. Alcohol is the drug of choice, and these clubs sell *lots* of it. You ain't living until you spend $9 on a tiny cup filled with ice and a spash of soda and rotgut. With all the laws and restrictions you do-gooders have imposed, of course only professional promoters can arrange events like this! It costs millions to rent a venue, hire entertainers and security, advertise, electricity, insurance, etc. Events like these are some of the few opportunities that people get to dress up ridiculous, "act the fool", and just have fun without stodgy old people like you standing around and judging and ruining the night. Sounds like you would prefer it if everyone wore a polo shirt or a non-offensive t-shirt. "Oh kids these days!" Bags are banned for a damn good reason! Weapons are a huge issue - it isn't just some scare tactic - you should see the things that the bouncers confiscate at the door! They'll boot you back out the door for trying to bring in drugs (which isn't to say that they don't make their way in anyways). Professional cameras and video recording equipment are banned at just about every concert and venue these days - have you been in a coma?! Stopping outside food and drink is also standard these days - it's like bringing food from one restaurant to eat in another. Take your outrage and go back to your perfect house in your perfect neighborhood where everybody looks and acts like you. Some of us want to live it up a bit before we turn into grumpy old people like you and join the Republican party. Making a profit? That's what America's all about! By the way, it's your generation who has spent all your social security money on stupid wars and government handouts, and my generation has the burden of paying it all off. Unless we make a few million bucks, we'll be working until we're dead. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and writing about things which you know nothing about.

Something tells me that you are -waaaaay- off base. I highly doubt that thousands of 18-20 year olds are dropping hundreds of dollars and living it up in high-end hotels that probably wouldn't even sell to them. Any of the parties I've gone to here in NYC are typically 21+ (a few are 18+), and 90% of attendees are 23+ years old. Only a few are actually tripping on E or acid, and they stand out clear as day. Alcohol is the drug of choice, and boy does it sell! You ain't living till you spend $9 for a tiny-ass cup of soda and rotgut. Whatever you're reading is probably about some European raves from back in the 90s. Your "facts" are absurdly off-base.