As I surf the web, I tend to be drawn to the websites of self-proclaimed ravers or kandi(kandy)kids. One thing that many of these sites have in common is reference to the term PLUR. PLUR is simply an acronym, standing for Peace, Love, Unity/Understanding, and Respect. This is an idea which has really drawn me towards the scene, and which I do feel is a large part of the scene at its best, although it seems to have been forgotten by many.

The way in which this idea has been shown to be present to me is all little things. Like when I am dancing the night away at my favorite club and accidently bump into someone. Turning to apologize I am not received by a face showing anger or annoyance, instead I get a smile and a nod. This, to me, is a small token of PLUR. In many places these days, if you accidently bump into a stranger, they show resentment or anger towards you, but in an atmosphere of PLUR this is not the way. The following is what PLUR means to me. Maybe you have a different definition, an "official" definition you may say, but to me PLUR is as much an individual feeling as it is a feeling of the scene as a whole. I will accept your definition without judgement, please accept mine.

P.L.U.R.: Taken as a whole it means an atmosphere of happiness and acceptance. A place where one may be themself, no matter what. A surrounding which breeds acceptance and rejects the passing of judgement.

Peace: A contentment and happiness within yourself. Enjoying who you are as a person, accepting yourself, flaws and all, and living your life in such a way as to express the person you are proud to be. Being at one with your surroundings, being comfortable where you are. Not attempting to anger, put down, or provoke those around you. Living in a way that will not negatively effect those around you or cause unncessary chaos. Serenity.

Love: Caring, compassion, and understanding for those around you and, more importantly, for yourself. We cannot love others until we truly, honestly, and fully love ourselves. When felt towards friends, strangers, and ourselves love can do amazing things. It is offering your water to the person who is dancing next to you, giving a friend in need a listening ear, and so much more. The energy, compassion, caring, and love you put out will be returned to you.

Unity: Coming together, putting aside differences, and forming one entity. The music, the scene, the love, the peace: these are the things which we share, which bring us to be in the same place at the same time. Regardless of our age, our gender, our race, our sexual orientation, or any other circumstances which may seperate us, we are brought together by common interests and desires. Beyond these things we are all humans, we all need people, we all want peace, love, respect, and happiness. It is the similarities which matter, which bring us together, and which should be held as important. We are individuals, but we come together as one entity.
Understanding: Through understanding and acceptance everything else is acheived.

Respect: Accepting without judgement others, their ideas, their choices, and their likes or loves in life. Doing ones best to uphold the other ideals in order to promote an atmosphere in which everyone present may find their own happiness. Not putting anybody else down or creating a bad time for another. Also, respect for yourself and your own body. Allowing yourself to find happiness, sometimes putting yourself above others when necessary, finding the happy medium between selfishness and selflessness. Making sure your body is kept healthy and educating yourself on anything you may choose to ingest, and being careful when this choice is made.

*.*StArT oVeR*.*