Electric Zoo 2013 Cancelled: My Thoughts

I've been reading up on the whole Electric Zoo fiasco about how they had to cancel the last day of the event due to supposed "Ecstasy-related" deaths that occurred at the event. As much as I understand the concern that parents may have, it really urks me that these events constantly get blamed for dangerous activities and heightened drug use. Is it true that drug use is common in these festivals? Absolutely. There is no denying it. I've been to enough of these festivals and raves to know that drugs are very common. But do you know what other drug is even more commonly used? ALCOHOL.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 80,000 deaths annually in the United States attributed to excessive alcohol use. Not only that, it is supposedly the THIRD leading lifestyle related cause of death in the country. People die DAILY due to alcohol poisoning, yet do we ever see any events, bars, concerts or clubs being shut down due to alcohol? No, of course not. Because alcohol is socially and politically acceptable, whereas "Molly" is just another party drug.

I'm not suggesting that there is no danger associated with Ecstasy or Molly. Just like ANY DRUG, legal or illegal, prescription or street, there is always going to be potential harm. So why is it that when MOLLY is involved, they shut down a very highly anticipated music festival when there are THOUSANDS of party-goers who party responsibly?

Shutting down huge events like this due to TWO Ecstasy related deaths is just a slap in the face to EDM lovers everywhere. How many people were attending this event? THOUSANDS. If there were two people who died due to alcohol poisoning, would it even make headlines? Would we even associate the event with the excessive alcohol use? It is as if the only thing that is associated with the electronic dance music scene is Molly and the public believes that every single person who goes to these festivals is going to be overdosing.

I could go on and on forever and get into the politics of drug legalization, etc..., but my main points are these:

1. Do not demonize an entire group of people just because of the misjudgements of a few.
   
2. Please recognize the hypocrisy of our alcohol obsessed culture when it comes to "illegal" drugs. It's all a political game, and the legalization of a drug does NOT make it any safer.

3. Do your own research and PLEASE USE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY when attending these events. Whether or not you want to use drugs is your own choice and your own responsibility. Also remember that you don't NEED to do drugs to have fun at these festivals. You can get high off of the energy of the crowd and the music alone.

What do you think of music festivals or raves being cancelled due to a few isolated incidents? Do you think it's justified? Let us know!