The electronic dance music scene, or EDM, is often associated with drug use, especially now that “molly”’s popularity has skyrocketed.
Venues are cancelling shows or events involving this type of music in fear that overdoses may occur. Above&Beyond and Pretty Lights, two popular EDM artists, were supposed to be playing at University of Massachusetts Amherst this past weekend. UMASS later announced that they plan on banning the EDM genre.
EDM music and “molly” do not go hand in hand, which is what a lot of people do not realize.
It seems that a majority of the shows and concerts being cancelled are of this genre, which leaves dedicated fans unable to experience shows or performances they want to see. This is not the correct way to deal with the situation.
These artists work hard to produce music and are being discriminated against and associated with the use of illegal drugs unfairly. Instead of blaming artists, why not deal with the bigger issue at hand?
The biggest problem with these drug overdoses is that those who do overdose are misinformed, or even completely uninformed, about drug use as a whole, including “molly.” Educating elementary school age children about drugs will not really do much. At that point, no one is interested in using drugs anyway. Drug education should be presented to students at the high school age, with more information rather than the standard “don’t do drugs.”
Realistically, drugs will always be a part of society.
That is something that will never be under control.
The cancellation of these events will only move the party somewhere else, most likely somewhere a lot less safe than a school-run concert. Drilling the “don’t do drugs” message into the heads of young adults has proven to be ineffective.
Underage drinking is another illegal activity that many partake in, and instead of just telling them “don’t drink,” students are educated on what to do if alcohol poisoning may occur.
I do not think that this encourages underage drinking, but instead makes it a bit safer for those who do decide to drink.
Just the same, a better education surrounding drug use and how to identify overdoses would not encourage people who do not want to use drugs to begin using.
Education is an option, but cancelling shows and placing the blame on EDM as a whole is not the answer.
Devon Roberts can be contacted at droberts@keene-equinox.com