From Irene McC Sent Thu, Mar 11th 1999, 13:25
From Irene McC Sent Thu, Mar 11th 1999, 13:25
I'd just like to bounce this off you good people: Having picked up a flyer for an upcoming Easter w'end 3-day outdoor music festival, I called the info line to find out when a particular act were scheduled to go on. A woman answered the phone - turns out she and her husband have run a music event promotional company for 5 years. After my saying I couldn't attend the whole weekend event due to it being awkward with my two children tagging along, she revealed that she was roughly my demographic : she's 39 and has two children. Currently very outraged because an independent TV company filmed footage at the last event and were apparently going to run a programme on 'the horrors that these irresponsible hippies on acid were exposing their children to' <not a verbatim quote, but close>. While I certainly don't classify myself within the above category, I feel that children can only benefit by being exposed to as wide a spectrum of our community. The recreational use of drugs has become part of our culture - whether it be frowned upon by society or not, legal or illegal, they are here and widespread - and kids will, at some stage, be forced to make a decision themselves whether or not to "experiment". Surely it is far wiser to come to this process prepared with knowledge, rather than to believe the mumbo jumbo that some sleazy pusher is telling you? As the graffiti goes: say KNOW to drugs. I am by NO means advocating drug abuse - but by denying the children the right to attend outdoor camping/music gatherings, we are marginalising certain groups even further. In this country of political turmoil and violence (here in South Africa one woman is raped every 54 seconds : those are the officially reported crimes on record) targeting peace loving tie-dye clad incense burning dancers seems very like rearraning the deckchairs on the Titanic. Note : I thoroughly agree that children have no place at indoor gigs, especially among drunken crowds. What I'm talking about are outdoor events, usually beginning at sunset with an ambient set. Generally they are held away from the city in really beauiful surroundings, near the sea, mountains or rivers. I make sure my children are warm, fed and cozy in a safe spot away from the noise. They do not come onto the dance arena - I usually walk them around the outskirts to familiarise them with the territory. They sleep, I check on them regularly. I'd really be interested in hearing your thoughts and comments. Thank you! I *