Following UMass’ recent decision to cancel two EDM shows and supposedly ban all EDM events from the school, Kaskade decided to take to Twitter to express his thoughts on the matter. Throughout the long but well presented discourse, Kaskade focuses on the hypocrisy predominant within the general media as well as the general public. He criticizes this recent trend to blanket the problem with an overly simplified cause and reason.
U of Mass has apparently banned all “EDM” events “forever”. Their reason…?
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
“The Molly-taking culture at these shows is real and now exceedingly dangerous to the health+safety of concert attendees.”
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
But, WHAT IF we switched out a few words in that statement? For instance, “Molly” with “Alcohol”, and “These shows” with “The NFL”?
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
Then THIS “Fan falls, dies at Candlestick during 49ers-Packers game. Police found that alcohol had factored into that accident.”
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
That’s a real story, one of thousands, involving alcohol, sports, + death. Why isn’t that the story that’s on fire?
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
I’m fed-up with the hypocrisy. OD’s are tragic. So are kids killed by drunk drivers. And all manner of violence. There’s a lot wrong.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
But to throw a blanket out and say “THIS is the problem! It’s scary and new!” is utter non-sense.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
The DSM (industry standard bible), doesn’t differentiate between substances. Alcohol, Molly, whatever. Negative consequences are key.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
If you die, it was a mistake to take it.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
But they’re clearly not all equal in risk. Molly/E/MDMA isn’t regulated in any way. You know OD doesn’t speak to amount taken, right?
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
You can OD on a small amount of the wrong thing. You can OD on the smallest dose you’ve ever taken.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
You guys, I don’t know the answer. I just know the WRONG ANSWERS when I see them. There are so many wrong answers right now.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
I do know that we are a huge + powerful scene. We are who everyone wants to be. We are still growing. We have grown.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
But we’re being tasked with fixing problems that are global in scope + limitless in reach. Scapegoating at its most transparent.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
There’s just never going to be a day when legislating morality works. Harm reduction+education. Certainly NOT blind blame. Wake up.
— Kaskade (@kaskade) September 27, 2013
What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below.
As is normally the case, Kaskade nailed it.
Again Kaskade completely annihilates all opposition.
Beautiful and perfectly stated, poignant and intelligent.
I’m of your side.. same not knowing what happens. I feel this same hipocrisy here in brazil!!! Already me banned much partys!! Various motives.. But know one day, i give the turn for up.
Well Said.
good guy kaskade, summed it up well, VERY well for twitter haha
The true voice of reason.
I have a problem with this piece…
First of all the author does not deny the connection between EDM and the use of MDMA/E. Rather, he accepts that there is a connection and tries to argue that MDMA use is comparable to that of Alcohol. MDMA is not the same as alcohol use. I challenge the author to site one scientific article making a similar argument.
Next he states that “OD (overdose) doesn’t speak to amount taken… You can OD on the smallest dose you’ve ever taken.” This state is inherently stupid. He is admitting that MDMA has a small therapeutic index (window between dose to achieve desired effect and dose to cause death) as support for his argument. Imagine if someone told you to take a drug where the dose between “happy” and “death” was not only small but variable between person to person.
As someone who enjoys EDM music (on occasion) but does not partake the drug culture surrounding the scene I feel this “op-ed” takes many steps backwards.
More than just a talented & respected DJ, Kaskade has a no nonsense
& transparent outlook. I wish the media had the same sentiment & reported accordingly instead of aiming for sensationalism & ratings.
Umass didn’t ban them “forever”, and “We are who everyone wants to be?” Who’s everyone?