Let’s get one thing straight first.

Before anything else, the deaths at Electric Zoo this year are a tragedy. Regardless of who is “held accountable,” be it the festival organizers, the (apparently) ignorant security, or the victims themselves, at the end of the day two young people lost their lives and four people are left in critical condition on a day that was meant to be filled with euphoria, with loud, fun music that makes you feel alive.

That being said, this really needs to stop.

Self-accountability is one thing, but the culture is also definitely to blame. We need to stop perpetuating the stereotype that Molly is acceptable in any way. We need to stop being okay with those stupid T-shirts that have “Help Me Find Molly” or “Sex Drugs and Dubstep” printed all over them. We need to reject the notion that this is just a drug that “comes with the scene” and actually take a hard stance on it. Otherwise, people will keep taking it and people will keep dying.

“But why does that matter to me?” you might ask. “It’s their decision to overdose and be stupid. I’m perfectly reasonable with my Molly use.”

Maybe. But if people keep dying, then shows will continue to be cancelled, and as a result of these deaths it will also become harder and harder to find places in the United States that will be willing to host festivals and dance music shows. Your drug use is helping contribute to the death of the scene.

I was originally going to write something after I heard about the death of 19-year-old Brittany Flannigan at Zedd’s Boston show at the House of Blues. Not even old enough to drink, Flannigan was found with “two pink pills in [her] right jean pocket and a small packet of a white powder in [her] bra,” according to the Boston Police Department. Originally scheduled for two consecutive shows at the House of Blues, Zedd canceled the second night out of respect to the victims. Later on, he Tweeted out, “Please, everyone, be responsible!”

….that isn’t enough anymore

I’m sick and goddamn tired of DJs using politically correct phrases like “be responsible” and “look out for one another,” trying their best to not alienate the parts of their fanbase who are into drug use. Deadmau5 might be a dick, but he’s earned my respect on many an occasion for simply being willing to make clear what he believes is right, particularly on the whole Molly issue. Speaking as someone who DJs and produces music, it would be the most horrifying thing in the world to wake up one morning and discover that someone died at my show while I was I up there playing songs and having a great time.

To all DJs and producers: make your opinions clear on where you stand on this issue. The culture revolves around you and your music, and nothing else. You have the pedestal that nobody else in this scene does – you have the most power to really make a difference. Even if you’re of the opinion that drug use is alright in moderation, please clarify.

 I’m not saying that we need to start a war on drugs – I’m no fool. I’m saying that there’s no better time to take a good, hard look at the way we view drug use in dance music culture, if only so that we might prevent future deaths from happening. It starts in the culture, and in the culture it starts with the DJs. Stand up.

Note from the editor: This editorial was written and submitted by Noah Yoo for WhiteRaverRafting.com. Noah also published his opinion on Medium. You can find him online here or read another one of his letters to the editor here.

**We invite anyone to submit their opinion as a letter to the editor. If interested, or passionate about something, email wade@whiteraverrafting.com.

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