Peace Love Unity Respect, commonly shortened toPLUR, is a set of principles that is associated withrave culture, originating in theUnited States. It has been commonly used since the early 1990s when it became commonplace innightclub and rave flyers and especially on club paraphernalia advertising underground outdoortrance music parties. It has since expanded to the larger rave dance music culture as well.
PLUR can be interpreted as the essentialphilosophy of life andethical guideline for ravers andclubbers, at least insomuch as it relates to interpersonal relationships, with basic directions on how people are expected to behave at a rave gathering or in a dance club. Thisuniversalist philosophy underpinning the tribal dance culture which began circling the globe with the rise of theinternet, theoretically takes precedence over any chemical or musical aspects of the rave scene.[1] Raves represent a modernritualistic experience, promoting a strong communal sense, where PLUR is considered anideology.[2] The four terms, among others – "Peace, Love, Freedom, Tolerance, Unity, Harmony, Expression, Responsibility and Respect" – are also part of the anonymous "Raver's Manifesto" (claimed to be written by Maria Pike in 2001) which has widely been spread among the international rave subculture.[3]
ThePLUR handshake is used inkandi bracelet trading.[4]
PLUR is an aggregation of ideas that were part of the earlierhippie andpeace movement ("peace", "love") andblack andhip hop culture ("respect"). Specific use of the term dates to the early 1990srave scene.[6] One of the most influential uses of the term was made byDJ Frankie Bones in June 1993. In response to a fight in the audience of one of his Storm Raves in Brooklyn, Bones took the microphone and proclaimed: "If you don't start showing some peace, love, and unity, I'll break your faces."[6][7] It is also reported that as early as "on July 4, 1990, [...] Frankie's brother and Storm Rave collaborator Adam X painted 'Peace Love Unity' on a train car".[8] The fourth term, "Respect" was championed by Laura La Gassa (wife ofBrian Behlendorf).[9]
Another variation is PLURR - Peace. Love. Unity. Respect. Responsibility.
Several other variations on the same four words, but in a different order (e.g. LURP), have been proposed. However, none of these are commonly used.
Another variation is PLUM, with "M" standing for "movement".[7] Also, the first three elements, "Peace, Love, Unity" are used separately.[7] An example for this is the title ofDJ Hype's 1996 track "Peace, Love & Unity".[10]
Later incarnations and variations of PLUR can be seen in the adoption ofPronoia and alsoUbuntu, with PLUR and Pronoia often being interchangeable terms, depending upon one's company.[citation needed]
