The Ethics of Groupies
... an emotional and physical relationship. Unfortunately, most of that time periods generation did not consider music to be the primary cause of the groupie habits. The encouragement to be passive and accepting of others did not inspire everybody; Those who could not understand their actions felt groupies to be obsessed, hysterical and self destructive objects. Many also believed their partying practice and ability to socialize was twisted into subjects of negativity. They were categorized as addicts to: harmful substances, sex, and people who held fame. As these fans were considered degenerate filth more and more each day, they were offered further motivation. Society gave them more of an intimidating edge and more of a reason to feel as though they were rare personalities. They actually enjoyed being a threat to the outside and made it clear that they would carry on with their unacceptable ways within their “misfit” lifestyle. Many of these fans would actually feel oddly safe around non sober people and addicts; they felt an addiction was more of a passion therefore something to be proud of. Their open displays of interest, affection and magnetic attachment was considered too excessive which was the cause of any threatening unaccepted behavior. Being the decades which was most popular for promoting the hippie way of life, a groupie’s connection with the music became almost spiritual and increased in meaning. Music obliterated any pain they might have been feeling and their excessive party habits allowed an alternative atmosphere. Their emotional attachment to the star was not for their fame but for the fact that their lyrics spoke the truth on risky subjects such as government corruption, false personalities and heartbreak. Donna Gaines a groupie who is famous for following Frank Zappa and the Ramons believes music to have been her savior while growing up, “it saved my life, music along with the drugs sex and alcohol had sustained me when all else had broken down.”3 Donna as well as most steady groupies are credited for inspiring melodies and lyrics. As musicians were attracted to qualities of their traveling fans they became the music’s muse without realizing it. True musicians write based on their life experiences, these females were a part of their lives and musicians would develop personal feelings for them. A strong attraction primarily formed by the strength and dedication of these fans. Not everybody is born with that drive and is able to live the rock and roll lifestyle. It was not always a party scene as groupies dealt with much of what the stars themselves dealt with: lack of security, constant traveling, unsanitary living conditions, and unpredictable situations. All this however was still attractive to the outside “real” world. An admired character trait all groupies shared was “boiled enthousiasm.”4 For weeks prior to a live show their minds held anticipation for the musical thrill and after party. Group parties backstage were known to be wild and rowdy yet this was not a sole reflection of the substances used but the build up from the anticipation and excitement. A true fan’s real ecstasy was when the lights would dim, the crowd would roar and when the loud speakers generated a piercing metallic sound. The images and sounds they heard presented mental sentiments and tended to transform into physical acts of celebration after the concert. Typical after party events were far more outrageous than an ordinary get together filled with close acquaintances. The night would consist of new faces, loud music, laughter, drugs, freedom of being unclothed, sex with multiple partners and a non stop alcohol supply compelling the night to end with exhaustion. Alcohol was an obvious factor and became more common backstage than running water. Donna Gaines would recall her meals (by choice) consisting of nothing but burbon. Waking in the late afternoon with a hangover was common and recognizable it would actually bring these fans comfort as it became familiar to them. Along with the consumption of alcohol and eating, the use and experimentation of drugs was an unconscious activity. Groupies have disclose there trust with themselves, alcohol and pharmaceuticals. Drugs were a guaranteed option as they would receive free access from the rock stars. “The drugs that were offered backstage kicked, they brought adventure and an express way to a blissful communication with yourself.”5 Popular drugs of that time period were LSD, poisonous mushrooms, ecstasy, cocaine and marijuana. It was also common to use multiple substances within one night. Drugs became another release and an addition to the post concert celebration. Another addition to the celebration is one that was most viewed as perverse and gave groupies the wrong labels. To the public casual sex was seen as immoral and filthy, groupies had a complete opposite view: they felt it was absolute pleasure. Fellow groupies who Donna Gaines formed friendships with all shared the same opinion of sex being a beautiful erotic experience in whatever way performed. Gaines recalls the “smell of sweaty pussy, semen and glue in a shabby rented room”6 satisfying and fulfilling. They often felt the ball was in their court and would never tolerate possession from anyone famous. It was as if these females were treating the rock stars like objects only giving up their bodies if they were aroused by such things like a performance displaying talent. They would crave casual sex and felt it was nothing to be ashamed of. The stars themselves were not the only people to be wanted by groupies; often these fans would develop a sexual association with the road crew and security. Whether they were involved in single or group sex, or intercourse driven from the affects of substances, it was a release of tension and exhilaration. Groupies of the past would not have performed such acts if they did not bring them any form of pleasure and positive outcomes. The ethics of pleasure is found in the theory of hedonism: a system that explains the pursuit of pleasure as being the highest form of good. Especially when incorporating the senses. Groupies are people who define this theory as they felt the happiest when they would allow themselves bodily pleasure. Hedonists reveal that humans should dedicate their lives to the pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction. They consider “our fundamental moral obligation is to maximize physical bliss.”7 There are not any traits of disapproval in hedonistic views; it is simply a system where pleasure is preferred over pain. Hedonists believe pleasure to be the ultimate good, it is however more common to come across anti-hedonists who deny this claim therefore deny the groupie lifestyle. For all those who believe in a supreme being of any sort, they would have the knowledge of the fact that each higher existence wishes humans to live a long and satisfying existence. This concept encourages fewer and more simple desires from humans which would then bring fasters and easier results of happiness. An important base of the hedonistic theory is to comprehend that in order to receive full pleasure, corporeal satisfaction is required. Hedonism is defended strongly by many who display their support in their actions (such as groupies) and philosophers who display their thoughts within their works. The philosophical theories of Epicurus defend the position of hedonism. His theories reveal that physical needs are natural and decidedly necessary. Epicurus explains that to reach a content state one must realize that happiness is the highest state and that pleasure is satisfying one’s desires for the purpose of reaching this state. I don’t know what I just wrote. He views pain as unfulfilled desires and is inflicted when one is not getting what they crave. His theories at times may seem like subtle advice towards humans however it is far beyond that to the point where Epicurus provides valuable lessons on the subject of hedonism. He stated that people must strive for life fulfillment and to eliminate their desires and fantasies by acting upon them. One of the greatest methods for people to attain pleasure is through the usage of other people. The human touch is phenomenal; this proof shows that performing physical acts on each other is a supreme method of receiving delight. Epicurus believes physical pleasure to be a necessity for the body, these pleasures include beverages, food, relaxation and frequent stimulation. Groupies find their stimulation within alcoholic beverages, drugs, sex and live music. As groupies may already understand, one replenishes their body and mind after a physical act which provided satisfaction. The most natural known goal in life is happiness, pleasure is liked therefore brings happiness. “We have attained a natural condition,”8 if we ignore it nature is opposed crossing into forbidden territory conveying consequences. By ignoring this method and disagreeing with nature humans will run the risk of continued stress and frustration which is not a life goal. Our bodies and minds are either in pleasure or in pain, according to philosophers such as Epicurus by following hedonistic views eliminations of pain will increase. The essence of a groupie’s actions results in the fact that each action was based on selfish causes. It is not wrong for a person to often carry selfish ambitions. The 20th century Russian novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand argues that selfishness is simply the concern with one’s own interests. She also claimed that the ultimate moral value for an individual is their own well-being and pleasure. One of Rand’s most well known pieces of work is entitled “The Virtue of Selfishness,” a virtue is an action which a person secures and protects their rational values and life happiness. With these values in ...