Drugs and alcohol: An on-going epidemic that has been affecting our youth and peers for the past 40 plus years. Not only hiding within our schools, but it can also be found anywhere from in the streets to your very home. To fight against the pressure of turning onto these dangerous substances, a certain subculture has chosen an extreme way of saying ‘no’ by becoming straight edge.
The straight edge movement came out of the 1980s hardcore punk scene, with one main goal: To refrain from the use of drinking, smoking or illegal drugs through self-control. Although straight edge has been met with hostility and skepticism from the outside world, it is a non-violent movement focused around positive social change by offering a different path.
While straight edge is a loose movement, as anyone can become a member or ‘break their edge,’ there are multiple layers of this ideology. Some members may take it even further, by going completely vegan and avoiding promiscuous/ pre-marital sex, and even denying the use of caffeine and prescribed medicine.
Not only was straight edge an ideology, but it was also a new music subgenre. Coming from the hardcore punk scene, the term ‘straight edge’ was adapted from a song written by Minor Threat. During this era, many ‘youth crew’ bands would associate themselves with the straight edge movement and created new ways to interpret the ideology through songs, with notable bands including Youth of Today, Slapshot, Gorilla Biscuits, Judge and Bold.
In this movement, the symbol of straight edge has huge meaning. Straight edge is normally abbreviated to ‘XXX’ or ‘sXe,’ with many straight edge donning the logo, such as Earth Crisis and Judge using their logos to represent an X on album covers. Many people who follow straight edge ideals can be spotted with ‘X’s drawn on their hands. A mark of prideIt’s all about having that ‘X.’
While drugs and alcohol have ended lives, abstaining from these substances has created much more. Being straight edge is more than just music, and more than just an ideology. Not only do they create a way to celebrate sobriety and recovery, it’s a way of life to its members.
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