Originally Posted by
Lost Prophet
I'm on my schools newspaper, and I wrote an article about straight edge as I know it, and it goes to print in a few days, so i want you guys to let me know what you think, please.
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"Revealing the Straight Edge"
-by Quinn *****
As the punk and hardcore scenes grow in popularity, various subcultures within each become more widespread and accepted by the American youth. One the fastest rising subcultures is Straight Edge, but despite its recent following, many people still don’t know what it is.
Straight Edge is a philosophy that promotes a “poison free” lifestyle. Being poison free means not drinking, not smoking, not doing drugs, and refraining from promiscuous (or casual) sex. “Straight-Edgers” see this as the way teen life, and life in general, should be.
“I just don’t understand why anyone would want to destroy their life for a quick high. There’s so much more to life than that!” said sophomore Ashley ******.
Straight edge began with a song Ian MacKaye, singer for Minor Threat, wrote in 1981. The song is titled “Straight Edge”.
I’m a person just like you
But I’ve got better things to do
Than sit around and [mess] with my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white [stuff] up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don’t even think about speed
That’s something I just don’t need
I’ve got the straight edge
I’m a person just like you
But I’ve got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope
‘Cause I know I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I’ve got the straight edge
This song started a world-wide revolution and gave birth to a new subculture, but that was not MacKaye’s intent. He meant the song to be more of a way to tell listeners of his personal choices rather than the start of a movement. Incidentally, this was not the only thing MacKaye contributed to the birth of Straight Edge.
The most recognizable symbol for straight edge started with an idea MacKaye presented to club owners in Washington DC. He proposed that instead of keeping teens out of shows where alcohol would be served, they be marked on the backs of their hands with black Xs to signify they were underage. Many club owners began doing so, and some of the original “Straight-Edgers” began voluntarily marking themselves with these Xs. The Xs showed others they were in favor of promoting a cleaner lifestyle. Those who follow the straight edge lifestyle still use this basic symbol, and some have even gotten tattoos “claiming” straight edge.
“Me and my boyfriend both wear Xs on our hands all the time. It’s a kind of flag to tell people we’re clean,” said freshman Lauren ***** of Ceres.
Another very common symbol for straight edge is sXe. Straight Edge, abbreviated with an X place in the center, is the second most common mark of being a “Straight-Edger.” sXe can be pronounced multiple ways, such as “straight edge” or “s-x-e”, but pronouncing it “sexy” is generally considered wrong.
The least common method used to distinguish oneself as Straight Edge is the black or white bandana, usually put in the back left pocket or wrapped around the face. Because wearing bandanas is commonly misinterpreted as a gang sign, they are banned from schools and in turn “Straight-Edgers” are not seen wearing them very often at school.
“I love my bandana,” said sophomore Melissa *****. “It makes a statement, and looks good at the same time.”
Since the breakup of Minor threat in 1983, other bands have stood up and openly supported the poison free lifestyle. Bands like Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits, Earth Crisis, and Chain of Strength are among these bands to “claim the X”. In fact, the straight edge lifestyle is said to be so closely related to punk/hardcore music that it couldn’t survive without the music’s support.
“Straight-Edgers” are often seen hardcore dancing at concerts. Two-stepping, slam dancing, and the infamous “crab walk” are all favorites of hardcore straight edge teens. This fun and often times odd looking activity attracts many people to explore this subculture, and is one of the main reasons for its spreading influence.
“I was introduced to Straight Edge through the dancing. Some of the people I danced with would always wear bandanas and Xs, so I got interested and started asking questions,” said *****.
Whether you claim it, bash it, or don’t know enough about it to care, the Straight Edge subculture is quickly becoming a dominant force in teen life, and sooner or later you will probably be asked one simple question…
“Do you have the straight edge?”
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its not the best article, i realise, but let me know what you think anyway. thanks
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