Originally Posted by
santaryancruz
Greetings all,
My name is Ryan and I am working on an anthropology research paper at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, CA. I recently read Noah Levine’s novel Dharma Punx, which documents the author’s difficulties with "society" and his struggle to find meaningful existence. Within this autobiography, Levine describes the Straight Edge movement, and I was intrigued by the disciplined, independent attitude this lifestyle requires, and while I am not Straight Edge, I respect the strength required to go against social norms and stand up for personal beliefs. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on the following questions, and thank you in advance for you time.
1) In your words, what is straight edge? How/when did you discover it initially, and how did you learn more about it?
2) How can you tell if someone is straight edge (differences in appearance / habits / personality)? How do you feel different from the average population? What differences do you notice among those calling themselves Straight Edge?
3) Have you noticed geographical differences among the Straight Edge population (is the Bay Area different from the East Coast from internationally)?
4) Has technology (internet chat groups like this) changed anything? More music options, more shows, more community dialogue?
5) What challenges has this lifestyle presented? Is living Straight Edge a choice for life, or a phase for most people?
6) Is being Straight Edge different for guys than girls?
7) How has your practice/choices/decisions changed over time?
8) Has straight edge become more mainstream (with a pro-wrestler and Nike stealing a Minor Threat cover for it’s marketing)? Is it more widely accepted, known about, or more fragmented (is “don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t fuck” enough? Can someone who is sincerely Straight Edge eat a hamburger)?
9) Any recommendations for Straight Edge / Punk shows coming up in Santa Cruz, CA?
10) What else? What should I be asking? What would you want others to understand about being Straight Edge?
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