Straightedge

The idea of sobriety is nothing new. The term “straightedge”, however, came out of the early 80′s hardcore scene. In Washington DC, teenagers at all ages shows began to embrace the symbolism of the x’s marked on the backs of their hands as a sign to bartenders as a sign that they weren’t allowed to drink. These kids began to question and resist the intoxication and self destruction that even the normally anti-status quo punk and harcore scenes were refusing to examine. Once the band Minor Threat wrote and recorded the song “Straght Edge”, this new movement finally had a name.

At the core of the straightedge philosophy is a rejection suicidal and self destructive behaviors that are seen as “normal” in the majority of straightedge society. It is a life long commitment to abstain from alcohol, smoking, and drugs. As important as straightedge is, it should not be viewed as an end. It is, rather a means to the end of fixing the things that are wrong with this world. The focus and clear mind that come from being sober and alert are nullified by apathy and inaction.