what is STRAIGHT EDGE ?

What is Straight Edge?

Straight Edge refers to a lifestyle that started within the hardcore punk subculture whose adherents make a lifetime commitment to refrain from drinking alcohol, using tobacco products, and taking recreational drugs. The term was coined by the 1980s hardcore punk band Minor Threat in the song "Straight Edge".[1]

What does sXe mean?

sXe is really just an acronym for straight-edge with the X thrown for good measure. It is pronounced, "sexy".
(That's a joke, guys).

Is Straight Edge a religion?

No. Although sXe embraces some of the moral values held by most major religions, sXe'ers don't necessarily believe in a God. There is no organised church or worship service. However, some sXe'ers are members of organised churches, temples or mosques where they feel that the sXe beliefs fit in. Straight Edgers say their life choices stem from a desire to be true to themselves and not from any religious beliefs.

How do I join the straight edge?

You don't join straight-edge, you take on the straight-edge. You just get involved in the scene and start thinking for yourself. The idea is to closely examine your own life, identify what factors influence your thoughts and behaviours, assess what impact they are having on your life and rid yourself of those factors which you deem to have a negative impact on your life.

Why do you need a label to be poison free?

The label shows you're actually serious about what you're saying and that you're not making any exceptions (although there is lots of hypocrisy, but this is ideally speaking). It's also a commitment thing, something to believe in.

Why give yourself a title?

This is something I (and no doubt many other edgers) get asked quite frequently. No matter how I try to explain it, the majority of people still do not understand why I wish to give myself a title/label. Someone in the forums, however, posted a good explanation. So here, thanks to fustiar himself, is an explanation of why lots of us give ourselves the title of "Straight Edge".

"why are we straight edge? why are you human? straight edge is a philosophy, but how are you supposed to explain it to others? do you wait until you're forced into a social situation and then say "i don't drink" or wait until someone thinks you're a drug addict to tell them "i don't do drugs" or can you just say "i'm straight edge" and give them an idea of your beliefs as a whole? you have to realize its a whole lot more convenient to say "straight edge" rather than "not a drinker, not a druggie, doesn't smoke, not a 'slut' (i use the term loosely)" educated people will know, or inquire, or will look it up. its a way of life. its also a way of bonding together, comradery, so to speak. its not an elitists club but the basis of the philosophy is that the choice you make is for the better. why 'label' yourself? why are communists communists? there are countless 'labels' you probably apply to yourself based on your beliefs (im speaking in general), why should we be exempt or be thought odd because we do the same?"


Is taking caffeine straight-edge?

Most straight edgers seem to feel that caffeine is not an issue, whilst some do. So you can't really say that taking it is or isn't straight edge. Like a lot of straight edge, it's more about what you feel is right for you, rather than trying to adhere to some strict set of rules.

Don't most stop being straight-edge when they reach drinking age?

Some people do lose the edge once they reach drinking age; but if they do they were never straight edge to begin with.

Do straight-edge kids have sex at all?

In short yes. However, most sxe kids will wait until they are ready to take on the responsibility of a serious relationship.

I used to drink and do drugs, can I still be sXe?

No problems about the past! It's all about the now. Otherwise noone could ever be SXE. But one thing that you should do before taking the edge is consider that it's for life so don't just play with it. It's not just a phase... Other sxers will accept you if you're true from now on.

Is straight edge a crutch for the weak?

You have to question what the weakness is. Do straight edgers not drink caffeine because they've got weak bladders? Don't touch alcohol because they have poor metabolisms? Don't smoke because they have poor lung capacity? What are the advantages to using drugs that one's level of consciousness? More often that not, drugs are used to facilitate social interactions by altering normal behavior and mood. If somebody needs an outside agent to interact, that sounds like more of a crutch.