- published: 05 May 2016
- views: 30546
Straight edge is a subculture and subgenre of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. It was a direct reaction to the sexual revolution, hedonism, and excess associated with punk rock. For some, this extends to not engaging in promiscuous sex, following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and not using caffeine or prescription drugs. The term was coined by the 1980s hardcore punk band Minor Threat in their song "Straight Edge".
Straight edge emerged amid the mid-'80s hardcore punk scene, in part as a reaction against the perceived "jock" element of the developing scene. Since then a wide variety of beliefs and ideas have been incorporated into the movement, including vegetarianism, animal rights, communism and Hare Krishna beliefs. In many parts of the United States and UK, straight edge is treated as a gang by law enforcement officials. A 2006 study suggested that the vast majority of people who identify as straight edge are nonviolent.
In 1999, William Tsitsos wrote that straight edge had gone through three eras since its founding in the early 1980s. Later analysts have identified another era that has taken place since Tsitsos's writing.
I'm a person just like you. But I've got better things to do. Than sit
around and fuck my head. Hang out with the living dead. Snort white shit up
my nose. Pass out at the shows. I don't even think about speed. That's
something I just don't need.
(Chorus)
I've got a 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
ideas. Laught at the thought of sniffing glue. Always gonna keep in touch.
Never want to use a crutch.