double EDGED sword the culture of Straight Edge
... His shirt reads “FUCK YOU, I’M EDGE”. ... A person unfamiliar to the atmosphere may quickly ask themselves, or others, “What is this edge? ... But to any other hardcore punk fan, the surroundings are common place, and they know exactly what it means to be “edge” and to sport slogans such as the two people aforementioned. “Edge”, also known as “Straight Edge”, also known as “sXe”, is more than mere shirt patchwork. ... Alcohol, narcotics, promiscuous sex, and in some cases foods of the unhealthy variety, are all rejected by the Straight Edge community. ... It stands to be a mere microcosm of the Straight Edge community. Straight Edge goes way beyond music or fashion. ... But the band is also synonymous with giving birth to the sub culture that came to be known as “Straight Edge”. ... No drinking, no smoking, and no sex, would be how Straight Edge members would get through life, spreading their message all the while. Along with the development of the strong morals that were required of being Straight Edge, came the development of symbols or emblems, as any purposeful organization would uphold. ... Such an origin could not be more fitting, as alcohol is one of the biggest adversaries to someone who is Straight Edge. As Helton states, “it evolved into a symbol for straight edge. ... It serves as a testimony to the commitment of a straight edge lifestyle.” With time, the mere “X” symbol evolved from it’s simplicity, and Straight Edge faithfuls found new ways to proclaim that they are bound to a life of purity. Popular on the Internet is the “sXe” , an acronym for Straight Edge. ... More recently, bands have been placing an “X” in front and after their name, to symbolize their personal Straight Edge devotion (Helton 447). ... Many Internet surfers have used this signification on their Instant Messenger screen names and message board user names to show that they are one with the edge. As mentioned before, in some cases, diet is a big factor in being Straight Edge.