Why are militant straight edge hardcore kids so conservative?

[Kyle Garchar]

Seriously, I've found this very common in my area.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

fiscally conservative, socially conservative or both? I would imagine they support the DEA's War on Drugs and are against any initiatives to decriminalize marijuana for one thing.

[sweezy]

http://gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/202821_main.jpg

[perceptrons]

Probably doesn't help that you're in Ohio.

[ParkwayTom]

Straight Edge breeds conservativism, which is funny because Ian Mackaye is pretty liberal. Not drinking, smoking, or gratuatously fucking can all be looked at as conservative viewpoints. Thats pretty much only typical of American Straight Edge. I'm actually reading a book on the corelation and relationship between Straight Edge and radical politics in different countries. Lots of socialist collectives in Europe and South America are Straight Edge and don't look at it the same way as the tough guy douchebags here tend to look at it (not an attack on you if you're edge, I just mean the asshole Straight Edge people. We've all met them).

[jessicalynn-xx]

http://gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/202821_main.jpg

Lol this is entirely backwards.

[PirateSkater182]

My cousin is straight edge and he's pretty liberal on most points. :shrug:

[Theseventhson]

http://gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/202821_main.jpg

lol

[sweezy]

lol

so clearly they are conservative because it is right for them

[J.C.]

I'm a hippie progressive thinker, but I live pretty conservatively. On the flip side, my sister lives like a hippie and thinks more conservatively.

[caveBEAR]

Straight edge, :lol:

[deFobbed14yrs]

Can we just turn this thread into a funny sxe tattoo thread?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2282705579_c74bab2b11.jpg

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww^ ass hair

[Theseventhson]

http://static.flickr.com/48/183332439_699f29b598.jpg

[deFobbed14yrs]

http://static.flickr.com/48/183332439_699f29b598.jpg

Nothing is more hxc than hello kitty

[caveBEAR]

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww^ ass hair

:sadangel:

[xsandwichesx]

Seriously, I've found this very common in my area.
What area is this? Athens?

[troubledbyinsects]

Straight edge, :lol:
ha

[Kyle Garchar]

What area is this? Athens?The midwest in general, smartass.

Notice how other people knew what I was talking about.

[deFobbed14yrs]

:sadangel:

:hug:
As quoted from the thread with the guy with the mustached girlfriend- WAX THAT SHIT.

[caveBEAR]

:hug:
As quoted from the thread with the guy with the mustached girlfriend- WAX THAT SHIT.

There's a light covering of fur all over 95% of my body (hence where the nickname Bear came from), so to wax/shave any of it beyond the face is kind of ridiculous for me, ha ha ha.

[Theseventhson]

There's a light covering of fur all over 95% of my body (hence where the nickname Bear came from), so to wax/shave any of it beyond the face is kind of ridiculous for me, ha ha ha.

I'm a jew, I completely understand.

[EasySkankin]

Totally missed when they migrated from "sxe" to "xxx". Was very confused from some tattoos I saw.

[deFobbed14yrs]

There's a light covering of fur all over 95% of my body (hence where the nickname Bear came from), so to wax/shave any of it beyond the face is kind of ridiculous for me, ha ha ha.

Oh, well that's ok if it covers all of you. I'm Indian, so I know all about body hair.
That picture i posted just had butt crack hair, which that bro0tal dude could have maintained before taking an egotistical picture of his rather acned back.

[xsandwichesx]

The midwest in general, smartass.

Notice how other people knew what I was talking about.
Please tell in what shape or form was I being a smartass or came off like one? My god, relax.

[loveisdead]

Really? This needed its own thread? Ugh. Can't wait to see what gems this brings.

[Chuck!]

I'm actually reading a book on the corelation and relationship between Straight Edge and radical politics in different countries. Lots of socialist collectives in Europe and South America are Straight Edge and don't look at it the same way as the tough guy douchebags here tend to look at it (not an attack on you if you're edge, I just mean the asshole Straight Edge people. We've all met them).

What's the name of this book?

[deFobbed14yrs]

Really? This needed its own thread? Ugh. Can't wait to see what gems this brings.

Did you not see those awesome tattoos?

[caveBEAR]

Really? This needed its own thread? Ugh. Can't wait to see what gems this brings.

Seriously. I've been waiting with a :popcorn: all night, but then remembered it's Saturday and most people aren't losers stuck at work...

[loveisdead]

Did you not see those awesome tattoos?

Doesn't touch what I'm hoping for.

[caveBEAR]

Straight edge kids are obviously militant because of their small dick sizes (they're overcompensating) which also explains why they're so gun-shy to shack up with anyone.

[Theseventhson]

Thread needs some straight edge kidz

[caveBEAR]

Thread needs some straight edge kidz

We should post a new thread in General titled 'Why are straight edge kids such pussies?', link this thread in it, and BAM!, lulz for sure.

[ParkwayTom]

What's the name of this book?

Sober Living for the Revolution: Hardcore Punk, Straight Edge, and Radical Politics. I'm not edge, but I love hardcore and I thought it'd be an interesting read. I'm about halfway through and I like it alot.

[Chuck!]

Sober Living for the Revolution: Hardcore Punk, Straight Edge, and Radical Politics. I'm not edge, but I love hardcore and I thought it'd be an interesting read. I'm about halfway through and I like it alot.

Sounds interesting, thanks

[Ollie McKraut]

Thread needs some straight edge kidz

'straight edge kidz' (myself included) are probably a little cautious about planting their flag in a thread addressed to "militant straight edge hardcore kids being so conservative" wherein they will no doubt be associated with that contingent and therefore demeaned aggressively.

The answer may relate to the "sex drugs rock n roll" set which straight edge rejects being predominately and vehemently liberal, generating a guilt by association scenario. More likely: it's just a coincidence.

[saysmydoctor]

Honestly, who the fuck cares?

[Theseventhson]

You're talking a lot, but you're not saying anything

[Colinmac36]

anybody who doesnt drink,smoke, or have sex and calls themselves straight edge just makes them a mega douche. if you dont drink, smoke, or have sex thats all perfectly cool but calling yourself straight edge and giving yourself a title is just as bad as being a pothead, alcoholic or sex addict, right?

[saysmydoctor]

You're talking a lot, but you're not saying anything
SAY SOMETHING ONCE, WHY SAY IT AGAIN

[philbylink]

anybody who doesnt drink,smoke, or have sex and calls themselves straight edge just makes them a mega douche. if you dont drink, smoke, or have sex thats all perfectly cool but calling yourself straight edge and giving yourself a title is just as bad as being a pothead, alcoholic or sex addict, right?
Basically.
Also, your avatar is Hot Shit Calm which is awesome.

[perceptrons]

I've always found it funny when people are claim edge before they're 18/21, at that point it's just following the law.

[caveBEAR]

I've always found it funny when people are claim edge before they're 18/21, at that point it's just following the law.

It's the cool way to say at shows, 'I'm too much of a pussy to sneak behind the club and drink/smoke/have sex with you, so please don't ask' before you legally are supposed to be doing those things anyway.

The uncool way to say it is to still be wearing PokeMon shirts (un-ironically).

[germypill]

Just Try Marijuana!

X

[caveBEAR]

Ha ha, he capitalized the 'x'.

[Colinmac36]

Basically.
Also, your avatar is Hot Shit Calm which is awesome.
yes HOSTAGE CALM IS GOD, haha but seriously there the best band ive heard in my entire life, self titled is flawless.

[eriatarka24]

lol

[Dog_Sized_Bird]

I've always found it funny when people are claim edge before they're 18/21, at that point it's just following the law.

I've always found it funny when people use this argument against edge kids who are underaged. Doesn't fucking matter if it's illegal, you're going to be surrounded by it probably more so at that age than when you can actually drink so being edge before turning 21 actually says a lot more than someone who decides to become edge afterwards. Oh, and I'm not edge.

[Theseventhson]

I've always found it funny when people use this argument against edge kids who are underaged. Doesn't fucking matter if it's illegal, you're going to be surrounded by it probably more so at that age than when you can actually drink so being edge before turning 21 actually says a lot more than someone who decides to become edge afterwards. Oh, and I'm not edge.

It's not funny, a lot of "edgers" start drinking once they're old enough to go to a bar.

[Scrandon]

Why so much hate? srsly guys. srsly.

[perceptrons]

I've always found it funny when people use this argument against edge kids who are underaged. Doesn't fucking matter if it's illegal, you're going to be surrounded by it probably more so at that age than when you can actually drink so being edge before turning 21 actually says a lot more than someone who decides to become edge afterwards. Oh, and I'm not edge.
Pretty clever stuff you did in there, you know, taking the structure of my post and applying to yours. Anyway, you have a fair point, but until the other major factor (i.e. legality) has been removed from the equation, I just think it's silly (granted, I think claiming edge in the first place is silly, but that's neither here nor there). Legality is often understated as a deterrent for kids, and too often it seems like kids claim edge when they're really just afraid to do it before it's legal.

[caveBEAR]

I've always found it odd that a group that swore off boning co-opted an anagram for 'sex' and 'xxx' for their name.
:shrug:

[Scrandon]

Pretty clever stuff you did in there, you know, taking the structure of my post and applying to yours. Anyway, you have a fair point, but until the other major factor (i.e. legality) has been removed from the equation, I just think it's silly (granted, I think claiming edge in the first place is silly, but that's neither here nor there). Legality is often understated as a deterrent for kids, and too often it seems like kids claim edge when they're really just afraid to do it before it's legal.
Still, that accounts for one of three things they "abstain" from or whatever. Drugs are never legal. Sex is not illegal.

[caveBEAR]

Still, that accounts for one of three things they "abstain" from or whatever. Drugs are never legal. Sex is not illegal.

Wait, drugs are illegal? Holy shit, time to turn this life around...

[Theseventhson]

Caffeine is a drug, you guys.

[Scrandon]

Wait, drugs are illegal? Holy shit, time to turn this life around...
Yea, I guess it didn't really need to be said haha. I was being redundant for clarity's sake.

[perceptrons]

Still, that accounts for one of three things they "abstain" from or whatever. Drugs are never legal. Sex is not illegal.
Cigarettes are the drug I see most break edge for.

[zrac99]

I'm straight edge and I consider myself liberal. I'm not militant straight edge by any means, though.

[zachff]

Because their parents never loved them

[OurRequiem]

Caffeine is a drug, you guys.

oh no... :-(


I'MMA DIE.......




jk.

[xxemo_kittyxx]

Seriously, I've found this very common in my area.
What makes you think that?

[saysmydoctor]

I personally think that straight edge kids do a great service to society by living a life of abstinence.

[loveisdead]

I personally think that straight edge kids do a great service to society by living a life of abstinence.

Maybe the funniest post I've ever read on here.

[Spartan789013]

If you throw beer on straight edge kids, they melt.

[secretsociety92]

Straight edge = Pointless life.

[caveBEAR]

I personally think that straight edge kids do a great service to society by living a life of abstinence.

:appl:

[Nick860]

like all the sweet CT Brotherhood guys that come to the hardcore shows in CT just to hit people

[DestroyAllMusic]

"Straight Edge" ideology started out of a movement of people with vices trying to better themselves. It was step of purification of the body and mind. How the hell do kids that never did anything self destructive and live a charmed life get a damn thing about straight edge? If you are under 21 and virgin what the hell do you have to say? You'll never meet a real straight edge person cause they don't flaunt it. Its a personal thing. People waving it in your face are douche-bag moralists. Many times in the past and present members of more radical divisions borderline on national socialist ideology.

I always find straight edge hardcore reunion shows funny when all the old bands are drunk as skunks spilling beer all over the freshly edge crowd.

[DestroyAllMusic]

like all the sweet CT Brotherhood guys that come to the hardcore shows in CT just to hit people

Tell them to start coming to NY hardcore shows. Things are picking up again a little. They can come find out where they stand down here. ;)

[ablueskytragedy]

From personal experience, most of the kids in my general area (northern NJ) who I knew broke edge at some point. Seems to me like a silly trend. That being said, I love Minor Threat.

[marsvoltamcr]

Conservatives are stupid. Edge kids are (usually) stupid.

No surprises here.

[jonnointherough]

Little surprise that this essentially turned into a straight edge bashing thread.

I think it was what, page 3? That OP actually cut the crap and came out with the typically ignorant replies.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Little surprise that this essentially turned into a straight edge bashing thread.

I think it was what, page 3? That OP actually cut the crap and came out with the typically ignorant replies.

Are you straight edge? If so, then you are certainly entitled to your life choice. Just know that there are other individuals who identify with straight edge and try to enforce their belief system onto others. That's the primary reason why others are put off from the straight edge movement.

[jonnointherough]

Are you straight edge? If so, then you are certainly entitled to your life choice. Just know that there are other individuals who identify with straight edge and try to enforce their belief system onto others. That's the primary reason why others are put off from the straight edge movement.

That's understandable.
Though to be fair, I've seen many more individuals trying push other people to drink, smoke, or do weed than I have seen sxe'rs enforcing their beliefs. It's a startlingly common occurrence and one that's been happening for generations.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

That's understandable.
Though to be fair, I've seen many more individuals trying push other people to drink, smoke, or do weed than I have seen sxe'rs enforcing their beliefs. It's a startlingly common occurrence and one that's been happening for generations.

I agree, for a brief time in college I turned straight edge because the college drinking scene really turned out lame. People pressure you to drink in order for justify the reason they drink. But I never identified with the movement. Many close friends of mine will have the occasional drink but have never gotten drunk. To each their own, I guess.

[ChaplainTappman]

like all the sweet CT Brotherhood guys that come to the hardcore shows in CT just to hit people

I hate going to shows here just because of these assholes.

I don't drink or smoke but that's just because every time I would (which was fairly frequently) I'd end up getting in some form of trouble, whether it was my parents or my friends getting pissed, and one time the cops gave me a hassle. So I just gave up till college, basically. I'm not edge. Most people who label themselves as edge are douchebags. Oh, and I'm really liberal. Take that as you will.

[jawstheme]

What exactly is strait edge? I'm confused.

[Simulcast]

What exactly is strait edge? I'm confused.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_edge

[jawstheme]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straight_edge

Seems commendable to me. As long as they aren't pushing that lifestyle on others I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it.

[Simulcast]

Seems commendable to me. As long as they aren't pushing that lifestyle on others I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it.

Agreed. I thought this part was funny:

After the 1990s, some of the more controversial aspects that surrounded straight edge began to disappear,[12] partly in response to media reports portraying the movement as a type of gang.[13][14] In a 2003 study on straight edge, one out of the twenty participants interviewed advocated violence.

I'm pretty one in twenty of any group would advocate violence on some level to advance their cause.

[jawstheme]

Agreed. I thought this part was funny:



I'm pretty one in twenty of any group would advocate violence on some level to advance their cause.

Haha, yeah that is a good example of people not knowing how to interpret statistics

[jkl3391]

I don't claim straight edge but I've never drank, smoked or done drugs. I do have mixed feelings over the label but I feel like it's kind of a rallying point. People say why do you have to label yourself? There's plenty of people who live an abstinent lifestyle but it's only a minority that sees drug culture as a damaging thing. I used to be more cynical and judgmental about people I know doing shit, but I think that was more about coming to the realization that I'm the only person I knew that felt the way I did. I come from a family that has smokers and social drinkers as well as alcoholics and pill abusers. I see firsthand what kind of negative, destructive, and disgusting effects this stuff has on people and those they care about.

Can people live moderately? Sure. I just feel like the binge youth culture and social drug use of adulthood is such a mainstream thing. It's funny to me, that when you look at a lot of the older punk movement and see people calling for rebellion and action, most of them were too high, drunk or fucked up out their minds to do anything productive or proactive. I feel like you've got to have a clear body and mindset to really be able to act coherently and united.

[caveBEAR]

I don't claim straight edge but I've never drank, smoked or done drugs. I do have mixed feelings over the label but I feel like it's kind of a rallying point. People say why do you have to label yourself? There's plenty of people who live an abstinent lifestyle but it's only a minority that sees drug culture as a damaging thing. I used to be more cynical and judgmental about people I know doing shit, but I think that was more about coming to the realization that I'm the only person I knew that felt the way I did. I come from a family that has smokers and social drinkers as well as alcoholics and pill abusers. I see firsthand what kind of negative, destructive, and disgusting effects this stuff has on people and those they care about.

Can people live moderately? Sure. I just feel like the binge youth culture and social drug use of adulthood is such a mainstream thing. It's funny to me, that when you look at a lot of the older punk movement and see people calling for rebellion and action, most of them were too high, drunk or fucked up out their minds to do anything productive or proactive. I feel like you've got to have a clear body and mindset to really be able to act coherently and united.

Like whom? What position would they have ever been in to do something more proactive and productive than working in a band and producing music?

[jkl3391]

Like whom? What position would they have ever been in to do something more proactive and productive than working in a band and producing music?

The roots of punk in New York (New York Dolls/Heartbreakers) and Detroit (The Stooges/MC5) were well known for their drug use, which carried over to equally influential bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols. The 70's scene was full of heroin, inhalants, amphetamines, and alcohol abuse. Which is kind or ironic because punk was originally a reactionary response to the excess of arena-rock and the mainstream music industry values of the time.

I agree with you that making music is important. It plays a huge part in social action. But a lot of the scene then was caught up in substance abuse. In the 80's when hardcore was developing, more bands were becoming socio/political driven. Straight edge was developing alongside as a rejection of the abuse in the scene and society. People can argue the connection between Minor Threat and the straight edge movement, but the song Straight Edge did promote a positive lifestyle. Hardline twisted the message like all extremists do, but I feel like a lot of the social conscious of punk came from having a clear head. Of course people can drink and smoke, I just think it bogs most of us down cause people tend to overdo it.

[caveBEAR]

The roots of punk in New York (New York Dolls/Heartbreakers) and Detroit (The Stooges/MC5) were well known for their drug use, which carried over to equally influential bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols. The 70's scene was full of heroin, inhalants, amphetamines, and alcohol abuse. Which is kind or ironic because punk was originally a reactionary response to the excess of arena-rock and the mainstream music industry values of the time.

I agree with you that making music is important. It plays a huge part in social action. But a lot of the scene then was caught up in substance abuse. In the 80's when hardcore was developing, more bands were becoming socio/political driven. Straight edge was developing alongside as a rejection of the abuse in the scene and society. People can argue the connection between Minor Threat and the straight edge movement, but the song Straight Edge did promote a positive lifestyle. Hardline twisted the message like all extremists do, but I feel like a lot of the social conscious of punk came from having a clear head. Of course people can drink and smoke, I just think it bogs most of us down cause people tend to overdo it.

Guess I just don't see the 70's scene drug use as getting in the way of anything, as a lot of them weren't really that socio-politically motivated anyway, and when the Ramones are churning out songs like 'I Wanna Sniff Some Glue', they're kind of letting us know what to expect.
:shrug:

[JordanBuell]

My friend is straight edge (has a tattoo to prove it) but he is also one of the most liberal people i have ever met...

[Under The Knife]

Straight Edge used to mean something back in the day before it became the trendy thing to do. Now people throw X's around like its a fashion statement. Wearing X's makes you feel more powerful than the guy that doesnt wear X's (but still doesnt drink smoke, do drugs etc, the person that doesnt claim edge but lives a similiar life style). To me edge has gone way too far and needs to die out. It was a meaningful movement at one time but now its just became a thing of pop culture. Just give it up but still live a good lifestyle. Thank you. Good night

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Straight Edge used to mean something back in the day before it became the trendy thing to do. Now people throw X's around like its a fashion statement. Wearing X's makes you feel more powerful than the guy that doesnt wear X's (but still doesnt drink smoke, do drugs etc, the person that doesnt claim edge but lives a similiar life style). To me edge has gone way too far and needs to die out. It was a meaningful movement at one time but now its just became a thing of pop culture. Just give it up but still live a good lifestyle. Thank you. Good night

People become edge because it's a sense of belonging. You are apart of a small community that shares the same values that you have and you feel special because it isn't the mainstream. Same reason why people get into punk rock, indie rock, indie movies, and religious cults.

[crackedthesky]

Belonging is overrated.

When it comes to the black X thing... I don't drink or smoke, but I don't really feel a need to draw on myself and make sure everybody knows it. As far as using it for belonging goes, I think it's become worn-out. I can imagine at one point, drawing an X on your hand might have been useful; you could attract people of a similar mindset, find people who share your lifestyle and get along jut peachy. Since it became more about the fashion than the lifestyle, however, it no longer provides any use. When I was in high school, tons of kids drew black Xs on their hands, but weren't straight-edge. They do it for the fashion, or because they think it's humorous to fuck with people like that. At that point, it doesn't seem to be of much use, anymore.

I guess what I'm saying is, some kids just like the way a black X on their hand looks, and there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that :shrug:

[NotebookMusic]

In my opinion, being edge is a stepping stone to going all out and over-doing substances later on in life after being so uptight, trying to maintain this super clean image for so long.

Why stress it? Lol. Just don't over-do anything. "Dabble," so to say...

[J.C.]

In my opinion, being edge is a stepping stone to going all out and over-doing substances later on in life after being so uptight, trying to maintain this super clean image for so long.

Why stress it? Lol. Just don't over-do anything. "Dabble," so to say...

Contrary to popular belief, it's not that hard to never drink, smoke, or do drugs.

[howthegodschill]

Perhaps I can add some actual input regarding the question the OP asked:

I think a lot of times Straight Edge gets tied into a conservative view because those are the loudest and most ignorant in that particular community.

I also think this is most evident when Straight Edge is tied in with religion, which is often found in the midwest of American (eg. Mormon Straight Edge kids in Utah) Deep down these kids know that their mormon ideals are not cool and are full of shit, so they reskin by calling themselves Straight Edge.

[caveBEAR]

Contrary to popular belief, it's not that hard to never drink, smoke, or do drugs.

You're telling this to a 17 year old in Jersey?

[njdevils327]

I was not aware that sex was part of edge... oops...

[NotebookMusic]

Contrary to popular belief, it's not that hard to never drink, smoke, or do drugs.

This is true. But, there's still that thought of knowing that drugs, smokes, and alcohol are there. Knowing that they're there often leads to giving them a try out of curiosity. I mean, that doesn't go for everyone, but it's common.

[NotebookMusic]

You're telling this to a 17 year old in Jersey?

Lol, what're you saying here?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Lol, what're you saying here?

I think he's suggesting that booze flows like water amongst minors in Jersey.

[Moses Malone]

I think he's suggesting that booze flows like water amongst minors in Jersey.
Booze flows like water amongst minors anywhere.

[NotebookMusic]

I think he's suggesting that booze flows like water amongst minors in Jersey.

I can't even get mad at that statement, because it's true. And not that I'm out doing drugs all of the time, I'm not proud to say it, but there's been open access to drugs and alcohol since I was about 12 or 13. Possibly even younger than that. It's kind of sad and part of the reason that I've dabbled a bit, just because I know it's there and I'm the type of person that likes to experience new things.

[mattyrocks]

isnt courage crew from ohio?

[open mind]

Contrary to popular belief, it's not that hard to never drink, smoke, or do drugs.

......provided you live in a bubble of happiness that is impenetrable by the hardships of life, or peer pressure.

it's great that you have had no trouble leading a pure life......but ease up on that particular line of bullshit, as your experience is less then typical.

[J.C.]

......provided you live in a bubble of happiness that is impenetrable by the hardships of life, or peer pressure.

Right, because I've never had long bouts with depression or gone through most of the same shit other people went through growing up. The kid was trying to make a point that anyone who doesn't engage in those activities is just repressing their actual desires and likely to completely lose it later in life. The notion is stupid. I don't feel any more tempted to smoke or drink than I do to jam a pen in my eye, but we don't make the assumption that I'm likely to snap one day and jam a pen in my eye. There's no natural urge or inherent tendency towards doing any of those things. Think of it in the same way that not believing in God is representative of the 'default' position. Hardship and pressure to fit in(and indoctrination, a result of societal pressure) may lead many people to religion, but that doesn't mean an atheist is going to find it more difficult to not believe than to believe. It's almost uniformly the other way around.