STRAIGHT EDGE

Straight edge (also known as sXe, and xXx) refers to a lifestyle (deemed both counter culture and subculture) closely associated with hardcore punk music. There is considerable debate over what constitutes the practice of the straight edge lifestyle. The most widely associated perception involves practicing at least some degree of abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Some views may also include abstinence from caffeine, following a vegetarian or vegan diet, and abstinence from various levels and forms of

sexual activity. - wikipedia.



Attitudes towards spirituality

There is much variation regarding viewpoints on how the straight edge philosophy affects or is affected by an individual's religion or theological associations.



Straight edge followers seem to run the religious gamut, and are comprised of atheists, agnostics, Judeo-Christian followers, and even followers of the Hindu deity, Krishna (represented in such bands as 108, Shelter and Baby Gopal).



The straight edge philosophy has been used to argue both atheistic and agnostic views. Personal responsibility, the rejection of the divine, and the concept of having an uninhibited mind have all been linked with such arguments.



Likewise, the philosophy has found itself in line with a number of Christian beliefs. The rejection of illicit substances and alcoholic beverages, as well as abstinence from premarital sex, are commonly encouraged by many mainstream churches.



There have been documented examples of an antagonistic view of individuals claiming straight edge associations towards Christian beliefs and followers. Examples include songs such as "This Ain't No Cross On My Hand" by Limp Wrist, "Real Edgemen Hate Jesus" by XfilesX, and "Straight Edge Punks Not Christian Fucks" by Crucial Attack.



The 'X'



The letter 'X' is generally the most prevalent symbol of straight edge. Commonly it is worn as a marking or tattoo on the back of one or both hands, though it can be displayed on other body parts as well. Some followers of straight edge have also incorporated the symbol into clothing and pins.



According to a series of interviews conducted by journalist Michael Azerrad, the straight-edge "X" can be traced to the Teen Idles' brief U.S. west coast tour in 1980. The Idles were scheduled to play at San Francisco's Mabuhay Gardens, but when the band arrived, club management discovered that the entire band was under the legal drinking age and therefore should be denied entry to the club. As a short-term compromise, management marked each of the Idles' hands with a large black "X" as a warning to the club's staff not to serve alcohol to the band. Upon returning to Washington, D.C., the band suggested this same system to local clubs as a means to allow teenagers in to see musical performances without being served alcohol. While the practice was never widely adopted by D.C.-area music venues, the mark soon became associated with the straight edge lifestyle.



A variation involving a trio of X's (XXX) traces its straight edge origin to artwork created by Minor Threat's drummer, Jeff Nelson, in which he replaced the three stars in the band's hometown Washington, D.C., flag with X's.