Are you Edge?

Some people I meet that don't drink, smoke, or do drugs wonder if they are SxE even though they don't like hardcore. Sure you can be Straight Edge without listening to the music, I do recommend though that you learn the history of Straight Edge and understand that it is not a fad and something to be taken seriously. It should be a lifelong commitment, along with the understanding that it's your own commitment and that you should not condemn those that fail to keep their personal claim.

You don't have to listen to hardcore or go to shows to be Edge. Edge is about a promise to yourself to be poison free. It is a commitment to keep yourself clean forever. I never eat any foods with alcohol in them, like Jack Daniels steak sauce, but someone that simply doesn't drink most likely will not object to consuming it. Its like someone that doesn't eat meat but is not a vegetarian/vegan, you may not like the way it tastes, but you may not make an objection to a meat sauce lasagna and you probably will wear leather.

I personally believe that my choice to be edge has improved my life, has made me a clearer thinking person and has given me a stronger conviction towards all my beliefs.

Straight Edge and the Workplace

At my current job everyone knows I'm Straight Edge and I know that a few people there don't like it. It's caused a few issues with some. They felt I didn't like being around them when they drank or that I didn't like going out to bars with them. Honestly I don't mind it as long as the place is cool. I've never said a bad word about anyone there that drinks.

I'm starting a new job soon and I'm considering not even telling anyone unless it comes up in a very specific situation. It could be like the typical rule that you don't discuss religion and politics at work. My Edge is my own personal decision, but I don't want to feel like I am in any way ashamed of my beliefs because I am not discussing them with others that I will be spending a lot of time with.

Throwdown - Forever [Video]

I usually don't comment on videos or lyrics when I post them. But this is one of my favourite Throwdown songs! I always get pumped up and energized when I hear this song. When people say hardcore is dead or Straight Edge is dead, they need to wake up and realize that it's bigger than it ever was. "You dont know me/So dont judge me." Just because it's not '88 anymore and the bands have changed doesn't mean that it can't go on. There are plenty of great SxE bands and the community is larger now and global.

I think that most of the people that say negative things about Straight Edge are jealous that they don't have the same type of convictions, or they are upset that they need to have a crutch to get on with life. It always comes from the guy that smokes way too much and says stuff like "I can quit whenever I want" or "If I didn't smoke weed, I'd be Straight Edge too." I'm not here to judge you, but I am here to stick up for myself and my friends. I don't go around telling you that you need to be Straight Edge, but I always hear others saying "why do you have to label yourself, just have a beer and relax." The problem is that I am relaxed, I'm clear minded and I'm okay with it, YOU are not okay with MY choices.

"STRAIGHT FUCKING EDGE!!!"

Don't Lose Sight

Addiction kills the mind
And leaves you dependent
Chemicals of ill intention
Mixed to break you,
break your vision

Don't lose sight

With confidence to fight addiction
Take a second step
Stand among as we stand as one
Live Straight Edge

Until the day you die Straight Edge

Don't Lose Sight - Throwdown

Out of Step: Faces of Straight Edge

I've been meaning to blog about this particular book for a while now, and just kept forgetting. It will be coming out next month and looks to be a very positive and cool photography book that documents everyday Straight Edge people. The book is titled Out of Step: Faces of Straight Edge by Raymond McCrea Jones and will contain 66 photos. For more info check out the book blog.

They are having a book release party in Atlanta on October 6th.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

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