A movement that took it's name from the Minor Threat song of the same name. This movement is largely credited to Ian MacKaye (Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Egg Hunt, Fugazi). While he is a founding member of the straight-edge movement he did not magically create a new way of life. There were
people who chose to absatain from
drugs, alcohol, and promiscuous sex before the Minor Threat song believe it or not. There is much debate over what the exact
definition of a drug is and there is no exact answer. Each practitioner of the straight-edge lifestyle creates their own personalized
definition. While straight-edge as a lifestyle (not a movement) was intended to be a positive force it quickly became a dividing force in the underground and violence erupted from it. Not to mention the all-too-common sense of superiority that often (unfortuneately) accompanies this this lifestyle. The 'x' markings on the hands originated as a result of
people showing that they willingly chose not to drink. Many
people believe that militant straight-edge is called "hardline". This is not true. Hardline is a set of six rules that state in addition to no
drugs, alcohol, or sex you also must eat in accordance with a vegan diet, avoid cursing, and not take medicine. Straight-edge is not a movement for
people who aren't tough enough for drinking and drugs but for those who have grown frustrated with a lifestyle dominated by those elements.
Charles: "Hey you
wanna hit this bowl man?"
Zach (Who is straight-
edge): "Really? I respect your way of life do me the same man."
Charles: "Well I thought it was
worth a try."
Zach: "Well it wasn't. This isn't a trend to me."