Beliefs ushered in through the lyrics and then-beliefs of Ian Mackaye (Teen Idles, Minor Threat era). Although he exclaims fervently that he did not
mean to start a movement, and defended himself in the second version of "Out of Step", it did spark a movement.
Basic Beliefs:
No drinking
No smoking
No promiscuous sex
Newer Innovations:
Atheism - idea of "think
don't pray"
Veganism / Vegetarianism
Exemption from Painkillers, Caffine etc.
Hardline Ethic
Symbols:
xXx - supposedly for each of the main beliefs
sXe - straight
edge abbreviation
X on the hands - typically seen at shows
x *lame screename* x - seen in every aim window
Types of
Edge Kids:
1) The
one who knows straight
edge is a personal lifestyle and keeps his beliefs to himself
2) Pseudo
edge kid, who puts x's on his hands at every show, goes
vegan, and sells out the following month
3) Hardline kid - tries to force edge on others, just a
meathead who has no idea of the positive nature straight edge is supposed to be
Edge Bands:
Gorilla Biscuits
Chain of Strength
Judge
Strife
Earth Crisis
xLimpwristx
Champion
Have Heart
Allegiance
Carry On
"I was reliving all those times we shared, and it's
hard,
because you used to be so strong but
time has changed you.
You turned away.
I keep trying to escape from the past.
But those days used to mean so much.
We stood side by side and
nothing else mattered.
We were straight edge and at least I still am."
Excerpt from "The Decline" by Champion
