Sxe's Straight Edge Movement: Punk Subculture
Straight edge, also known as sXe, is a movement that emerged on the East Coast of the U.S. from punk subculture in the early 1980s. At that time, straight edge held appeal to young people who opposed the traditional lifestyle of young adults. Those who became members of sXe swore to abstain from drugs, smoking, alcohol, and maintain a healthy sexual lifestyle – only having sex while in committed relationships. If a member broke their oath, they would lose any right to call themselves a member of sXe. Because of their strict, conservative lifestyle, sXers were sharply contrasted to the other youth at the time, who promoted the very things that members of the straight edge movement opposed so strongly.
Springing from the punk subculture, straight …show more content…
In the mid-90s, sXers became increasingly aware of issues going on around them. These problems, which included sexism and inequality, became a large part of the straight edge culture. Wherever the members go, they spread wisdom about the equality of races and genders with them. They promote feminism and disapprove of homophobia and are very open about their opinions, making sure to voice them to whoever will listen. As the movement has progressed even further, many sXers have adopted a system of veganism, refusing even to wear clothes made with any type of animal fur or use any products that were tested on animals. The steadfast beliefs of the straight edge community soon became a defining factor when compared to other punk …show more content…
Rooted in music and defiance of social norms, most sXers remain strong fighters for morality and equality throughout their young adult lives. They are very prominent supporters of feminism and gay rights, and while they may not always be physically distinguishable from those of normal society, their lifestyle and strong opinions no doubt separate them from anybody else. Even though the sXers of today might not know much about the founding fathers of their movement, their core beliefs remain the same – refrain from drugs, alcohol, smoking, and casual sex. With these foundational principles, straight edge has survived for over thirty years and will no doubt thrive in the years to come – though there is no way to tell what twists the newest generations will put on this unique
Springing from the punk subculture, straight …show more content…
In the mid-90s, sXers became increasingly aware of issues going on around them. These problems, which included sexism and inequality, became a large part of the straight edge culture. Wherever the members go, they spread wisdom about the equality of races and genders with them. They promote feminism and disapprove of homophobia and are very open about their opinions, making sure to voice them to whoever will listen. As the movement has progressed even further, many sXers have adopted a system of veganism, refusing even to wear clothes made with any type of animal fur or use any products that were tested on animals. The steadfast beliefs of the straight edge community soon became a defining factor when compared to other punk …show more content…
Rooted in music and defiance of social norms, most sXers remain strong fighters for morality and equality throughout their young adult lives. They are very prominent supporters of feminism and gay rights, and while they may not always be physically distinguishable from those of normal society, their lifestyle and strong opinions no doubt separate them from anybody else. Even though the sXers of today might not know much about the founding fathers of their movement, their core beliefs remain the same – refrain from drugs, alcohol, smoking, and casual sex. With these foundational principles, straight edge has survived for over thirty years and will no doubt thrive in the years to come – though there is no way to tell what twists the newest generations will put on this unique