Paul Andrew's blog: "Straight Edge"

Straight Edge is a philosophy based on human self-preservation and the abstinence from the "poisons" (alcohol, drugs, caffeine, cigarettes, and promiscuous sex) that many people choose to consume each day. It is this philosophical frame of mind which is a major part of our Straight Edge belief system and makes each one of us stronger and more self-aware individuals. By being Straight Edge, we discipline ourselves at our own will. It is much harder to reject the popular, indulgent past-times that most adults sadly partake than to just give into temptations and follow the crowd.

I know from personal experience that by being Straight Edge, I have avoided learning many of the hard lessons of life. But I have also learned a lot more about myself and my abilities by remaining sober. I am able to concentrate more on living my life to the fullest rather than stumbling through it, unaware of my faults and mistakes. Deciding to become Straight Edge is purely a personal choice, but it is something that someone should definitely do for themselves.

Although some identify the Straight Edge movement simply as a trend or as a shallow belief to label yourself, it is not meant to be that way. Straight Edge is a lifelong commitment. It is in no way a religion, but a philosophy by which to live and be proud of, because it takes a lot of courage, strength, determination, and willpower to be Straight Edge for life.

To be truly and devoutly Straight Edge you must never smoke cigarettes, never drink alcohol, never take narcotic drugs, never consume caffeine, and never engage in any promiscuous sexual activities (having sex with someone you do not love). Straight Edge is not a cult or a gang, it is a belief system. You do not have to listen to hardcore punk music or draw an X on your hand when you go to a show, but you absolutely must be true to yourself about where you stand and not participate in the apathy caused by alcoholism, drug use, or having meaningless sexual relationships with people whom you do not love. Straight Edge is all about caring for yourself and caring for those who care about you.

Straight Edge was founded on the principles of a non-violent movement, but, unfortunately, there are some individuals who carry their beliefs to the extreme. Just as in any subgroup or subculture in our modern day society, there will be those who unjustly give a just cause a bad name. Militant Straight Edge followers are often called "Hardliners" and use violence in the name of spreading Straight Edge to the masses. These people are purely ignorant of the philosophies of Straight Edge and give Straight Edge a bad name and a poor reputation. In the past year alone there have been many attacks on the Straight Edge movement by the mainstream media that were influenced by the actions of individuals who prostitute the Straight Edge philosophy with their own warped ideals. Straight Edge is all about positive change, but the unjust actions of these so-called "Hardliners" have tarnished the true meaning of Straight Edge in the eyes of the public. In no way do the actions of these "Hardliners" represent what Straight Edge is about. As mentioned earlier, Straight Edge is about positive change and caring for yourself and for others.

Straight Edgers do not mean to preach or delineate their beliefs onto others, but we do want to open doors to those people who may need some direction in their lives. We never pass judgments or criticize people who do recreational drugs, drink alcohol, or practice promiscuous sex, but we do want to try and make a positive difference for our society.