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Thread: Staying Edgy

  1. #1
    gertvegan's Avatar
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    Staying Edgy

    Hardcore fans live 'straight-edge' lifestyle

    By Ashley Norris, www.journalnow.com

    The music they listen to is known as hardcore, but their lifestyle is not what you think.

    Hardcore music, a type of underground music influenced by fast, abrasive punk rock, has a large following among teenagers in the Triad. The teenagers who attend these shows are often heavily pierced and wear T-shirts of bands with such names as Glass Casket and Tell Them I Died.

    Male fans may even wear pants designed for girls, a recent trend at hardcore shows.

    The fans' appearance and the intensity of the music they listen to may suggest to many an atmosphere of drug and alcohol abuse.

    But that's not the case.

    Many teenagers who attend hardcore shows live a lifestyle known as "straight edge." To be straight edge means you have taken a vow to be drug- and alcohol- free.

    The vow is taken very seriously. Some even refrain from using ibuprofen or Chapstick because alcohol is an inactive ingredient. If a teenager decides to "break edge" or use drugs or alcohol, they cannot become straight edge again.

    Area hardcore bands including Winston-Salem's Glass Casket and Kernersville's Tell Them I Died, can be seen at such venues as Somewhere Else Tavern and Ace's Basement, both in Greensboro.

    Fans can keep track of shows by visiting hardcore Web sites.

    Dancing at hardcore shows is a spectacle. The pit, or the open area in front of the stage, is the place for the hardcore dance known as "two-stepping," which involves the rapid movement of your feet.

    Other dance moves include punching, stomping, spin-kicking, floor-punching, donkey-kicking and windmilling.

    Some teenagers say they feel that the rigorous standards of being straight edge obstruct other parts of their lives. Jordan McGee, a junior at East Forsyth High School and the drummer in the hardcore band Adira, says he felt as though being straight edge became an obstacle to his beliefs as a Christian.

    "I was only concerned about being straight edge and I wasn't as focused on God," he said. "I am still drug- and alcohol-free, but I am focused on being a Christian now."

    Many teenagers who follow hardcore music are also strongly opposed to animal cruelty. Many have become vegetarian or vegan. Vegans do not eat or wear animal products at all.

    David Bulmer, a senior at East Forsyth who frequently attends hardcore shows, says he believes that it is cruel to end the life of an animal.

    "We don't need meat to live, so why not get meat from sources besides animals?" he asked.

    Rob Turner, a junior at East Forsyth and a fellow hardcore fan, agrees. "If people knew what was in that cute milk mustache they would definitely think twice about animal products," he said.

    "The goal of being a vegan is to reduce the amount of animal products used as much as possible," said Lyle Mitchell, a senior at Glenn High School and a bass player in a hardcore band.

    Patrick Hughlett, a senior at East Forsyth, says that the beliefs shared by hardcore fans unite them.

    "The beliefs of those in the hardcore scene are not just part of another trend; it is a movement found in the music for a better lifestyle," he said.

  2. #2
    feline01's Avatar
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    The waitress at my former favorite veg restaurant (they closed ) is hardcore. Many people might look at her and see a wild, punk druggy but she wouldn't even tough an aspirin. She even tried to refuse pain killers when passing a kidney stone but they were forced on her at the hospital. I very much respect her lifestyle.

    Unfortunately, I was never a straight edge, more like a rounded corner . I probably should have detoxed for about 5 years before becoming pregnant .

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    gorillagorilla Gorilla's Avatar
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    i think two members of the LostProphets (one of my favourite bands!) are straight edge, but not sure if that includes being veg*n.
    'The word gorilla was derived from the Greek word Gorillai (a "tribe of hairy women")'

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    snaffler's Avatar
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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    I know a few guys who are straight edge and it has some many varied ideals from person to person it seems to change I am confused by it all but this seems the most ideal way to live if you were considering a real straight edge life style http://www.vegan-straight-edge.org.uk/
    Go confidently in the direction of your dreams

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    There some straight edge kids in my school. They aren't vegan, most of them. Let alone vegetarian. I see them eating their fast food in the hallways at lunch.

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    My experiance of Straight Edgers of late is very superficial and extremely fashion oriantated in the sense of the latest band they like are straight edge so I think I will be....this is often short lived on the way home past the Mcdonalds and getting cheap booze for friends partys.

    Despite that I have met some people who are dedicated and a good example of a more realistic and traditional approach to straight edge, yes they like all the Hardocre Music but they also abstaine from all impurities and stick to their guns like glue.

    But the fact of it is many seem to be on a fashion statement I guess the true light will shine when these people are still straight edge later on.
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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    Hey this is grapes I am straight edge and vegan and I love the way I live my life u get so much enjoyment out of it.I dont go around to everyone and say look at me I am straight edge but some people do think u r into drug etc...and that just gets to me they have one look at me and think that I am one of those punk hardcore rockers but thats not me I only like that hardcore music....

  8. #8
    snaffler's Avatar
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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    Quote grapes
    Hey this is grapes I am straight edge and vegan and I love the way I live my life u get so much enjoyment out of it.I dont go around to everyone and say look at me I am straight edge but some people do think u r into drug etc...and that just gets to me they have one look at me and think that I am one of those punk hardcore rockers but thats not me I only like that hardcore music....

    Go grapes do your thing and stick to your guns ignore those who ask youabout drugs etc brush it off and get on with your life....ENJOY
    Go confidently in the direction of your dreams

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    The first time I ever heard of Straight Edge was an interview with about 4 teenagers. They all seemed really into it and were vegan, drug free etc but then they said that it's probably just a phase that they'll grow out of! Maybe you aren't really Straight Edge at all though if you have that sort of outlook.

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    I have been straight edge for ages!! I know alot of people that are still straight edge and they are in their late 40's they just dont wear the punk clothes but everything else is straight edge they are still drug free alcohol free etc etc etc.... So dont just think it is a phase!!! Some people drop out of it but the people that stay on are my inspirations!!!! Keep on rockin all you straight edgers!!!

  11. #11
    Seaside
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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    My grampa was straight edge and lived til he was 101. My gramma was, too, and lived til she was 83. They each died at home in their sleep, without losing any of their mental sharpness, or going through a long disease process. Of course, there was no culture called straight edge during their lives! But that's what they were!

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    seaside- That is so great!!! at least me and you know that we wont die a painfull death!!!

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    I don't smoke, do drugs and hardly ever drink alcohol as I don't like it very much and I'm also into metal, goth etc. I don't think anyone would consider me Straight Edge though - is that because it's specifically a punky or Nu metal type thing, or does it include a wide range of people? I'm a bit clueless as you can tell.

  14. #14
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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    Its not just hardcore music, although it does seem to be any of the more modern alternative genre followers that seem to do it. What has started to happen now is that at gigs and shows, 'straight-edge' people draw a cross on their hand so that other people know they are straight edge. To me it seems like a fad; a fashion statement that young people overuse without any real conviction. I don't take drugs, smoke, and I only drink alcohol very occasionaly; I think that is a little more realistic than being 'straight-edge'.

    As for hardcore music, it rules! I love it, although I must admit the 'dancing' some people do is rather funny.

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    To me it seems like a fad; a fashion statement that young people overuse without any real conviction.
    That's what bugs me, they spoil it for those who really ARE serious and genuine about it, like those teenagers I mentioned earlier. I mean, anyone who read that article will assume that Straight Edge is nothing more than a current trend. It's the same as these numpties who go veggie/vegan just because their favourite star is.

    As for hardcore music, it rules! I love it, although I must admit the 'dancing' some people do is rather funny.
    I wonder if it's as funny as the Gothic Two-step? The 'I don't have any bones' type of 'dancing' is funny too.

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    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    its not just a fad like i said i know people that are in there 40s and are straight edge...Yeah that is correct glen I went to a show like that and it was awesome its justgreat that u don't have to get wasted or high to have fun!!!!

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    Default Is anyone Straight Edge?

    I guess I just never got into the whole smoking/drinking game, I know lots of people mix straight edge and vegan together so just thought there could be a good chance some straight edge people are here too?

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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    What does "straight edge" mean?

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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    it's a punk rock movement that has been stolen by people who don't intoxicate themselves or have sex with anyone. Gliondrach thinks he's straight edge now after he's heard about it but we know he's Johnny Rotten with a druids cape and a mask, and dare I menetion those gloves. He's been very quiet lately cause they're keeping him tied up.

  20. #20
    Stephanie Peas'nHominy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    ha ha. Well, I guess that's not me. I'm married and have a great...married life.

  21. #21
    ConsciousCuisine
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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    I am "hardcore" but not straight edge. A proper Scorpio, I am a hedonist

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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    actualy sex is alllowed it's just no casual sex, so no random flings ect, it's fine with a partner married or just dating

  23. #23
    told me to Mr Flibble's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    I thought it was no sex before marriage? tsk, straight edge people today obviously arn't as hardcore as they used to be
    "Mr Flibble - forum corruptor of innocents!!" - Hemlock

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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    Quote Mr Flibble
    I thought it was no sex before marriage? tsk, straight edge people today obviously arn't as hardcore as they used to be
    well those are the basic rules other people set higher boundries for themselves I.e no sex before marriage, no drugs can include caffeine and paracetamole ect and lots of them chose to be vegeterian or vegan

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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    Yes, other straight edge people have posted on this forum. You may encounter some but they don't tend to be very active on this forum for some reason. I think Gliondrach scares them off.
    Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein

  26. #26
    Yogini
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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    I never really understood the no-sex-before-marriage thing. As a practicing yogini (hence the screen-name) I don't believe in having mindless sex (although I've not always practiced that priniciple.) But sex between responsible, caring and respectful people can be wonderful, even if it's outside a serious relationship. I see all these public service ads that say putting off sex until your married is the best way to avoid unwanted pregnancy, but what is about a ring on your finger that makes you automatically ready to be a parent? I don't think it works that way.

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    Anna

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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?


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    Default Re: Is anyone Straight Edge?

    Quote Yogini
    I never really understood the no-sex-before-marriage thing. As a practicing yogini (hence the screen-name) I don't believe in having mindless sex (although I've not always practiced that priniciple.) But sex between responsible, caring and respectful people can be wonderful, even if it's outside a serious relationship. I see all these public service ads that say putting off sex until your married is the best way to avoid unwanted pregnancy, but what is about a ring on your finger that makes you automatically ready to be a parent? I don't think it works that way.

    Love,
    Anna
    Agreed!

    Also, I keep on hearing "advice" how young women should wait for marriage before having kids because before marriage, who knows what the guy will do, he might leave. But who says a guy will be caring and supporting even he is married to you? It means nothing, really!
    Peace, love, and happiness.

  29. #29

    Default Re: Staying Edgy

    I don't particularly like hardcore and punk. Straight edge to me is just a convenient way of saying I'm Vegan, I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, and I'm very happy thank you very much. To be honest, I only discovered a couple of years ago exactly what straight edge means, and it just happens to describe my lifestyle... apart from the hardcore/punk bit

  30. #30
    hydrophilic tipsy's Avatar
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    Talking Re: Staying Edgy

    all the straight edge kids i grew up with arent staight edge anymore... now theyre stuck with 'straight edge vegan' tattoos on thier hands, arms, chests while they order cheap bugers at bars.

    i think its ironic.

    one of my good friends says that he doesnt mind having the tattoos as a rememberance, because beeing straight edge was a big part of his life for many years.
    the aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, dunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.
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